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WHO SHE IS: Professional Wakeboarder
WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW HER: She’s won many, many contests and has brought national attention to the world of women’s wakeboarding.

     Dallas Friday needs no introduction. If you watch ESPN, you may have seen her collecting an ESPY Award or winning many X-Game titles. If you don’t watch ESPN, but watch TV, perhaps you seen her acting on the ABC Family channel, in a show called Switch. Or maybe you’ve watched her Cheetos commercial or recognized her on Disney’s hit Kim Possible, when her voice and image was reproduced for a cartoon character.
     If you subscribe to magazines, she’s featured in over ten different titles, including major publications like Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, Sports Illustrated, CosmoGIRL! and Southern Living. If you’re an advid newspaper or news follower, she is the 21-year-old Orlando native that almost died two years ago in Singapore, when she severely fractured her femur riding in a contest, and then had to be induced into a medical coma due to complications from surgery.
    Perhaps the internet is more of your media outlet. In that case, she can be found through Wikipedia, Google, You Tube, Facebook, MySpace, www.DallasFriday.com, and the list goes on. To escape Dallas Friday and her media frenzy seems nearly impossible—at least to me. 
     The following interview is unique in that it was specifically done to coordinate with another article I wrote about Dallas for the “Contact Sheet” department in the 2.2 issue of The Standerd: Wakeboard Quarterly. As this interview was conducted in The Standerd office studio, photographer Josh Letchworth took photos of us. This dynamic made for an interesting turn of events. Just as I thought the interview was ending, I invited Josh to jump-in for a few questions. As he did this, Dallas seemed encouraged to open up—and so the interview doesn’t end at all. In fact, some may argue that this where the interview really  begins. 

Jana: What do you want to talk about Dallas? You’ve been interviewed and questioned plenty of times to probably know.
Dallas: What do I want to talk about?

Jana: Yeah, like, what’s on your mind?
Dallas: A busy summer … and it’s about to start. Reality is kicking in, I guess.

Josh: Are you anxious about this summer?
Dallas: Yeah. Now that there is the Queen of Wake Series, there are a lot more contests going on this year. I do stuff for my sponsors all the time too. So it’s going to be a busy summer; it’s going to be fun but it’s going to be hectic.

Jana: Do you have to mentally prepare yourself for it to begin?
Dallas: Yeah. Being away from home is difficult sometimes. It’s been nice being home and relaxing. But I’m motivated for this year … more excited and eager than ever before.

Jana: What do you hope this season brings for you?
Dallas: First off, I just want to remain healthy. I want to finish the season off without making any doctor’s appointments. Then, I just want to have fun and try my best.

Jana: A lot can change between the ages of 18-21. What has changed the most for you in those years?
Dallas: I’ve just become more mature, I guess.

Jana: Are you feeling more responsibility?
Dallas: Yeah, for sure. Not just as a role model but as a business partner to my sponsors, like being on time for things and putting all my effort in. You’ve got to show your sponsors the same support they show you. It seems like to make it in our industry, you can’t just ride good. You’ve got to talk to your sponsors, be responsible, be smart and always remember you have the public eye looking at you from every perspective. I just try to keep my head—no matter where I’m at. Because you’d be surprised; someone’s always watching.

Josh: That’s a good point. There’s always so much more than just being on the water. I really have realized that.  Following you guys around and seeing what you do. I’ve noticed you have to be on a lot—socially—you just have to be on.
Jana: Yeah, that’s true. Describe a typical day for you in season.
Dallas: I usually just wake up and have a Red Bull …

Jana: Oh, come on Dallas. Is that a sponsor plug? [Laughs]
Dallas: No, I’m serious. [Laughs] That’s what I do; I wake up and have a Red Bull. Then, I’ll go for a ride. Then I’ll take care of some business, like phone calls or e-mails. I’ll have lunch. Then, I’ll probably have some kind of photo shoot or event I need to go to. Then hopefully, I’ll get to ride again.

Jana: How many hours do you put on your boat each day?
Dallas: Lately … not much because it’s been real windy. I’ve [also] been busy doing so much of this kind of stuff, it’s been crazy.

