I was born and raised in Moline, Il. in 1975, to be exact. I think I've always been drawing...I remember getting questioned in math class about my desire to draw over learning math...they didn't like it...but I much preferred mechanical dinosaur robot monsters with guns to math equations. But it wasnt until when my brother came home from college with some cubist paintings that the painting bug hit me really hard.

In 1997 I graduated from Black Hawk Community College and taking the advice of a fellow painter I decided to finish school at SAIC. Those fun times ended in 1999 with my focus split into figure painting, linoleum printmaking, and ceramics (mostly throwing).

The real world got me involved in teaching art. I worked for the Yollocalli Youth Museum on 18th and Blue Island for a couple of years teaching painting, printmaking and drawing. Around the same time I worked for Pros Arts Studio located in Dvorak Park teaching 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, and 8th grade in schools in Chicago's Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods.

My desire to create art and not just get bogged down in teaching or writing curriculum got me involved in the world of tattooing. With the help of two fellow tattoo artists, Nuco (Tomato Tattoo) and Virus (Native Rituals), I came to understand this very difficult medium. With the help of other artists that were willing to break me in I soon was given much guidance when I landed a job at the Native Soul Tattoos on 18th street. Much thanks to Angel Silva for giving me the opportunity to break in under his wing and of course, my girl for buying my first liner and shader!

2003 brought the gift of my son Sebastian Domingo. This life changing gift has influenced my life and outlook in many ways. These fluctuations can hopefully be found here on the website. Changes come and it's up to you how to take them. Like my upward bound teacher used to say...its all about P.M.A. -POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE.

Stay focused.

rjc!!