Q 2. What was going through your mind when you
got your first tattoo?
A. Well........ I was excited and thrilled but at
the same time scared to death of what my parents, especially my
father, would say. When I look back on it now, it was huge error
on my part. The tattoo that I chose was so cheesy and I didn't
give enough thought about what I was getting and that it would be on
my back forever. Luckily it was very easy to cover-up.
Q 3. Is there a meaning behind your first tattoo and what is it if you
care to share?
A. Honestly, there was no special meaning. I think
it would just be cool to get and that I would fit in with the crowd I
was hanging out with. I was such a rebel without a clue.
LoL
Q 4. What is your favorite tattoo, where is it and why?
A. I have to pick two. The memorial tattoo for my
son that committed suicide is the greatest 'emotional' tattoo that I
have which I designed myself. Secondly, the tattoo of the
mermaid just blows me away. It covers most of the
right-hand side of my back and continues over onto my ribs.
It is a pencil drawing by my favorite U. K. artist, Laurence
Llewyln-Bowen. The limited edition signed print is on the wall
directly across from my bed. It is the first 'thing' I see when
I wake-up every morning. I was tattooed by Jeff Gogue' from
Oregon, he is awesome and was featured in the January 2006 edition of
Tattoo Magazine. We met-up at the Meeting of the Marked Tattoo
Convention in Pittsburgh, PA. I sat for five hours with the
exception of a few smoke breaks.
Q 5. What advice can you give people who are looking to get ink for
the first time?
A. Give very careful thought and consideration of what
piece of art that you want and where you're going to have it placed.
Take your time and don't rush into anything. This is not like
golf, there are no 'do-overs.' DO your homework which includes,
but is not limited to, the work and reputation of the artist.
Hopefully he, or she, has a portfolio of work that you can
peruse to help determine if this the artist for you.
Also, and equally important, is the cleanliness and sanitary
conditions of the facility. Also, the artist has to be willing
to listen to your input and ideas. IF the artist feels
that what you have chosen and where you want it placed just won't work
properly and look great, then that artist has the right to decline to
ink the tattoo. In addition to making the customer happy, you
are also a walking advertisement of that artist's work. In
closing, expect pain. The degree of pain depends on your pain
threshold and/or where the tattoo is being placed.
Q 6. What is your inspiration behind your body art?
A. The wish to feel different, independent, unique and
non-conformist. 99% of the people that meet me are very
surprised to find out that I have ten tattoos and plan on getting
more. I love tattoos and I like them to be unique. I do
not want to wear the same body art as someone else. Even if it's
flash, my artist and I change it to make it my own.
Q 7. What would you say was your most memorable piece getting?
A. Again, I have to choose two - the memorial tattoo for my son
and my mermaid. The memorial tattoo was heart wrenching and the
mermaid . I looked at the mermaid as a personal test of
perseverance.
Q 8. Do you have any new ideas for any more work lined up?
A. Yes, I already have appointments lined-up with Paul
Roe, Chris Garver and Kat Von D - the dates are still tentative but
all will be done this year. I plan to have Paul Roe basically
finish my back by using tree limbs made of Celtic knots to fill-in the
blank spaces on my back to make it appear as if my back is one large
intrregated piece. I would like Chris Garver to design and
tattoo a plethora of penguins under my lower middle back piece.
I plan on giving him free rein on this tattoo except I would like to
have a few of the penguins to be wearing ice skates. Kat Von D -
well, I really haven't finalized in my mind exactly everything
that I want. 15 years ago, I had cancer and back then they would
actually tattoo with small blue dots to ensure that I was in the same
position and lined-up with the luster beams so that I would receive
the correct amount of radiation in the correct spots every day.
Any who, I would like to take these small dots (14 of them) and have
them covered with small objects. I know that I want two of them
made into nautical stars. Then possibly ladybugs, lightning bugs
and maybe a few very small praying mantis.
Q 9. Who was your favorite artist that has tattooed you? Plus what did
they do.
A. Jeff Gogue ' - Mermaid
Q 10. Do you like staying with one artist or do you like trying to go
to new artist each time?
A. Well, Jeff Gogue' is the only other person to tattoo me
other than my regular artist - B. J. Sanchez
Q 11. Do you believe tattoos are addictive? Why do you like
getting tattooed?
A. Yes lol I am addicted to
the 'burn.'
Q 12. When would you say you like getting tattooed the most is it at a
certain time in your life or when you get that itch to get one done.
A. The only constraint I have is money, If I had unlimited
funds, I would probably be glued to a tattoo chair.
Q 13. Any additional comments?
A. I am amazed that tattoos have become so mainstream.
But, as mainstream as they have become, I still believe
that it will take a considerable amount of time before tattoos
are freely accepted in a corporate environment.
