Curtis Duke - Tattooist - Knowing Oregon

2022 | Eugene, Oregon

Photography by Tatie B

Tell me about your art and the inspiration behind it.

My name is Curtis Duke and I began tattooing in 2014. My journey started in the military when I was stationed in Germany. I had a friend who was tattooing out of his house and doing pretty decent at it. Being amazed by his artwork on the walls as well as in the skin, I thought I could do something similar and quickly became hooked. Being a self-taught artist, my journey in the beginning wasn’t easy. Information wasn’t as accessible on the Internet as it is today and a traditional apprenticeship was out of the question due to non-English-speaking tattoo shops in the area. Tattooing has become my passion and I’ve found a sense of life purpose producing art for people to wear for their lifetimes. I’m currently focusing on black and gray realism and looking to expand into color over the next couple years.

I am a lover of most extreme sports including snowboarding, surfing, dirt bikes, and BMX. I am an oil painter and enjoy drawing with charcoal. I also like to grow plants and am heavily into bonsai.

I love tattooing with my whole heart, but on my journey I’ve had a handful of times where I just felt like it wasn’t worth it to continue on. Dealing with difficult people and all the challenges that come with tattooing… Art is hard enough, but to do it on a permanent level in the skin where there are no erasers and every needle stroke matters, and then deal with people moving around because it hurts and so on and on; it can be very stressful. Also, I give so much of myself everyday. A lot of times I don’t even eat all day because I’m so engulfed in what I’m doing. But it’s all worth it when I see someone smile, and feel proud of their body and the art that’s on it. It is my service to my community. It is my life purpose.