A black and white photo of a muscular man with tattoos on his arm, wearing glasses, and flexing his arm, surrounded by an ornate gold frame.

I started drawing as a child, comic books being my inspiration.  I’ve been in a few art contests in high school, winning awards for ‘first place’ in my school and ‘best of show,’ over all the high schools and adult division in my county, two times.

      I actually got inspired to tattoo in 2001, while I was incarcerated in Jamestown conservation center. When I paroled in 2003, I walked into a tattoo shop, called Lucky Star tattoos, 3 Days later I was working there. So, without telling everyone about my crazy life, let’s just say, I’ve been tattooing since then, off and on, depending on what was going on in my life.

My specialty is my versatility. I do everything. I do prefer a challenge. very detailed, realistic black and grey, dark images are my favorite though.    

Tattooing has allowed me to express myself in many forms on people’s skin that last forever. Unlike canvas or other art media, that can be lost, or damaged and never seen again. I’m saying that because all my artwork from the past is gone. Lost stolen, or damaged. So, it’s nice to do amazing work and to simply take pics that last forever.

      My interests include, painting, drawing, working out and trying to be a better person everyday. Guess the last could be a goal, but it’s easier to consider it a  hobby, because it’s something I’m trying to perfect on a daily. And like a hobby, it takes practice and dedication. Ive watched artists, like Bob Tyrell, Paul Booth, Guy Aitchison and others, grow and become world renowned, they have inspired me to be better, I respect & admire that.

    I’m inspired by hundreds of other artists, in the tattoo industry, as well as outside of tattooing, who are AMAZING in today’s modern art world.

I have met and love many people in the world of tattooing. My first real influence, Lucky McGovern. He was the very first to give me s shot at tattooing in a tattoo shop, and taught me the ropes. Thank you brother. I do really appreciate your giving me a chance to be where I am today. You’ll always have my respect and love.

BOOK WITH JAMES
A group of seven people, including three children, gathered outside on a patio. They are sitting and standing, with a background of a wooden fence, some trees, and a house. There is a large screen on the left displaying a nature scene with mountains and sky.
Man in a black suit and tie taking a selfie in a mirror, standing in a home gym with yellow and black workout equipment, weights, and a stool.