Jana: What is the deal with the wind in Orlando? I feel like it has been extra windy this year.
Dallas: Oh yeah, it has.

Jana: Do you think you could ever move away from Orlando?
Dallas: No way. [Laughs] I love Florida; I’m a Florida girl for sure.

Jana: What does this place offer you?
Dallas: First off, my family. I love the weather, I don’t really care for the cold; I love the humidity, even though a lot of people don’t; there are so many lakes; I love being outdoors. It’s just beautiful here. Everyone that comes down here never leaves.

Jana: True. Last year, there were deaths due to bacteria in local lake water. How did that affect you?
Dallas: I’m in the lake more than anyone, especially my lake. It was just unfortunate. I feel for their families. It’s just one of those things you can’t do anything about. [Pauses] I really don’t know what else to say.

Jana: Is it something that you think about when you get into the water?
Dallas: I probably wouldn’t go swimming in shallow, nasty-looking water. But it definitely doesn’t keep me away from riding. That’s for sure.

Jana: What inspires you?
Dallas: What inspires me? Or what motivates me?

Jana: Either.
Dallas: [Thinks]
Josh: Like, what’s the one thing that you can look at, or think about, that puts a smile on your face?
Dallas: I would say watching people do something that they love for a living. I think that’s really cool. Like Parks [Bonifay], [Shaun] Murray, Shaun White, Bucky Lasik, Travis Pastrana—you can really tell that they love the sport that they do. They create their own image and style—that’s inspiring.

Jana: I think some people may feel that same way about you. Do you feel that way about yourself?
Dallas: I don’t really stop and think about myself. I feel like I’ve worked hard … and I’m thankful and appreciative that I’m able to do what I love, and that I have the people that support me, like my family, around me. I’ve been given an opportunity and I don’t think I’ve wasted it. I’ve worked hard; and from what I can tell, it’s paid off.

Jana: Define wakeboarding and what it means to you.
Dallas: It’s my life. [Laughs] Everything I do revolves around it—everyone I talk to, everything I do and the decisions I make. I don’t know Jana … that’s a hard question.

Jana: [Laughs] Alright, let’s lighten it up a bit. You’ve walked many a red carpets, what actually happens on those things?
Dallas: Lots of flashing lights. [Laughs]

Jana: What are you thinking about when those pictures are being taken?
Dallas: Hold a smile. [Laughs] No, it’s cool. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s the world of wakeboarding that I never expected.

Jana: Were you taught how to pose?
Dallas: No! I wouldn’t take the time to learn how to walk down the red carpet—that’d be pretty funny. I just try to be myself and keep a happy face on.

Jana: Where do you keep your ESPY award?
Dallas: Next to the kitchen sink, on the counter. It’s next to my Arby’s Action Sports Award.

Jana: Do other athletes at red carpet events ever call you up to go ride?
Dallas: They don’t ever call me because I don’t give out my number. But sometimes people do say they want to go ride.

Jana: What celebrity numbers do you have in your phone?
Dallas: The newest one I got is Shaun White. [Laughs] I haven’t used it yet, but I will.

Josh: [Laughs] Are you saving that one for the right moment?
Dallas: Yeah, I guess.

Jana: Thanks Dallas, I think I’m all set. Josh, do you want to add anything else? [Josh has finished the photo shoot and takes a seat next to me.]
Josh: Yeah sure. What’s next? I mean, you’re coming off a big injury. Where is your head at? What are your goals?
Dallas: I always have goals and things that I want to accomplish … you have to. Once you have accomplished something, you can’t just stop there. I want to keep riding and stay healthy. Injuries have been a big part of my career, like any athlete. I want to be an inspiration for others that get hurt … because there are always bumps in the road, it’s what makes you stronger. When everything is taken away, you realize how bad you want it. I am definitely working hard and I get frustrated. I just want to be back to where I was, or even better.

Jana: Is there anything you feel like you have to prove?
That’s a tricky question.  I wouldn’t say I feel pressure but … there are … what is the word? [Pauses] Expectations? [Pauses] That’s kind of a weird subject, I’m sorry.

