James from
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in several different places, but spent most of
my childhood growing up in Panama City,
Florida Texas Little Rock Arkansas
How was it growing up there, would you say that it
influenced you?
The places I grew up really didn't influence me that much,
but the people who I grew up around definitely shaped me.
When did you start getting tattoos?
I got my first set of tattoos the day I turned 18. My dad
left me some money because he was out of town, his exact words were "Don't
spend this on a tattoo." I technically listened, because I got more then
one. They were the crosses and names on my back. They are for my two
grandfathers, who are the biggest influences on my life next to my parents.
When I first got them, I went to a cheap studio, and they came out looking like
tattoos that were drawn by a twelve year old, so for my birthday present, my
aunt had them covered up by the two crosses you see today.
How would you describe your style?
I really don't have a set style. It all depends on my
mood. I can go from polo shirts and slacks to Tripp pants and band tees. I'm my
own walking style.
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
I do, you rarely see the detail and style like this in any
other form of modern art.
How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
The culture is growing and expanding more every day. Soon, tattoos will be the norm instead of being taboo.
What has been your inspiration for getting them?
Every one of my Tattoos has a back story, the crosses are
for my grandfathers, the bite marks were for a buddy who lost his life in a
motorcycle accident, the raven is a tribute to an author who made it possible
to be where I am today, the symbol on my fore arm is from a video game, and
represents my nerd pride, and just being myself. The word "Pain" on
my chest is another tribute to my grand father. He used to have a saying,
"The weak hide their pain from the world, the strong wear it on their
chest." The "Place Knife Here" piece is a long story, I will get
to it later on.
What’s your favorite piece?
My favorite piece has got to be my Raven. I spent six
hours in the chair for that bird, and it means so much to me. It represents the
pain and struggles I had growing up.
Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?
I live near the beach, and all of my ink is on my upper
body, so yes, people stare a lot. Not many approach and ask though, but if they
do, it's normally about my chest piece.
In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
They do when I'm getting them. When I am on the table, I
feel the pain, but it shortly goes to numbness after an hour or two, then when
they are finished, I can't help but smile because I made it through the worst.
What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
I have two. The crosses are definitely one of the most
significant pieces I have. my grandfathers were my heroes, and they are the
reason why I am in the Army today. I am rarely able to visit their gravesites, so
I tattooed two large crosses, with their nicknames that I used to call them
underneath.
The second is my chest piece. It says "Place Knife
Here" and there is a large knife wound over it. When I was younger, I had
a fiancée, and I was completely head over heels. She meant the world to me, and
I thought it would last forever. She told me she was pregnant, and it lit up my
world. I was going to be a father. After that, I got a phone call from one of
my best friends. My fiancée had gotten an abortion, pawned the ring, and used
the money to buy a plane ticket to California
What’s your next tattoo?
My next tattoo will be adding on to the Edgar Allan Poe
theme for my ribs. Going down the right side of my ribs I am going to have a
large banner with the name Lenore inside of it.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their
first tattoo?
For a first tattoo, I suggest you pick something with a
deep meaning. Do not regret it when it is finished. If you are going to have
any doubts, have them before the artist begins.
What is one thing that life has taught you?
One thing life has taught me is that no matter what
happens, you can ALWAYS stand back up.
Will you be getting anymore?
Yes, plenty
Do you have a favorite quote?
Love, like the coldest December, in the middle of winter,
is bound to die if no one is there to stoke the fires. - Me.
Anything else you would like to add?
They say only the good die young, sounds good to me, who
wants to live until they are ninety.