Ted Wallen
Fine Art · Tattoos · Visual Storytelling
I’ve spent more than 30 years creating art that people live with. Whether it’s a painting hanging on a wall or a tattoo worn for life, I believe great art should tell a story, evoke emotion, and stand the test of time. My work draws from fine art, traditional tattooing, surrealism, illustration, and pop culture to create pieces that are both personal and timeless.
Manifestation Meditation
In Manifestation Meditation I explore the idea that every thought, belief, and action, we release into the world ripples outward, returning to shape not only ourselves but everyone around us. Through the temples of higher learning… academic, religious, political, societal, and familial… those ideas are planted as seeds. As they take root, each generation cultivates discoveries that grow from what came before. Those that complete their metamorphosis become the foundation for the progress of the next.
Manifestation Meditation
acrylic on canvas in custom frame
11 by 14
Winner of mixed media in the Point Beach Arts Juried Art Show
Party By The Sea
Summer 2025
Fine Art
Paintings · Illustrations · Mixed Media
My paintings are rooted in a lifetime of drawing, tattooing, and observing the world around me. Influenced by surrealism, pop culture, street art, classic illustration, and fine art traditions, I create work that balances bold imagery with emotional depth.
Many pieces begin as sketches, memories, or fragments of ideas collected over decades. These elements are layered together to create paintings that feel familiar, dreamlike, and personal. I am drawn to strong contrast, expressive color, and imagery that encourages viewers to discover something new each time they look.
Whether working in oil, acrylic, mixed media, or while tattooing, my goal is to create artwork that tells a story while remaining visually striking from across the room.
Tattoos
Tattooing has been my profession and passion for more than three decades. My approach combines strong fundamentals with custom design, creating tattoos that are both visually impactful and built to stand the test of time.
I enjoy working in a variety of styles, including traditional, neo-traditional, illustrative, black and gray, and custom concept-driven pieces. Every tattoo begins with understanding the individual wearing it and developing artwork that fits both the story and the body.
My focus is simple: create tattoos that look great today, heal properly, and remain strong for years to come.
About me
Art has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember.
Long before I became a professional tattoo artist, I was the kid who was always drawing. Sketchbooks, notebooks, scraps of paper—if there was a surface available, I was filling it with ideas. What started as a childhood passion eventually became a lifelong pursuit that has now spanned more than three decades of professional tattooing and countless hours spent painting, designing, and creating.
Today, I divide my creative energy between fine art and tattooing. While each discipline has its own challenges, both are rooted in the same foundation: strong drawing, thoughtful composition, and the desire to create images that connect with people on a personal level.
My paintings draw inspiration from a wide range of influences, including surrealism, classic illustration, pop culture, tattoo imagery, music, and everyday life. Many pieces begin as loose sketches or fragments of ideas collected over years and are gradually developed into finished works that balance imagination, storytelling, and visual impact. I am particularly drawn to bold contrasts, expressive color, and imagery that rewards a closer look.
Tattooing has given me the opportunity to create artwork that becomes part of someone's life story. For more than 30 years, I have worked with clients to transform ideas, memories, and experiences into custom tattoos designed to last a lifetime. Whether working on a small meaningful piece or a large-scale custom project, my goal is always the same: create artwork with integrity, craftsmanship, and lasting value.
Outside the studio, I enjoy many of the same things that have inspired my artwork throughout the years. I have a lifelong love of bicycles and the sense of freedom they provide. I enjoy restoring and working on cars, building and fixing things with my hands, and spending time outdoors. These interests often find their way into my artwork, sometimes directly and sometimes in more subtle ways.
Community has always been important to me. White Lotus Tattoo is more than just a workplace—it is a second family made up of talented artists, friends, and clients who have supported my journey throughout the years. I am grateful to continue creating art, meeting new people, and sharing the things I love through both painting and tattooing.
Whether you're interested in an original painting, a custom tattoo, or simply exploring the work, thank you for taking the time to visit and be part of the journey.