Josh: Weird is good.
Jana: That’s good that they’re adding of more women’s events to the tour this year.
Dallas: Yeah, it’s about time. There are a lot of new, up and coming girls; and I definitely see a lot of potential in a few of them. They seem hungry for it. They’re not just good riders, but motivated good riders—which are two different things. It’s the difference between being good and being the best. Hopefully, we can get more girls into it. I think it’s grown a lot in the past 4-5 years. I’m stoked to be a part of it, and I hope to stay a part of it for many, many more years.

Josh: Do you acknowledge that you have attributed a lot to that?
Dallas: I’ve hoped so. I remember reading interviews and articles when the girls weren’t really pushing themselves; that’s kind of when I got on to the scene. I just started riding hard and riding with the boys. That’s what caught the eye of the public I think. And it may be what motivated the girls a bit, like in the way that girls can do this sport too.

Josh: Do you let the “what’s next” get to you? Or do you block it out and just let your instincts take over?
Dallas: It’s kind of hard to plan the future with everything you want to do. It’s really frustrating thinking about the season with all the contests, photo shoots and obligations that I have.

Jana: How do you stay organized?
Dallas: My mom. It’s crazy though. I try not to think ahead or worry about things you can’t be in control over. I’m not saying I don’t plan things … it’s just, you know?

Josh: Yeah, I know what you mean. But are you still excited about it?
Dallas: Oh yeah. I really am excited. When I’m standing on the dock and about to ride—that’s how I feel about this entire year. I just want to go out there and do it. I’m really anxious. 

Josh: When you think about wakeboarding this year, what pops in your head: a competitive aspect or joy and riding for the love?
Dallas: Everything. I’m a competitive person, so I’m definitely thinking about competitions and how well I’m going to do at them. I think about what’s going to motivate me this year. I kind of think everything happens for a reason. So if I do badly, there is a reason for it. I’ll figure it out in the long run. I’m just excited about this year. I know people want to know where I’m at as far as my riding goes and if I am the “motivated Dallas Friday” that’s going to make a come back. I think about it all the time; it’s weird. I just got to be myself and go out there and do what I’m meant to do. I have a game plan.

Josh: Are you nervous—with your leg—when you ride now?
Dallas: No, not at all. I’ve never been [hesitant] after any of my injuries. I don’t have that mental block, maybe because I did gymnastics. It’s a demanding sport and you must always get back up and do it again … until its right. There is no second guessing, you just have to know that you can do it. I remember when I first did a whirlybird after the doctor let me ride. I was out on the boat with [Josh] Sanders. He was like, “Think about it. You’re gonna commit, right?” He was nervous that I was going to get hurt while he was driving the boat. I was like, “I got it! I got it!” He was like, “Are you sure?” And I said, “Dude, I’m full of it.” He shook his head and said, “Alright Dallas.” I know he was nervous; I would have been too if I was driving the boat. I landed my first three [whirlybirds] and they were better than they were before. It’s just one of those things that you have to have confidence about.

Josh: Where do you see yourself in twenty years?
Dallas: I have no idea where I’ll be at.

Josh: Do you want to have kids? Do you want to get married?
Dallas: Yeah, one day; but way down the road.

Josh: Do you feel that motherly instinct?
Dallas: I’m sure I’ll have kids some day. But I can’t even picture that right now and I don’t have that need. You would have to have a lot of patience. I’m just tryin’ to live my life to the fullest. You have to enjoy it while you can.

Josh: Do you like peace and quiet?
Dallas: Yeah, I do. My time is precious. Alone time and at home time is the best time.

Josh: Do you ever shut-down and turn your phone off?
Dallas: No, not really. I wish I could turn my phone off, but I’d just lose it. I’m already onto my fourth phone this year. It’s ridiculous.

Josh: Where’s your place—the place you go to and completely disconnect, no wakeboarding?
Dallas: Driving in my car, or sitting outside. Sometimes I just sit outside and look around. Probably once a day I say, “I love Florida.” Florida is the best place ever. I feel so fortunate to own a house on a lake with a boat house.

Josh: Where do you want to vacation?
Dallas: People think I’m always on vacation. It’s not true. [Pauses] I’ve always wanted to go to the Maldives.

