Gypsy Jill Yosefa-Rafaela haKohenet left the realm of the living on November 30, 2009, after a six month battle with brain cancer. This website remains for memorial purposes. For people seeking her tattoo expertise, she would like to refer them to her colleagues:

Kerry Linden, a master tattooist who continues on in Jill's shop in Bellevue, WA, www.american-beauty-tattoo.com.

and

Christy Brooker, who continues as the leader of the Women's Tattoo Forum, and her Seattle shop, www.damasktattoo.com


Tattooing has been a fruitful marriage of my skills as a fine artist and the human need to decorate and express one's individuality.

As a teenager I was fortunate to live in Cote d'Ivoire, Africa. Being an impressionable time for me, the images of tattooing - and other forms of self-adornment - affixed in me the primal beauty of uniting one's body, mind, and spirit through these transforming acts.

I was awestruck and fascinated by the magic-bearing markings, and I wanted to be the channel to connect a person's hopes & visions, art, icons, and symbols.

Upon coming of age, I began my journey as a tattooed woman. I have always been drawn to tattooists who elevate their work to a fine art. In 1983 I began my training as apprentice to Peter Tat-2 in Phoenix, Arizona, and honed my skills working from the shop's classic "flash".

As I've grown in competency and creativity my own custom work has become increasingly sought after. Today my work has evolved into the custom creation of body flattering and personally meaningful designs, especially in the art of "cover-ups".