UI Features
Reda Dillingham - Still Surviving!
We were first introduced to Reda Dillingham through her feature in Urban Ink #22. Reda had just endured an intense battle with breast cancer, of which she got the upper hand. Looking for an artistic and creative way to cover up the battle scars from her double mastectomy, Reda chose to go with body art.
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By the time Urban Ink #22 went to print, Reda's chest tattoo was still a work in progress, and she promised to reach back out when she finished up. Keeping true to her word, Reda and Urban Ink linked up again to check out the finished piece and to chat with Reda about the designing process of the piece, her continued mission to spread breast cancer awareness, and some pretty cool events she's been involved in since we last spoke to the marked-up survivor.
URBAN INK: Hi, Reda! I hear you've been making big moves lately. Can you tell us a little about the events you've participated in and your mission to spread awareness about breast cancer?
Reda Dillingham: Since last October, I've been an honoree at the Denver University Women's Basketball Game in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Nothing like running with the players on the court as they are being introduced and being in the team huddle. This past February, I did a school project in the nude for a photography student at the Denver Art Institute. The student got a good grade for her project and the piece was even showcased in the school's hallway. I try and stay busy doing projects, while making others aware of breast cancer - or any cancer for that matter.
In your last feature, you were beginning a chest piece. How is that chest piece coming along?
The original artist that started my chest piece wasn't able to finish. That being said, I wish him and his shop the best. In my search for an artist or shop to complete my piece, I wanted more than free tattoos for the month of October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month). At Endless Ink Tattoo (Denver, CO), they also do the free tattoos, but they give the proceeds to breast cancer research to find a cure. They also sell merchandise in the shop for breast cancer awareness. The artist that completed my chest piece is Jeremiah Heller.
Aside from their devotion to breast cancer awareness, what else caught your eye at Endless Ink Tattoo?
I was so impressed with how a couple of the guys in the shop were wearing "Save the Tata's" t-shirts. The shirts were also in a display case and hanging inside the shop as well. One of the owners, Crystal Kennedy, was the first to greet me. She impressed me with the background of the shop and their involvement with breast cancer awareness. During every session, they always make me feel welcome. I've told all my friends about them and the magic Jeremiah has done for me on my chest piece.
Did Jeremiah design the piece or did you help him out a bit?
I let Jeremiah have all creative decision on my chest piece. I didn't want to make it difficult for him. He chose the words, "Time Heals All Wounds," in script, which is on the bottom of my breast. Jeremiah was right in every aspect, because it does take time.
What about your health? How have you been doing in that department?
From time to time, I have abdominal pains, back pains, and swelling in my torso from lymphedema. Too much exercise can make it worse and doing nothing will make me fat. It's a catch-22 for me, so I walk and bowl to try and control it. I want to try yoga because I heard it's good for your mind and body.
Sounds like a lot. I hear you have a pretty large support system, though. Who are some of the folks who have helped you out throughout all this?
The people that showed for this shoot made it wonderful because they have supported me through thick and thin during and after my battle with breast cancer. I give thanks to my husband, Gary Dillingham, for supporting me in all the projects I do; Alemtra "Meechie" Robinson, who shaved her head so I wouldn't be bald by myself; Ginger "Gigi" Robinson, whom I've known since I was 13, and who helped me a lot during my treatment and recovery. Both Meechie and Gigi have gotten pink ribbon tattoos in my honor. Mykaia Thompson, for helping with this project. She may be young and soft-spoken, but she is wise. Also, the Aurora Women's Breast Cancer Support Group for always being there and making me laugh.
Jeremiah Heller
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Jeremiah Heller has been slinging ink at Endless Ink Tattoo for the last two-and-a-half years. Jeremiah has been tattooing for about five years now and loves to do all sorts of combinations of tattoos - from black and grey, color, and Americana, to Traditional, new school, and Asian-influenced pieces, among many other styles. He especially likes applying these styles to breast-cancer-influenced tattoos.
Jeremiah has a love for art in general. In fact, the biggest influence in his color work comes from his graffiti background. "As I was growing up, I saw graffiti in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lexington, Kentucky, and it blew me away with the colors and vibe it throws off," he recalled. After finding himself continuously drawing designs like the ones he'd seen sprayed on the walls, he knew that his calling was in the arts. Jeremiah headed to Denver, where he attended the Westwood College of Technology; later graduating with a Bachelor's degree in animation and graphic design.
After graduating, Jeremiah decided to attend the Denver Tattoo School, following some good advice from his girlfriend - who is now his wife. Due to his sixth sense for art, he was able to graduate in no time. He also learned a lot from his mentor, Robert Martinez - another artist from Endless Ink Tattoo - who taught him much of what he knows today.