* Interview Date: April 1, 2008

WHO THEY ARE: Young writer’s from the Page 15 summer camp.
WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW THEM: They are our future.

    
     Page 15 is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping inner city kids discover their voices through reading and creative writing. It’s also a foundation that my best friend Julia has dreamed about doing since we ran laps around Lake Silver for high-school soccer practice. Nearly fifteen years later, she has made the foundation become a reality.
     The Page 15 kick-off is a five-week camp that starts this summer at the Urban Think! Bookstore in Thorton Park. Five groups of kids will meet for one week at the bookstore, for a total of five weeks, to write their first children’s book. They also get the chance to design the cover of their book as told to a professional illustrator, experience a reading of a children’s book by the author himself and cooperate with a musician in writing a class song. When the camp started with its first group, a brilliant but wild bunch of kindergartners, I was there to help Julia corral the young writer’s.
     The highlight for me was interviewing each child for their Author’s Bio found on the back of each writer’s book. The interviews were only meant to be short, but when a couple of the kids started talking I just couldn’t stop. And so I pressed on with more questions until they were ready to end the interview, which wasn’t long. Below are interviews from Justin and Graham, two very talented young men. I can only hope you enjoy the interviews as much as I enjoyed conducting them.

Justin’s Interview

Jana: Do you know what this is called?
Justin: No.

It’s a recorder. Do you know what it does?
No.

It’s going to record our voices. OK?
OK. And then you’re going to put it onto paper at the end.

You got it. How old are you?
6

Where are you from?
Orlando

How long have you lived in Orlando?
100 hours

What do you like about living in Orlando?
I like my X-Box and my PSP game.

What do you not like about Orlando?
Somebody ruined my perfect life.

Somebody ruined your perfect life?
Yeah, that’s right.

How did someone ruin your perfect life?
Because I always tell them something to do … but they don’t do what I do.

Oh, you mean they won’t do what you tell them?
Yeah.

Got it. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go to talk to Mommy; she can take me to the game store.

Have you ever been to Disney?
Yes, I did.

What did you think about it?
It was so good. I went on the Peter Pan ride and then I screamed like this, “Kapoo-whoo kapoo-whoo.” I did.

What is the first thing you think about when you wake up?
I just scream and then I run. And then I push Courtney, and then I lock her up under my pillow. She says, ‘Boy, I’m gonna slap you in the face.’ And she does.

Who is Courtney?
My girlfriend. She always keep on slapping me in the face all day.

Are you in school right now?
Yes.

Are you in school or are you in camp?
[Laughs] I’m in camp.

Do you like camp?
Yeah.

Are you going into the first grade next year?
This is not school. This is camp!

I know, but next year are you going into the first grade?
I don’t know.

OK, well what do you think school will be like next year?
I am not going to school. I want to stay here all day, OK? I don’t want to leave here because I like this. And I like what you do.

Well OK, and thank-you. Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
Hmm. I want to be [pauses] spider-man.

How are you going to go about becoming Spider-man?
I’m going to climb up the walls and I’m gonna spin my web. Then, I’m gonna fly up and catch a bird. Then I’m gonna fly down and give the bird to Mommy. And then I’m going to get the bird a cage.

Do you know who the president of the United States is?
Yes … president Daddy. My Daddy is president.

Who is your hero?
Courtney because she always wants to throw me into the pillows.

Courtney? That’s your girlfriend, right?
Yeah, I know. That’s all … that’s all the question’s I got.

You mean answers? Well, can I ask one more question?
Yes.

How about three more questions?
No, I like one.

Name three things you’d like to do this summer.
I’d like to get a cake, and then I’d like to put the cake in … that is not my question [laughs]. I am just kidding. I’d like to have nice stuff, and I’d like to do good, and I’d like for everybody to do what ever I say.


Graham’s Interview

Jana: Do you remember what this device is called?
Graham: A phone?

No, it looks like a phone. What is it?
I don’t know.

It’s called a recorder. Do you know what it is going to do for us?
Call somebody?

No, it’s going to record our voices. So go ahead and say your full name into the recorder.
[Pauses] I don’t have a full name.

