A Tattooist's Perspective of Texas State Parks

Being an employee of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has offered a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the conservation and preservation of Texas's diverse natural wonders, while simultaneously helping to provide recreational opportunities for millions of Texans. When I came to work at TPWD, I did so hoping my efforts would have a real and lasting impact on the state's ecological health, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment of the outdoors. I feel fortunate to have joined a team dedicated to protecting endangered species, managing fisheries and wildlife populations, maintaining state parks and historic sites, and educating the public about environmental stewardship. As a TPWD Construction Project Manager, I can be one of the orchestra conductors of the building world. Construction managers wield the baton, coordinating a complex symphony of architects, engineers, contractors, and workers to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Ultimately, I feel that if I am successful in my work it translates to satisfied clients, thriving State Parks, and the very infrastructure that shapes our lives. A huge benefit of working for Texas State Parks has been, of course, the location of the project sites. Immersed in natural and man made beauty, how can a person not feel inspired ? My inspiration for these state park drawings did not only come from developing a greater sense of the importance for public spaces, but also from the experiences I've had as a Tattoo Artist, Studio Owner and private sector Contractor. It is an accumulation of all of my experiences that have shaped the style, contributed to the medium I have chosen for the artwork, and paved the way for this book. By creating these drawings, I have been able to unlock the unique pathway for self-expression and bypass the limitations of words. Each line, shape, and shade have become a brush-stroke on the canvas of my own inner world. Depictions of emotions I might struggle to vocalize, hidden dreams-capes of my imagination, or simply the texture of certain objects, drawing has always offered a safe space to explore and externalize my true self. Beyond my own personal exploration, drawing becomes a universal language, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. After all of the hours spent at Texas State Parks and all of the hours spent at the drawing table, I am thrilled to share my visual stories. I extend this invitation to anyone who wants to connect with these parks in hopes that I spark empathy and understanding and provide a glimpse of this amazing state and it's diverse state park system through my own unique lens.