This year was a big milestone for Scott Weeks, proprietor of the San Jose tattoo shop Marks of Art Tattoo. The shop turned 30, and Weeks celebrated with his staff, enjoying the distinction of being the area’s second-oldest tattoo shop.
Last month, he posed for photographer Greg Ramar, who captured Weeks and his crew for a cover story in Metro Silicon Valley.
Less than two weeks later, on July 29, the veteran tattoo artist passed away at the Regional Medical Center of San Jose. Weeks succumbed to injuries he sustained in a car accident caused by a mechanical failure five days earlier. He was 60 years old.
Automobiles were another passion for Weeks. A low-riding enthusiast, he owned dozens of classic cars throughout his life, restoring and repairing them in his free time. Similar to tattooing, he found a way to leave a mark on this second passion by co-founding the Strangers Car Club. For more than two decades, he helped bring the San Jose classic car community together by organizing many local car shows and other related events.
Born Feb. 6, 1964, Weeks lived the majority of his life in Santa Clara, attending and graduating from New Valley Continuation High, where he first started tattooing friends. At the age of 17, wanting to improve his craft, he began observing “Tattoo” John Bullock of San Jose Tattoo—currently the oldest tattoo shop in San Jose. Bullock, after seeing Weeks’ dedication, offered to answer his questions, something Bullock never did for anyone else.
Weeks tattooed independently for 12 years before opening Marks of Art in 1994. Despite being unconventionally located in the residential Cambrian neighborhood, the shop quickly became known. Marks of Art won Best Body Art Shop in Metro’s Best of the Silicon Valley survey several times.
Tens of thousands of patrons spanning generations have been tattooed at Marks of Art. Weeks employed and mentored dozens of other tattooers from all corners of the globe. Many went on to open influential shops of their own.
Weeks left an indelible influence on tattooing across Northern California, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the San Jose community. He is survived by mother Ginger Weeks, of Bakersfield; father Ray Weeks, of Roseville; his employees at Marks of Art; and countless friends who loved and admired him.
Services will be held Sept. 1 at Martial Cottle Park in San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted at Marks of Art, 3014 Union Ave.