OK, then just say your regular name.
Graham

And how old are you Graham?
5 ½

Where are you from?
Orlando, Fl

How long have you lived in Orlando?
For 100 million days.

What do you like best about living in Orlando?
I like my new baby sister … baby Sarah.

What do you not like about Orlando?
That we had to move to a different house and I still miss the old house.

If you could go anywhere in the entire world, where would you go?
I would go back to the time of the dinosaurs and fight the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

What is the first thing that you think about when you wake up in the morning?
The first thing that I think about when I wake up is checking on my pet tadpole.

Does the tadpole have a name?
Uh hmm, his name is Taddy.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Max

Are you in school right now?
No.

Are you in camp?
Yes.

What do you like about camp?
I like making books for my mommy and daddy.

Are you starting kindergarten this year?
[He shakes his head yes.]

What do you think kindergarten will be like?
I think it’ll be, like, a lot of homework and you will go on a field trip to the zoo.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A fisherman. And then when I’m finished being a fisherman, I’ll be a horse rider … and then a zookeeper.

How are you going to go about becoming a fisherman?
I’m going to catch a lot of fish—maybe even a saw-fish.

Do you know who the president of the United States is?
The person that … I don’t know.

Well do you know what the president might do?
He might tell people to do good things.

Who is your hero?
[Pauses]

Do you have a hero?
Um, no … wait, I do have a hero. It’s the girl that was wearing a white shirt yesterday; she helped me not throw up.

Miss Julia?
Yeah.

Why were you going to throw up?
Because I went too fast on that blue thing that goes around and around. [He is referring to the blue spin bucket at the playground in Lake Eola Park.]

Name three things you are going to do this summer.
I am gonna go to Montana for my birthday. Two, I am gonna go to Maine. And three, I’m gonna go fishing with Cole.

What is your favorite food?
Chicken nuggets and French fries … I’m thirsty.

To learn how you can donate or become a part of Page 15, please visit www.page15.org.

* Interview date: June 11, 2008

WHO HE IS: A tattooer
WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW HIM: You never know when his work may be walking by you.    

      “Hey! Do you want to come over on Wednesday,” asked my friend Shelby. She is my neighbor that lives on the 9th floor; I live on the 10th. “I am making lasagna and Jozlin is getting his tattoo worked on.”
     “Um, yeah! Do you think the tattooer will want to tattoo me? And then, let me interview him at the same time?”
     “I can ask.”
     “That’d be sweet. I was going to go do that this week.”
     “Do what? Get tattooed?”
     “Yeah. And if I don’t have to leave the building to do it, even better.”
     “I don’t see why he couldn’t. I’ll call you.”
     Before Shelby had stopped me at the pool over the weekend, I was narrowing down tattoo shops to visit. It was time for more ink, but mostly I wanted to interview a tattooer. Thanks to her, I may not even leave my building. She’s having a tattooer come over her house as a present to her boyfriend. The tattooer’s work was already all over Jozlin; and I was a fan.

                                                                                ***

     There is lasagna in the oven. Everyone is chatting around the kitchen bar while Shelby pours wine. There are moments in life that feel scripted. As soon as the doorbell rings, I know it’s Joe and I feel like I am in a movie.
     Joe is skinny and smells like Marlboro Reds. He has longer brown hair that is pulled back into a ponytail, but not pulled all the way through. He is no stranger to wearing ponies. He is wearing jeans, a black T-shirt (that he later tells me is from his favorite tattoo shop), cowboy boots and a short, scruffy mustache and beard. It appears that his body has tattoos on top of tattoos; I imagine this is probably because he ran out of space on his body.
     “Hi, I am Joe.”
     “I’m Jana, nice to meet you.” We shake hands and look around the room. “So you’re cool with me interviewing you while you work.”
     “Yeah. It’s cool.”
     “Awesome.”
     “What kind of tattoo are you thinking of getting?”
     I show Joe pictures of the small bird I’ve envisioned on my wrist for the past few months. As I explain the details, I cannot believe the words that are coming out of my mouth. There was one point in my life that I shunned tattoos; I’ve also never been a big fan of birds. Yet, today it feels right. So I tell the stranger how I’d like to have the bird tattooed on my body.
     “So what do you think?”
     “How about I draw something up for you? I prefer to free-hand everything.”
     “Um, sure. You’re the expert.”
     “I’ll take care of you, don’t worry. I’m going to go set-up and smoke a cigarette. And then after that, we’ll get started.”
      I watch him walk out onto the balcony. He pulls out his cigarettes, lights one and takes a long drag. I can still run, but I don’t.

