To whom it may concern, my name is Aisea Toetu’u from Soul Signature Tattoo. This is another very important message that needs to be addressed and announced to the Tattoo Nation, Pacific Islanders who are now current owners of any t-shirt line promoting or displaying Polynesian patterns and most importantly to our people of the Pacific Islands.
A young man by the name of Derrick Russell Samn has betrayed and disrespected our tattoo families and Polynesian communities. This gentleman is now practicing tattoos, selling artwork and has a t-shirt line which most of his art portrays and is very similar to our artwork. Please be informed that Derrick Russell Samn has no affiliation with any families from Soul Signature Tattoo and Humble Beginnings.
Derrick Samn was a client collecting tattoos from both Soul Signature Tattoo and Humble Beginnings. He was trying to receive an apprenticeship twice at Soul Signature which only lasted for less than a week and decided to quit. His last statement was “I cannot do this anymore; tattooing is not meant for me and I am not matured for this!”
Just recently, I was informed that he has been tattooing, selling t-shirts and paintings using Polynesian designs and artwork. The most disappointing fact is that most of his work is very similar to our work. He is another great example of an individual who has been tattooing people without having any form of apprenticeship nor of any proper knowledge and training of any Polynesian patterns, meanings, etc,. Without serving an apprenticeship, he does not have any knowledge of health and safety risk issues. He has disrespected our ancestry, culture and families. He has been stealing designs and patterns without GREAT understanding and proper training. He imposed on our families and used us to get to where he is currently at now.
I am very disappointed that we had allowed this individual along with his immediate family into our hearts with love, trust and respect. Derrick Samn and his parents used us and took advantage of the hospitality and open hearts we gave them. We all feel betrayed!
It takes years of dedication, sacrifice and proper training for one to earn their apprenticeship. It takes a lifetime to live and learn the legends and myths of the Pacific, to have a deeper understanding of the morals and values of each design that still exist in our people today. Please stop robbing us.
I speak on behalf of our Pacific Island Families; Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Marquesas, Tahiti, Philippines, Micronesia, etc,. “PLEASE RESPECT OUR CULTURE.”
Aisea Toetu’u