Where did you get your first Tattoo and Do you know by who?
A. I got my first tattoo at Big Joe & Son's tattoo, in
Mt. Vernon, NY. It was done by the owner, Big Joe Kaplan.Q2. What was going through your mind when you
got your first tattoo?
A. I was kinda scared that it would be painful because I had
built it up in my mind to be this terrible thing, but Joe told me not to worry, and he was
right.
Q3. Is there a meaning behind your 1st Tat and what is it if
you care to share?
A. My first tattoo was a Black Rose of Death, in memory of my
mother, who passed away when I was little. I chose the black rose because when she passed
away, some of the "color" from my life left with her.
Q4. What is your favorite
Tattoo, where is it and why?
A. I have 10 tattoos so far, but my favorite is my Celtic
piece, done by Craig Cooley at Abstract Tribal Tattoo, in New York City, NY. It is on my
back, from shoulder to shoulder, top of the neck down to the middle of the back. For me,
the knotwork and the images of the fighting beasts entwined in battle represent the
sometimes 'never-ending' struggles that we all must deal with in our daily lives.
Q5. What advice can you give people who are looking to get
ink for the first time?
A. When you choose an artist for your first tattoo, make sure
that you check some of his/her work first. A good artist will be proud of his/her work, so
they will most likely have photo albums available. Look for photo's of real work done by
the artist, not just the flash on the walls. Anyone can hang a sheet of flash, but it
doesn't mean they can tattoo one of those designs on you. Also, think about what you
REALLY want before the needle hits the skin - you're going to have to explain that tattoo
to someone, perhaps your grand-kids, years from now.