Jana: What am I nervous about? Um, just that it looks nice.
Joe: [Laughs] I have my portfolio in the car that I can go get for you.

No, it’s cool.
Just because you’ve seen a couple of my tattoos, doesn’t mean anything. Do you want me to go get my portfolio?

No.
Are you sure?

Positive. It’s just that it’s forever …
You could have this gone in a month if you wanted.

How?
Lasers. [Laughs]

I heard that is terribly painful.
[Laughs] I didn’t say it was going to be easy; I said it was going to be possible.

Once I’m ready to commit, I can commit … I think.
You know, I’ve been tattooing since ’95. And there is something to be said about the experience—as you see it happening. Even if you want a little tattoo, it’s yours. I like to draw them on personally, but that’s just me. It took me a long time to be comfortable with my artistic ability. So where were you thinking about getting it?

Right here. [I point to my wrist.]
So, I’m gonna start drawing it as big as I think we should go, and then I’ll let you tell me when to go smaller. [He begins to draw.] How’s that?

I like it.
Which way do you want to fly?

I want to fly towards the inside, like this. I’ve left the picture there on the floor for you.
Oh good. It’s like you’ve done this before.

Not like this, this is my first in-house experience.
Is that what’s making you nervous?

No, but what are the benefits of tattooing in someone’s home? Besides the obvious—comfort.
That is the No. 1 thing … and it’s more personal. You know? I personally have been conflicted the whole time I’ve been doing it because fundamentally, I was taught this is not what you’re suppose to do. You’re supposed to tattoo in a shop. But when you consider how many shops there are and the experience you get as a human being going into them, I think this is a more positive experience.

So is it going to hurt?
Yeah. [Laughs] Do you want me to lie to you and say no?

No.
I didn’t think so. There would go the initial part of our trust right there.

True. Is there any spot on the body that is more sensitive than others?
There are a lot of places that are sensitive—your wrist is a good one. The wrist is tricky but it won’t be any different than this one. [He points to my other tattoo.]

Great. So I choose sensitive areas?
So far, you’re picking good ones. However, there are more sensitive places than those—that I can assure you.

It’s probably not cool to talk about the pain of tattooing, huh?
That was the funny thing about working with the old guys in tattooing—and I have worked with a lot of old guys. [They would say] in the old days, a lot of times the people they were tattooing were going off to war. And hell, they might not even come home. So what was a tattoo? Not pain. And were they going to lose face to all those sailors? No.

You are going to be extra careful when using that needle, right? It’s permanent.
Um yeah, that’s the idea.

[Laughs] These must be the questions everyone asks right before they get tattooed?
Yes and no.

What is the most frequently asked question?
Will it hurt? So I guess yeah. Or where is the worst place to get it? My favorite answer to that has always been “prison.”

[Laughs] Yes, I can imagine how that could be bad. What is the most frequently requested tattoo?
It changes over the years.

What part of the body is best for ink?
The skin. [Laughs]

Well then what place do you enjoy tattooing the most?
That’s a hard question. There are places that are tricky. But what’s my favorite place to tattoo? [Pauses] That’s a tough question, maybe the outside of a calf or the outside of an arm. The inside of the arm can be fun because the person can lie down and get comfortable. Then, it’s like I’m not even working on a human being—but of course I am and I know that.

What is the strangest tattoo you’ve ever done?
That’s another question I get. First, you have to ask: what is strange? By request, I’ve tattooed a body suit [this is from the chest and below] on this guy of humans with horse heads having sex. They were like centaurs but reversed—very graphic images, a super colorful fantasy. He is still having more work done to it.