When Endless Ink started doing the Breast Cancer Ribbon tattoos for a charity, Jeremiah never really knew anyone that had cancer. "After the past two years--and hundreds of breast cancer tattoos with stories to back them - I know a ton more about the people and the horrors that come with the cancer," he shared, adding, "Reda (Dillingham) is one of those stories that touches and I hope she loves the tattoo that I have done for her. Remember Reda, 'Only Time Heals All Wounds.'"
Endless Ink Tattoo
"It's an art. Tattooing is just an application of art." That's what Alexander Kennedy, proprietor of Endless Ink Tattoo in Denver, Colorado, states. Not only a business, Endless Ink also is a mentor for teaching our youth about using art as an outlet. It's a platform for raising money and giving back to the surrounding community. Along with Alexander, co-owner Crystal Kennedy is striving to change the way the tattoo community is viewed.
Endless Ink does "Toys for Tats" once per year. They give away $75 gift certificates to anyone who brings in a toy or non-perishable for families during the holidays. In 2010, they were able to donate a car that was filled with food.
Endless Ink also founded the Ink Nation Foundation - a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged youth get exposure to the arts. They work with many community recreation centers like the Boys and Girls Club. They have set up field trips for the children to visit the shop and see for themselves the different applications of art - from becoming a tattoo artist, graphic design, and much more.
"Tats for Tatas" is another unique initiative of Ink Nation. The goal is simple. Alexander and Crystal want to see more than 1,000 people wearing a pink ribbon tattoo to raise awareness for breast cancer research. They tattoo participants with a pink ribbon tattoo for free but, of course, they kindly request a $25 donation that goes toward breast cancer awareness and research. In the end, that's a small price to pay for high-end body art and the cause that it stands for.
Their biggest goal is to get other shops to join the movement. Tattoo shops and artists generally don't work together, and Endless Ink is trying to change that. Want to learn more about the artistic abilities and good deeds of the good folks from Endless Ink Tattoo? Go to www.Endlessinktattoo.com and see how to get involved with the Ink Nation.
Endless Ink Tattoo
7507 E 36th Ave #120
Denver, Colorado 80238
303-371-2744
www.Endlessinktattoo.com
Endlessink303@gmail.com
Owners:
Alexander Kennedy
Crystal Kennedy
Staff:
Jeremiah "HellBoy" Heller: Tattoo Artist
Kena Warner: Stylist and Nail Tech
Fabian Retana: Apprentice
Patrick Bakes: Apprentice
Robert "Bass" Martinez: Tattoo Artist
Chad August: Tattoo Artist
Justin "Big J" Johnson: Barber
Francisco "Frank the Tank" Galvan: Piercing Artist
Photographer: Katie Long
Article by Dez Ward
Make up: Ebony Gray
URBAN INK: Hi, Reda! I hear you've been making big moves lately. Can you tell us a little about the events you've participated in and your mission to spread awareness about breast cancer?
Reda Dillingham: Since last October, I've been an honoree at the Denver University Women's Basketball Game in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Nothing like running with the players on the court as they are being introduced and being in the team huddle. This past February, I did a school project in the nude for a photography student at the Denver Art Institute. The student got a good grade for her project and the piece was even showcased in the school's hallway. I try and stay busy doing projects, while making others aware of breast cancer - or any cancer for that matter.
In your last feature, you were beginning a chest piece. How is that chest piece coming along?
The original artist that started my chest piece wasn't able to finish. That being said, I wish him and his shop the best. In my search for an artist or shop to complete my piece, I wanted more than free tattoos for the month of October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month). At Endless Ink Tattoo (Denver, CO), they also do the free tattoos, but they give the proceeds to breast cancer research to find a cure. They also sell merchandise in the shop for breast cancer awareness. The artist that completed my chest piece is Jeremiah Heller.
Aside from their devotion to breast cancer awareness, what else caught your eye at Endless Ink Tattoo?
I was so impressed with how a couple of the guys in the shop were wearing "Save the Tata's" t-shirts. The shirts were also in a display case and hanging inside the shop as well. One of the owners, Crystal Kennedy, was the first to greet me. She impressed me with the background of the shop and their involvement with breast cancer awareness. During every session, they always make me feel welcome. I've told all my friends about them and the magic Jeremiah has done for me on my chest piece.
Did Jeremiah design the piece or did you help him out a bit?
I let Jeremiah have all creative decision on my chest piece. I didn't want to make it difficult for him. He chose the words, "Time Heals All Wounds," in script, which is on the bottom of my breast. Jeremiah was right in every aspect, because it does take time.
What about your health? How have you been doing in that department?
From time to time, I have abdominal pains, back pains, and swelling in my torso from lymphedema. Too much exercise can make it worse and doing nothing will make me fat. It's a catch-22 for me, so I walk and bowl to try and control it. I want to try yoga because I heard it's good for your mind and body.
