By Helen Reichert

Joel Long is a Boulder-based tattoo artist and traditional artist who has been working at Bolder Ink for more than 30 years. His work, inspired by traditional Japanese scrolls, represents traditional contemporary themes, using motifs such as tigers, dragons, flowers, and flames. 

With the bold and highlighted symbolism used in each motif, Joel’s love for nature and inherent risks in life are prevalent, especially in regards to viewers embracing their inner authenticity and the calculated risks that may be taken. Taking inspiration from traditional Japanese Kakemono (hanging thing) or Kakejiku (hung scroll), Joel creates works of art that are traditional, contemporary, and truly one of a kind.

We here at Rainy Days Gallery are fortunate to house three of Joel’s spectacular works of art, all highlighted here in our available art spotlight.

Tiger Dashing to Heaven

Joel Long's Tiger Dashing to Heaven, available at Rainy Days Gallery

Joel Long’s works are inspired by traditional Japanese Kakemono (hanging thing) or Kakejiku (hung scroll), dating back to the Nara period of Japan from 710-794. The scrolls are broken into 3 sections: the ten (heaven), the chi (earth), and the hashira, or pillars, that support the heaven and the earth on both sides. In this work, the Tiger has raced up a mountain and gazes up towards the ten, or heaven, of the Kakemono.

A closer look at Tiger Dashing to Heaven

Epic Jigoku-Dayu

Joel Long's Epic Jigaku-Dayu hanging in Rainy Days Gallery

Jigaku-Dayu or Hell Courtesan is a legendary figure of Japanese folklore. A beautiful courtesan and daughter of a samurai, she was kidnapped by her father’s enemies and sold to a brothel. In Joel Long’s depiction, she has been transformed into a skull and is accompanied by a falcon, a symbol of freedom, strength, resilience, and independence. At the bottom of the composition are the souls of those she has condemned, depicting the strength of the Jugaku-Dayu. 

A closer look at Joel Long's Epic Jigaku-Dayu, revealing the image of the condemned souls and the intricate detail of the scroll

Territorial Tiger

Joel Long's Territorial Tiger hanging in Rainy Days Gallery

In his artwork, Joel Long hopes to inspire authenticity and individuality. In Territorial Tiger, Joel incorporates the image of the Tiger, often associated with strength, resilience, and independence. Like most of his works, Territorial Tiger is a reflection of his artistic journey and connection to the spiritual world. The tiger casts its gaze onto the viewer, helping them to enter an artistic world that is both peaceful and full of power. 

A close look at the titular territorial tiger