About two years ago, I painted Fishing with Dad in honor of my dad who passed away in 2001. I told the story of how he was very supportive of my art and music and how I really enjoyed the time that I could have with him. That has always been one of my favorite paintings because it still touches me and my family in a certain way – We all really miss him.

Recently I received a comment on Creativeleak.com saying that somebody got the painting inked on their leg. I was so surprised and asked to see a photo of it. Brian, from Philadelphia, recently got the tattoo to symbolize his relationship with his son. His comment on the site said this:

“I have to tell you Tim, I just had this painting inked on my leg. I looked for a year for a tattoo but, I couldn’t find something that worked for me .Your painting was dead on. I hope you don’t take issue to me using it but, I want to thank you for it. My son, who is 5 loves it and now i have something that we have together besides fishing. Thanks again.”

I love to tell stories - that’s why I paint and play music. It is fascinating to me that through stories, we can all relate and connect to each other. I feel honored that Brian felt a connection to this painting and that it was a good symbolic representation of the relationship with his son.

Coincidentally, my wife is pregnant and we found out the day after I received the comment about the tattoo that we are having a boy - Our first child. Needless to say, it has been a great week. I look forward to the day when I can take my son fishing and paint about that. Although I think I’ll have plenty of paintings about him before that day comes.

For more from the tattoo artist, view Kris Smith’s work