by Ron Evans
Ole Soul Tattoo has been cranking out quality ink in the valley for years in its unassuming side-street location in downtown Wenatchee. This month marks the second coming of the popular business with a new space and a broader plan for world domination. Well, at least local domination. For now... And while they haven’t moved far, the new location offers a wide open feeling with even wider creative possibilities. Owner and renown tattooist Jimi Drake is clear to point out that it’s no longer “just a tattoo studio.” Not that they are focusing less on the craft that has made the name Ole Soul a revered one. But there will be more happenings in the large and impossibly cool space that up until recently had been KI Fighting Concepts martial arts school. I spoke with Jimi about this move, his background in the world of tattooing and about the philosophy of creating ‘forever art’ on the human canvas. He starts with a quote: “The professional senses who has served his time and who hasn’t. Like Alan Ladd and Jack Palance circling each other in Shane, a gun recognizes another gun.” ~ The War of Art, Steven Pressfield. How did you get into art originally? In the beginning I had a hard time calling myself an artist, even if tattoo was in front of the word. That term was reserved for the Masters in the Museum, not in a street shop on Casino Road in South Everett. Over time -now 15 years tattooing- and 23 years of getting them, it doesn’t matter anymore. That term, ‘artist’ or ‘fine art’ in my opinion is gone. An illusion interpreted through the lenses of a viewer. And in my view, art is everywhere and unending. It belongs to everyone, and it is my hope that people can awaken their own story through it, in any medium. I just happened to prefer tattoo. At what point did you know tattooing was the true artistic road to pursue? I knew at 8 years old I was destined to be heavily tattooed. Ten years later my mother found a local tattooer and bounty hunter working out of his house just off the Skagit River in Mt. Vernon. A Native American tribal arm band, that didn’t quite make it all the way around the arm, was my first of many more to come. Art class always came easy as a kid. I had an ‘eye’ for it, a ‘talent’ that everyone annoyingly reminds you of. I enjoyed portraits the most. I could look at anything and pencil a replica. Even interior design, I loved it when my mom wanted to redecorate the living room. Being a kid in the 80’s had me enthralled in movie set design. I just always had an artistic knack. Then, at 27 I took a trip to Manhattan, New York. I was invited by my friends to work and help out for the Rose Ballroom Tattoo Convention. I was blown away. From my hometown tattoo shop to a world stage of industry legends. My head was spinning and I knew right then I had to tattoo. The plane ride home was a plea to my now mentor Tom of Tattoo Evolution to take me on as an apprentice. I cut my successful pinstriping and custom airbrush business in half to learn from him. My first tattoo was on myself, a Jolly Roger skull. Then it was time to practice on friends. I was a quick study and took to it pretty well. A few months later I was tattooing a drug dealing gangster across the throat, and under the pressure... I soared. I then knew I had the chops to make it. (Here’s where I try to act tough enough to not be SUPER impressed by that shit).
(Ahem) How’d you go from drug dealer throats and apprenticeships to owning your own studio? I opened Ole Soul in 2012 after moving into the valley a few years before. It was my intention then and even to this day to work hard, develop passion, and treat people in a kind and fair way. The phone always rings and I’m always being productive. Now I average a three -a- month waiting list. I’m grateful to work alongside a positive caring and fun crew, Kristina and Migz. They are my second family. Tell us about your new digs and what you have planned for the space. Ole Soul now is taking another innovative turn. Studio, like art, has many meanings, forms and celebrations. The space acquired - over 3000 square ft - will do just that. Morning Qi-Gong movement meditation and unique yoga and animal flow classes. Drip coffee and a tea house, and then nightly events like movies, private events, seminars, local gallery showcases, straight edge gatherings, and many more ideas to explore. The next few years will be a humbling ride to connect more with the community, give people a place to be inspired and to feel a genuine energy in others. Completely in honor of damn fine art for all, at Ole Soul Studio. More than just a tattoo studio. We are Genuine Defined.
