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Body Art

Tuesday, June 12, 2007 Ambulatory canvases: Byron Velásquez, interviewed by Velcro

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Virtually everyone to whom I've shown Byron Velásquez's site -- http://www.byrontattoos.com -- reacts with the same degree of praise. From "wow, how does he get his colors to be so saturated?" to "damn, his tats is dope!," Velásquez's work summons up an almost guttural impression from anyone with an eye for the marks of a talented artist. A young New Yorker of Ecuadorian descent, graffiti veteran, ex-inhabitant of Puerto Rico and now professional, renowned body artist, Byron Velásquez is able to marry happily his canvases of flesh with his skilled, measured strokes, all with a remarkable sensibility for both beauty and newness.

Velcro: There's a distinct presence of graffiti-style characters and letters in some of your work. What else from your graffiti background do you bring into your work as a tattoo artist?

Byron: I feel that my graff background has given me the ability to bring a more free-style approach to tattooing. Graffiti has allowed me to be more daring. When I work a freehand drawing on a person's skin I'll invite more of an organic growth, maybe flip it more fluid, allow the two to become one with the person. NO FEAR.

V: Why did you shift away from graffiti? And why specifically towards body art?

B: Can't run as fast as I used to. Body art pays!!!

V: What would you say distinguishes you from other tattoo artists?

B: Focused on building self-style from day one. Self-taught, few influences... what up Dräco! Combining street art with my Inca roots.

V: You mention in your bio that Eduardo Tirado (owner of the now-closed shop Storm Riders, which used to sell Harley Davidson items for visitors of Old San Juan) helped you "take [your] talent in a new direction." How?

B: Airbrushing in the Lower East Side in NYC to tattooing in a happening Harley Davidson shop called Storm Riders in Old San Juan, PR., was my new direction! Eduardo Tirado gave me the key to an empty shop to do as I pleased; and through this, tattooing became my profession with help from a Boricua!

V: Do you find that Puerto Rico appreciates body art in general? Your art in particular?

B: In the beginning in P.R. -- 1991 -- there wasn't a whole lot of tattooing in general. Indio's was the one and only spot in San Juan. For me, P.R. was the first place my art was wanted. By the time I left I felt a greater appreciation for tattooing from the public. I like to think my art gave P.R. a greater appreciation for tattooing as well.

V: What would you say to the closed-minded old-schooler who deems body art "mutilation"? Where have you found there to be the most people who might think like this?

B: In today's day and age most people can see tattoo as an art form; and those who think otherwise, can most likely be found in an old-age home collecting dust!!!

V: In your site there are also pictures of your paintings. What are some of the themes and/or techniques that you've been exploring lately in your non-body art?

B: Usually tattooing is what people request of me. Painting is self-expression. There is no theme in my paintings, if not a dedication, abstract creation. I live an abstract life...

V: What can we expect from you in the near future—any projects, exhibits, conventions, etc.?

B: One-man show, center ring in Cirque de Soleil!!!

velcro@phantomvox.com