Doesn’t that make you wonder about his personal life?
Yeah, he told me where it came from. You learn a lot about people’s personalities with tattooing, even if you don’t want to. It’s like I am a keeper of the secrets. The cool part is you get to hear this stuff. The uncool part is that I have to keep that secret; I have to hold on to that weird-ass stuff.

[Laughs] That’s totally valid.
[He finishes drawing on my arm.] OK, you are going to have to trust me. I know you can’t see the details but this is what it’s going to look like. The marker is much thicker than it will be.

OK. I just want it to be dainty and cute—anything but hardcore.
You got it. I promise.

It’s just that I’m not hardcore.
I picked up on that. Stars … stars are the most requested tattoo. You had asked earlier.

Right, I have some of those. Does it feel powerful to permeate your art onto someone’s body?
It’s gratifying, but a fleeting gratification. Sometimes, people don’t realize what I go through to tattoo them. The art—nine times out of ten—isn’t ever really appreciated.

Like they don’t know what you’re capable of?
That’s a great way to put it. But the average person doesn’t appreciate art, that’s where it is fleeting. It’s wonderful when you can help people. You know what I mean? There is that aspect; you can see it on television. Fundamentally, I absolutely hate that they are putting tattooing on television because they portray it as something it is not; they marginalize it.

What is tattooing to you then?
It’s my life. It’ everything; it’s my history; it’s something I want to be a part of. I get joy from putting tattoos on people, whether it be a little baby sparrow or a whole front. I think it deserves the same amount of energy and appreciation from me. If not, then I’m not going to sell you short … for forever. If I don’t like it, then I won’t do it. That’s another advantage to this kind of environment for tattooing. I have more—and less—control. I have less control over the environment, but I have more control over the tattooing. I can walk away. When you work for somebody, you don’t have that option. And I don’t necessarily mean walk away but rather guide you to a better tattoo. Ultimately, it’s my job to make sure you have a tattoo that looks good today, tomorrow and 20-years from now. There shouldn’t be any regrets. And if there is, it isn’t because I didn’t give you 100% of me.

So have you turned down people?
Yeah, it’s the luxury of what I do. And if it’s something I can’t turn down, then it’s more money. The price of your tattoo is easily determined by your attitude. People seem to forget that and I don’t understand why—I can charge whatever I want. [He starts the gun.]

Some people won’t do little tattoos.
Some people have big egos don’t they? [He starts tattooing.]

How did you first get involved with tattooing?
Getting tattooed; and then being at the right place at the right time. I think being nice helps. I got involved in tattooing through photography, another art form I truly love. I took pictures of someone being tattooed once—I was doing mostly photography at that point in my life—and I brought the tattooer some pictures. He didn’t work a camera very well. So he asked me to do it and in exchange he taught me how to tattoo. Looking back, he mostly taught me what not to do because he gave me a lot of ugly tattoos.

What should people be weary of when getting tattooed?
Obviously, there is the sanitation aspect of tattooing. But in today’s world, honestly, everything I do with regards to sanitation is a lot more for me than you. I know that sounds like a shitty thing for me to say, but it’s what I have to do everyday. I have to act like everybody I tattoo has Hepatitis. I get tested every year to make sure I don’t.
     You know? Do your research and find a tattooer that you trust. If for any reason you don’t feel comfortable, walk the hell away. You are the one in control. You have the ultimate veto over your body, not me.

What did you practice on when you first started?
Friends I don’t talk to anymore … and myself. I tattooed myself first.

Where do tattooers go to get tattoos?
Other tattooers they respect. I’ve gotten tattooed all over the country. How are you doing?

I’m good. How are you doing?
I’m doing great. I don’t feel a thing. [Laughs] Are you doing OK really? I feel bad now.

[Laughs] I’m good. How can you tell a tattoo artist may be inexperienced?
That’s a hard one. They all think they are the biggest, baddest thing out there. An old-timer told me, “People are going to tell you that you are a legend and that you are the best tattooer … blah, blah, blah … but the second you believe that shit you need to put your machine down and go home.”

Are you a saran wrap and Vaseline kind of guy or …
Yes. That’s a weird-ass question to ask. [Laughs] But an honest question for a tattooer.

