Ink and Kava: Unveiling the Artistic Journey of Jeffery Sampsell, Tattoo Apprentice and Kava Luv Regular"
Hey, my name is Jeff. I believe it all started about two years ago when my two very good friends Andrew and Noah started going to this “kava bar”. I wasn’t really interested at first but certain life events pushed me out of my comfort zone and I realized I needed some healthy human interaction. I struggled with some intense social anxiety but nonetheless Kava Luv was a very welcoming and comforting place to attempt to get out of my shell. I started tagging along with my friends and next thing I knew I was there almost every single day. I constantly met nice people and started to grow closer to a lot of the other regulars at the bar.
My friends and I would always show up for the game nights and love to play old Xbox 360 games and super smash bros. Craft night was also a fantastic event. The mini clay sculpting was personally my favorite. Occasional poker and board game nights are fun to have a friendly competitive time as well!
After a great time at Kava Luv my buddies and I like to ride out on our motorcycles to wrap up the night. My favorite drink would have to be the dozen roses with its subtle sweet flavor. Although one day I hope we may see a return of the seasonal drink the Jedi juice. Personally, I prefer the botanical teas over kava but sometimes a kava shot does hit the spot!
Kava Luv is a great place to hang out and socialize but also to chill and get work done that you may be too distracted to do at home like myself. On quiet days it’s a great space to go and study my Bible with my brothers in Christ. It’s also my go to place after I go to the gym to relax and unwind. With all the time I’ve spent at Kava Luv being around such creative individuals I inevitably discovered my passion for art.
Pretty much every time I come to the bar I am drawing something whether it be graphite sketching or working on my iPad. After many of my friends watching my artistic ability grow I started being told that my art style closely resembles tattoos. After hearing it from so many people I began to actually build a portfolio and eventually found a tattoo artist apprenticeship! Thankfully I had many friends from Kava Luv that were willing to offer up some skin to help me learn and improve my skill!
Overall Kava Luv has become a home away from home. The people there have helped me grow as a person and I am infinitely grateful for all my friends that I’ve made and the wonderful connections I’ve formed. No matter where life takes me I will always remember this place as long as I live and hold it near to my heart. Keep the Luv alive!
