Jesse Pagz from Los Angeles , California
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in a small town inConnecticut
I was born and raised in a small town in
How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you? Overall, I really enjoyed growing up there. It's absolutely
beautiful, I received an excellent education, and all of my family members
lived close by so we were able to spend a lot of time together. I always looked
forward to dinner at my Aunt's house every Sunday evening where she would make
the most amazing Italian dishes. I miss that the most. I knew at an early age I
didn't want to spend the rest of my life there. There are some extraordinary
people where I'm from with a heart of gold, but some people around my age have
their priorities mixed up. Those individuals influenced me to be a more
successful person. I don't want people like that in my life, not because I
think I'm better than anyone, but because I am better off without them. I left
to pursue my dreams and explore what the world has to offer me and I've been
doing that ever since.
When did you start getting tattoos?
I got my first tattoo a
few weeks after I turned 18. In all honesty, I knew very little about tattoos
and the extraordinary talent that exists in the industry. I didn't become more
educated until I dated someone who was completely covered in tattoos. He taught
me the difference between quality over quantity and to explore which artists
really fit my needs/wants/requirements.
How would you describe your style?
In general my style changes all the time. As for tattoos, I'm a sucker for portraits that have an element of fantasy attached to them. All of my tattoos are, for lack of a better word, 'evil', but they are blasted with oranges, blues, reds, and purples.
In general my style changes all the time. As for tattoos, I'm a sucker for portraits that have an element of fantasy attached to them. All of my tattoos are, for lack of a better word, 'evil', but they are blasted with oranges, blues, reds, and purples.
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Absolutely! My skin allows me the opportunity to express my
happiness and sadness in a more therapeutic and beautiful way. After my right
sleeve is completed I will be able to look at it and know that even in darkness
I am loved unconditionally. When I look at my Freddy Krueger tattoo done by
Mike DeVries, I remember how much I loved watching A Nightmare on Elm Street
What's your favorite piece?
That is such a difficult question to answer!! I don't think
I could pick just one!
Do you catch people staring at you because of your ink?
I think people stare at me for a couple different reasons, of course, one of which is because of my tattoos. Usually, people initiate conversation with me about my dog, Bruce or my knuckle tattoos which say, "Born Dead." I never mind talking to people about my art work unless it's regarding my knuckle tattoos. Even though I wear a few of my scars on my skin doesn't automatically give people the right to make my business their business.
What's your most significant tattoo and why?
My dog, Bruce located on my right shoulder. Once the sleeve
is finished he will be acting as Cerberus, guarding the gates of Hell. I've
been through a lot and it wasn't until Bruce when I started to appreciate what
life had to offer and learn to love. I don't want to get too emotional, but if
it weren't for Bruce I wouldn't be here. I don't believe in much, but I do
believe that Brucie and I were meant to be together. We have a long, six year
history, which can't be summed up in a short paragraph, but he gave me a reason
to live. He has the most beautiful soul and I love him more than anything.
What's your next tattoo?
My favorite horror icon of all time, Pinhead.
What is one thing life has taught you?
Sometimes parents actually know what they're talking about :)
Will you be getting more?
YES! I won't stop until my entire back and sleeves are finished.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“The true genius shudders at incompleteness and usually prefers silence to saying something which is not everything it should be.” - Edgar Allan Poe
Anything else you would like to add?
What's your next tattoo?
My favorite horror icon of all time, Pinhead.
What is one thing life has taught you?
Sometimes parents actually know what they're talking about :)
Will you be getting more?
YES! I won't stop until my entire back and sleeves are finished.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“The true genius shudders at incompleteness and usually prefers silence to saying something which is not everything it should be.” - Edgar Allan Poe
Anything else you would like to add?
Please support me as an H2Ocean model and check me out in
the latest issue of Bound by Ink Special Edition, Altered Egos. Also, you can
add me here:
www.facebook.com/jessepagz for
updates and new pictures constantly!! It's also where you can keep up with the
status of my clothing line that will be launching at the end of this year!!!
Thank you so much for this interview! It was a pleasure :)
Photo credits in order:
Danger Ninja, Aaron Riveroll, Malachi Banales, Mary Taylor Photo, Perry Gallagher.