Alex Empty (Phoenix Horikin)
Alex “Empty" Goldstein has been tattooing since 2002. He is an East Coast transplant to Phoenix, who also spent five years tattooing in San Francisco. He loves to make strong tattoos that have a folk characteristic and traditional recipes. He also enjoys the challenge of heavy cover-up work. Whether Japanese or American, or somewhere in between, his tattoos are bright and bold with lots of heavy black—they are built to last.
Tebori: Japanese hand poke tattooing
Alex has been making tattoos with the tebori method, the hand poking tradition of Japanese tattooing, since 2016. After nearly 15 years of traditional American tattooing, Alex started studying tebori by visiting Japan, and studying extensively via correspondence however possible.
Alex uses traditional hand poke techniques that go back to Edo period (1603-1868) to color and shade, and in some cases, outline tattoos. These methods are transmitted by the old masters, and connect Alex to the lineage of Asakusa (old downtown) Tokyo tattooers, a world that fills his imagination and his bookshelf.
Alex prefers traditional motifs and designs, and uses the style and lineage of old Irezumi to carve his own version of this timeless art form.
Booking info
Booking usually opens quarterly. Fill out the appointment request form below to book a consultation.
Alex’s schedule can book out quite far in advance. If you’re feeling eager, please join the cancellation list in the meantime—when last-minute openings occur, we will let you know.