5 questions with Park Slope's Al Fliction, Tattoo Artist

Photo via Gowanuslounge.com

Born and raised on St. John Place between 6th and 7th Avenue, Al Fliction grew up airbrushing t-shirts and graffiting the NYC landscape. Now an owner of two tattoo shops, with a Brooklyn location at 1626 Bedford Ave, he specializes in urban tattoo inking reminiscent of the street art of his youth. Tonight he is taking over Spike Network's Ink Master show with his urban tattoo style.

Al is having a launch party for the show's premiere tonight at 200 Fifth sports bar. The party begins at 8pm and the show airs at 10PM.  A few days ago I had a nice email exchange with the artist, who answered a few questions about his own tattoos, and what it was like to grow up in the Slope.

Why did you decide to do this show?

The main reason I did the show was to show the world that people of color are accelerating in tattooing. 

You must be covered in ink. What are you sporting?

I have my entire back done with a scene from the movie Gladiator. Both of my arms are sleeved out. My chest is done with a Polynesian tribal tattoo and I have the Brooklyn Bridge on my neck.

What is your most symbolic tattoo?

My most symbolic tattoo would have to be my Gladiator Maximus back piece. I been through a lot in my life and have stayed strong and fought many battles. Just like Maximus Decimus Meridius, who was the general in the Roman army, ended up a slave, and forced to become a gladiator. His family was killed but he stayed strong and overcame all the obstacles in his life.

You grew up in this neighborhood. What are some of your favorite haunts?

I love growing up in Park Slope, it was so diverse. I had friends from all backgrounds, from brownstones to the projects. I remember playing in an Old Stone House on 3rd Street. People use to say George Washington slept there one night. I remember walking home from Douglas Street pool with no sneakers cause they were stolen while we swam. Those were good times.

What kind of tattoos do you think Park Slopers have?

My guess would be they have all different genres of ink. There are so many different types of people living here, I would guess a star tattoo to a shamrock, or maybe even a rainbow.

Here's Al's video bio on Ink Master, which airs tonight at 10PM on Spike TV.