Texas tattoo artist Dillon Forte has spent the past year constructing the inaugural "Tattoo Ranch" in Wimberley, Texas, a property and studio just outside of Austin that serves as both a creative hub for his team's tattoo work and a tranquil retreat for tattoo-focused events, showcasing his custom sculpture art, and more.
“My work is dedicated to the sacred geometric nature of existence. It is my belief that through geometry we can gain a greater awareness of the true meaning of life,” Forte says on his website. “From the microcosm to the macrocosm, there are mathematical relationships that underlie the fundamental structure of our universe. The purpose of this work is to illuminate these mysteries.”
Forte has gained international recognition for his expertise in sacred geometry, blackwork and dotwork tattooing. His exceptional craftsmanship has captured the attention of prominent media outlets and notable figures including Usher, Chris Hemsworth, Kat Von D, Ben McKee of Imagine Dragons, Kehlani and Deandre Levy. His talent has also been showcased in publications including Tribeza, Inked, Men's Health, Byrdie, My Modern Met Skin and Ink.
In an interview with the Austin Journal, Forte said that he was an artist for as long as he could remember growing up and that becoming a tattoo artist was just a natural progression of his artistry.
"I would say tattooing is the final culmination of artistry," Forte said. "I was always fascinated with tattooing, especially knowing that putting art on human skin is the craziest canvas you can have."
Although his home and family are in Austin, Forte formerly worked in California. He has successfully cultivated a thriving base of Texas clients since returning from California a few years ago. Forte said that Austin was the ideal location for his vision of a tattoo retreat center, outdoor art garden and gallery.
"Thus the tattoo ranch as the final product, which is officially called Forte Tattoo Ranch," Forte said. "Wimberley provides a central location, not only in Texas but for the United States and clients that travel to get work done. Also, the specific latitude and longitude match up with the latitude of the pyramids of Giza and the longitude of the pyramids of Teotihuacan. This property holds the key to the optimal alignment of sacred geometry, which is my primary style of tattooing."
Forte said that along with offering traditional tattoo services, the Forte Tattoo Ranch will serve as a wildlife/nature preserve and provide accommodation for traveling clients. Amenities will include a functioning art studio, space for experiences such as yoga and sound baths, and even a renewable regenerative farm.
"Ultimately, we are trying to accomplish tattooing in the most natural location possible," Forte said. "The ranch is 10 acres to optimize a sense of harmony and ultimately getting away from it all. As I'm answering this question, there are baby deer walking outside of my window. It's truly an immersive experience out here."
Forte says that the Tattoo Ranch will offer the Austin community a staycation/weekend getaway destination, where visitors can choose to be tattooed in the most natural environment possible.
"All of Wimberley is filled with beautiful trees, swimming holes, and destinations like Mt. Baldy, Jacob's Well, hiking trails and so much more, Forte said. "We are only a 45 min drive from Austin, and we share the same hill country ethos as Austin. We will also be hosting art shows and other events in the near future."
Besides art shows at the Tattoo Ranch, Forte says that he plans to take part in Austin's numerous events and showcases.
"We will be doing more with events like SXSW, tattoo conventions and other events in the city," Forte said. "We are also getting involved with businesses and potential partnerships in the city to collaborate on installations, activations and more. "Visitors can follow Forte on Instagram to keep updated with the latest information from the tattoo ranch.