Shawn Oliver

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My sons mother walked out on us when he was 5mth old. She chose a wrong and wild path while I chose to be a father. My son is now 5 yrs old and I have full custody. Sons mother got in trouble and after two years of court and many chances to get straight they decided to fully terminate her parental rights. I pursued another relationship which turned out to be the most toxic I have ever been in. I haven't finished my tattoo yet since I'm still learning to tattoo.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

Roses and snake: To me it represents that no matter how beautiful YOU view the garden (a partner, lover, friend), some are not safe (healthy, committed, faithful, loyal) for you to walk through. Reaper w/"You Reap What You Sow": Represents just that. You put good into the world you receive good back. You put Negativity into the world and you'll always get a negative result back.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would get my tattoos finished by really good artists in hopes of learning from them. Then would take my son on some amazing vacation like Disney World since we've never been able to afford a vacation. The last two years court dates of his mother's I've attended, on top of basic parental things school events, doctors visits, visitation with his mom at the state building has all affected us financially. I also had to step down as a supervisor for more time off available.