Sounds like a lot. I hear you have a pretty large support system, though. Who are some of the folks who have helped you out throughout all this?
The people that showed for this shoot made it wonderful because they have supported me through thick and thin during and after my battle with breast cancer. I give thanks to my husband, Gary Dillingham, for supporting me in all the projects I do; Alemtra "Meechie" Robinson, who shaved her head so I wouldn't be bald by myself; Ginger "Gigi" Robinson, whom I've known since I was 13, and who helped me a lot during my treatment and recovery. Both Meechie and Gigi have gotten pink ribbon tattoos in my honor. Mykaia Thompson, for helping with this project. She may be young and soft-spoken, but she is wise. Also, the Aurora Women's Breast Cancer Support Group for always being there and making me laugh.
Jeremiah Heller
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Jeremiah Heller has been slinging ink at Endless Ink Tattoo for the last two-and-a-half years. Jeremiah has been tattooing for about five years now and loves to do all sorts of combinations of tattoos - from black and grey, color, and Americana, to Traditional, new school, and Asian-influenced pieces, among many other styles. He especially likes applying these styles to breast-cancer-influenced tattoos.
Jeremiah has a love for art in general. In fact, the biggest influence in his color work comes from his graffiti background. "As I was growing up, I saw graffiti in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lexington, Kentucky, and it blew me away with the colors and vibe it throws off," he recalled. After finding himself continuously drawing designs like the ones he'd seen sprayed on the walls, he knew that his calling was in the arts. Jeremiah headed to Denver, where he attended the Westwood College of Technology; later graduating with a Bachelor's degree in animation and graphic design.
After graduating, Jeremiah decided to attend the Denver Tattoo School, following some good advice from his girlfriend - who is now his wife. Due to his sixth sense for art, he was able to graduate in no time. He also learned a lot from his mentor, Robert Martinez - another artist from Endless Ink Tattoo - who taught him much of what he knows today.
When Endless Ink started doing the Breast Cancer Ribbon tattoos for a charity, Jeremiah never really knew anyone that had cancer. "After the past two years--and hundreds of breast cancer tattoos with stories to back them - I know a ton more about the people and the horrors that come with the cancer," he shared, adding, "Reda (Dillingham) is one of those stories that touches and I hope she loves the tattoo that I have done for her. Remember Reda, 'Only Time Heals All Wounds.'"
Endless Ink Tattoo
"It's an art. Tattooing is just an application of art." That's what Alexander Kennedy, proprietor of Endless Ink Tattoo in Denver, Colorado, states. Not only a business, Endless Ink also is a mentor for teaching our youth about using art as an outlet. It's a platform for raising money and giving back to the surrounding community. Along with Alexander, co-owner Crystal Kennedy is striving to change the way the tattoo community is viewed.
Endless Ink does "Toys for Tats" once per year. They give away $75 gift certificates to anyone who brings in a toy or non-perishable for families during the holidays. In 2010, they were able to donate a car that was filled with food.
Endless Ink also founded the Ink Nation Foundation - a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged youth get exposure to the arts. They work with many community recreation centers like the Boys and Girls Club. They have set up field trips for the children to visit the shop and see for themselves the different applications of art - from becoming a tattoo artist, graphic design, and much more.
"Tats for Tatas" is another unique initiative of Ink Nation. The goal is simple. Alexander and Crystal want to see more than 1,000 people wearing a pink ribbon tattoo to raise awareness for breast cancer research. They tattoo participants with a pink ribbon tattoo for free but, of course, they kindly request a $25 donation that goes toward breast cancer awareness and research. In the end, that's a small price to pay for high-end body art and the cause that it stands for.
Their biggest goal is to get other shops to join the movement. Tattoo shops and artists generally don't work together, and Endless Ink is trying to change that. Want to learn more about the artistic abilities and good deeds of the good folks from Endless Ink Tattoo? Go to www.Endlessinktattoo.com and see how to get involved with the Ink Nation.
Endless Ink Tattoo
7507 E 36th Ave #120
Denver, Colorado 80238
303-371-2744
www.Endlessinktattoo.com
Endlessink303@gmail.com
Owners:
Alexander Kennedy
Crystal Kennedy
Staff:
Jeremiah "HellBoy" Heller: Tattoo Artist
Kena Warner: Stylist and Nail Tech
Fabian Retana: Apprentice
Patrick Bakes: Apprentice
Robert "Bass" Martinez: Tattoo Artist
Chad August: Tattoo Artist
Justin "Big J" Johnson: Barber
Francisco "Frank the Tank" Galvan: Piercing Artist
Photographer: Katie Long
Article by Dez Ward
Make up: Ebony Gray
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