ink master

Unraveling the Tapestry of Able Heart


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“There’s a full spectrum to my music,” Able Heart begins, his voice a mirror to the depth and diversity of his sound. “It started way darker, a lot of things that I went through in life,” he admits, hinting at a past marked by struggles and silence, now vocalized through his art. This spectrum isn’t confined to his music alone; it’s vividly illustrated in the living canvas of his skin.

“I’m blasting over old tattoos,” he shares, a metaphor for his life’s journey. “It’s kind of like my music,” he muses, “You evolve, and your art evolves with you.” His tattoos, once markers of a darker time, are now overlaid with images that reflect the man he’s become: a phoenix rising from the ashes of his past.

His mother’s influence, a constant beacon of support, is immortalized in ink on his skin. “My mom’s lips here,” he points to a seemingly fading tattoo on his forearm, “She always said, ‘You’re able to do anything your heart desires.’ Thats where ‘Able Heart’ comes from.” It’s not just a name; it’s a philosophy, a salute to the limitless potential within each of us.

The transition from a world-class snowboarder to a musician wasn’t without its scars — both physical and emotional. “I used to ride with a company that helped support people that couldn’t pay to travel and go to competitions,” he recounts, a nod to the community that once uplifted him, now mirrored in the Full of Heart Fam group he’s fostering through his music and online presence. The glimmer in his eyes as he speaks about his community only echoes how important the outreach to his fans truly is.

His continued commitment to his fans also comes through in a unique (but also seemingly popular) way. In discussing his virtual concerts, Able Heart’s enthusiasm is palpable. “They’re unique… intimate,” he says, his eyes lighting up. “It’s all about connecting with people, even if it’s through a screen.” This sense of connection, of reaching out and touching lives across the digital divide, is what drives him. “Music is the best funnel… for people listening and being able to resonate with things,” he explains.

Yet, it’s not just about the music or the tattoos; it’s about the journey — his relentless pursuit of happiness, his unwavering belief in the power of manifestation, and his dedication to helping others realize they’re not alone in their struggles. “I care about other people in the sense that, if they see something, I want them to also know that they’re able to do anything their heart desires,” he says, his voice earnest, his message clear.

Able Heart’s tattoos do more than decorate his skin — they tell his story, a narrative of overcoming, evolving, and embracing every facet of his being. From the sonic depths of his darkest hours to the vibrant beats of his brightest moments, his life is a testament to the power of resilience.

As we trace the contours of his tattoos, we’re not just observing art; we’re reading chapters of a living, breathing autobiography, one where every line, every note, and every cover sings of a heart that’s truly able.

Headrush Tattoos Never Lets You Settle for Less


Clients can expect only the best art, care and atmosphere from Saskatoon’s finest

In recent years, the invigorating city of Saskatoon, Canada, has been the place to be for tattoo expression. Among all its shops, Headrush Tattoos is setting the bar for excellence. Here, you’ll find tattooers specializing in everything from black-and-grey to color realism, traditional Japanese to geometric and so much more. Each having forged their own unique path to tattooing, Headrush’s artists are committed to providing a standout experience to all. We sat down with four of Headrush’s tattoo artists to get a deeper insight into how the shop came to life and what makes it so exceptional.

Can you introduce yourselves?

Russell Racho: My name is Russell Racho. I’m Filipino-Japanese and have been tattooing for the past 28 years.

Bryan Dometita: I am Bryan Dometita, I was born in the Philippines. 

Wiggy: My name is Wiggy and I’ve been tattooing for 20+ years. I’m an Indigenous tattoo artist from Beardy’s, Saskatchewan.

Jonathan: I’m Jonathan from Cebu, Philippines. I have been tattooing for eight years.

What drew you into the world of tattooing?

Russell: I have been an artist almost all my life. It started with drawing and eventually my brother introduced me to tattooing. What drew me to tattooing is the ability to showcase one’s freedom of expression through the use of tattoo art.

Wiggy: I’ve been an artist since I was 6. My uncle Darwin introduced me to the world of art. I thought tattoos were badass and super cool—it is the ultimate medium to represent one’s individuality. 

Bryan Dometita
Bryan Dometita
Bryan Dometita

 

What’s the tattoo scene like in Saskatoon?

Russell: The tattoo scene in Saskatoon is growing at an incredible rate we have not seen before. The population in Saskatoon is also quite diverse, so as an artist, this allows us to work with different types of tattoo discipline. Sleeves, leg wraps and realism are big at the moment.

Bryan: Realism scenery [is popular]. As we know, Saskatchewan has a ton of beautiful nature.

Can you tell us about Headrush Tattoos? What attracted you to this tattoo shop? 

Russell: Headrush is a highly recommended place because of the atmosphere it provides, the artistic level and the accountability of everyone that works here. Firstly, I feel like this is my second family. Secondly, [I appreciate] the support of the business owners to make sure I have clients and am surrounded by great artists that share the same goal to create great art. It keeps me on my toes and [makes me] bring my A game every day.

Jonathan Burgos
Jonathan Burgos
Jonathan Burgos
Jonathan Burgos
Jonathan Burgos

How does working at Headrush allow you to explore your artistic strengths?

Jonathan: When you work in a studio with artists who specialize in styles you do not specialize in, it brings out the best in you, while at the same time you’re learning from artists who are the best in styles you’re weaker in. For example, color realism comes naturally to me whereas Japanese body suits are foreign to me. Being able to work alongside an artist like Russell, who is known worldwide for his Japanese body suits, is not only a privilege but an opportunity for me to grow and learn from one of the best in that style. 

What do you hope to provide clients with at Headrush? How does the shop create a positive experience for clients?

Bryan: I want to provide them with inspirational pieces and memories that will last a lifetime. I would like to give our clients a safe, welcoming experience and environment at our shop.

Russel
Russel
Russel

Russell: Each client I work with, I go all out to make sure they go home happy with the designs and their experience with the tattoo session. I also go through the most important part—the aftercare—with them. I hope to provide them with the experience they fully deserve because getting a tattoo is a life decision.

What do you think brought all of the artists at Headrush Tattoos together? 

Jonathan: For me, I think it’s because the studio holds a higher standard for artists; we all recognize the skill level of each other. Tattooing is a game where you’re learning forever. So no matter how good you are, there is an artist that can teach and mentor you in the style they are strong in. This is the first time I have seen this and I find it very unique. We all know where we are on our team. 

What should we keep a lookout for from Headrush Tattoos?

Wiggy: We’re always doing bigger, better and nicer projects. Our artists educate themselves on new techniques and we grow together as a team. Don’t settle for less! 

Wiggy
Wiggy
Wiggy
Wiggy
Wiggy
Wiggy
Wiggy



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