OS: Tell us about your first tattoo.

BV: My first tattoo was on my chest at 16 years old, way back as a teenager rebelling in the Lower East Side.

OS: What do you love the most about what you do?

BV: What I love about being a tattoo artist... I could come into work with my polka dot underwear and a tie and it will be accepted... I only deal with true colors not faded souls.

OS: What role does music plays in your shop?

BV: Everything is like a beat to the rhythm of my creation..It is needed!..With music came my understanding to capability and imagination.. I dabble in music.. Hobbies save lives.

OS: Some cool guys from the music world have some of your ink on them... Care to name a few?

BV: The Niña, The Pinta and The Santa María... Just playing. That question is always a hard one, because I have famous friends and there's also clients that are huge in there fields and others wouldn't recognize it....I'll throw a few, David la Chapelle, Robi Draco Rosa , Todd Oldham, David Morales, Junior Vasquez... and many more...

OS: What do you say to people who won't get a tattoo for fear of the pain?

BV: If you live in fear then there is no "remedio" for you...

OS: How big of a pussy was Haru when you did his tattoo?

BV: Haru was a trooper and a fiend...kept coming for more.. I think we are talking on other Tattoos...

OS: We're pretty sure that's happening.. Anything else you want to add before we leave you alone?

BV: I want to take this moment to say that I would be interested in tattooing in that beautiful land of yours.. So, any connections.. let's set up ground!

OS: We sure hope we can see that happen soon..

Learn more about Byron and his art  Abstract Black NYC

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