Why Saran wrap?
Saran wrap creates its own environment. You’re leaving with a sterile wound and [by wrapping it in saran wrap] I trap it in its own sterile environment. Your white blood cells rush to the surface of the skin and so they are trapped there; and it’s healing in its own environment. When you clean that off 4-5 hours later, you’re cleaning off what mostly would have formed a scab. And so your body heals easier. If you take care of it after that your usually good to go.

What wrecks tattoo?
People.

What about the sun?
Yeah the sun. It’s all how you take care of yourself.

How many dollars of ink do you have on your body?
Dollars? Oh boy, that’s a good one—and tricky. I’ve traded a lot of tattoos with friends. I’d say more than $10,000 and less than $30,000. But that doesn’t count travel time, travel cost, friendships and relationships lost …

Over tattoos?
Yeah. It’s all or nothing.

What could break up a friendship?
Money and women—the same things that breaks up most friendships.

How long will you tattoo?
Until they take the tattoo machine out of my dead hand. [The tattoo session has ended.] So what do you think?

[I shake my head yes.]
Pretty, isn’t it? Now, we can keep going with him all the way around like this …

No-no! [Laughs] At least not yet.
[Laughs]

* Interview Date: 5/28/08

Stay tuned…

- Jana

WHO HE IS: A local writer
WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW HIM: He’s the third oldest man alive with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy.

     On more than one occasion, a complete stranger has yelled out to me, “Hey that looks like fun!” The strange thing about this remark is that I wasn’t participating in anything fun at all. I was simply driving my wheelchair from one place to another (not even fast). These comment has baffled me and I’ve wondered, “Why would someone say such a thing to me?”
     I’ve thought, “Have they mistaken my wheelchair for a go-kart? Or maybe they think I’m test-driving a segway—a new one that accommodates to a seated position? Are these people challenged, like mentally challenged? Perhaps they meant it as a compliment? ” Then it dawned on me, “What if I’m driving around town with a smile on my face that insinuates that wheelchair driving is a good time? In that case, I would need to check myself in a mirror immediately.”
    After obsessively studying myself in every full-length mirror that I’ve come across, I’ve rendered this study inconclusive. However, I feel a need to tell those that may be misinformed that wheelchair living is difficult (even though this is something I do not talk about often). For me, it means more time spent getting ready, needing and depending on help each day, consistently dropping things on the floor that I cannot pick-up myself, dealing with back-aches and other uncomfortable ailments and this is what is guaranteed on a good day. So perhaps you can imagine what a bad day in a wheelchair may be like—I like to call it Frustration City, which last time I checked is located far away from any place I would call fun. 
    Luckily and coincidently, when I am living in Frustration City, something encouraging always happens to me and I am able to pull myself together. It’s been something simple, like a hot chocolate waiting for me when I’ve gotten to class. Or something much more complicated, like a woman explaining how her 16-year-old daughter will never be able to drive since she has lost function of her body due to a nerve disease like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). During the most recent meltdown, I came across Scott Sands blog.
     Scott Sands is a friend and former patient of my pal Shannon, a Speech Therapist. She has talked about Scott for years. Mainly, that he is an amazing writer and that he too is confined to a wheelchair. Unlike me who is paralyzed, he has Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy; a degenerative muscular disease that is hereditary and effects only males.
     As a baby, Scott appeared to have normal control over his body. Then, as he started to grow and around the age of 5-years-old, he slowly began losing muscle function starting with his hips and legs. Now that he is 41-years-old, Scott is left with only minimal function of his left index finger and a machine that helps him breathe. He blogs because he is a writer, but also because technically he was not supposed to live past 30-years-old. It is amazing to think he has succeeded this goal by over a decade.  
    I could sense Scott was feeling the same loss of motivation that I was when I began to read his blog, however, his was on a much bigger scale.  As I sat feeling hopeless about trivial things and wanting to watch reality TV; Scott was contemplating what would happen if his breathing machine suddenly quit and promising each of his nurses that he wouldn’t die on their shift. My melt down suddenly seemed as ridiculous as strangers calling wheelchairs fun.
    The following interview is unlike any one I have ever done before. Scott had to time his answers to my questions with the exhale of his breathing machine. There