I got my first tattoo at 15 in Newport, RI when I was in summer school (for math, always for math) at St. George's. The tat was a tiny third eye and honestly stunk, but through the years I have added eight more. So for the big double digit 10th skin ink, I was honored and thrilled to be tattooed by a master, Ami James, who just opened his first New York shop in SoHo called Wooster Street Social Club. Ami isn't just an amazing artist, he's also the star and (handsome) face of TLC's insanely popular reality show Miami Ink. (Israeli-born, James lived in Israel and Egypt before moving to Miami at age 12). Next up for James is NY Ink (which started filming last March and just wrapped. For my masterpiece tattoo, I got Edward Gorey's (whose work I collect) "The Insect God." Needless to say, tattoos are like potato chips -- one is never enough and I will be visiting James for #11 soon. Apres-tattoo (painless, by the way), the recent New York transplant and I had a chat.

What was your first tattoo? What is the story behind it?

I got "Miami Punk" tattooed on my leg when I was 13. Thank God I got to live through the greatest parts of the '80s, and that was something I had tattooed for the experience. It will always help me remember that time in my life.

What can we expect to see on NY Ink?
I think the best way to put the answer to that question in words is: 'You never know what to expect.'

What was it like coming here from Miami and opening Wooster Street Social Club?
It was a dream come true opening a shop in SoHo, which was almost untouchable five years. Since SoHo is one of the great art mecca's, we finally feel like we're bridging the gap between the art world and the tattoo world. For these two things to be accepted by collectors and art appreciators in one location is an ultimate goal for my life.

Why did you install a kick boxing ring in the basement of your shop?
The kick boxing ring is just to keep it real. It's something I have a passion for and that's what I do. It's also a good way to solve shop problems.

How many tattoos do you have and will you get any more?
At this point, I have one large tattoo all over my body. I can only add a little bit here and there. I will get more added to my legs. I want to fill in the blanks.

Who do you go to for your tattoos? Have you ever tattooed yourself?

I really enjoy having Chris Garver tattoo me. And I have tattooed myself. When I first started it is hard to find guinea pigs.

Tell me about your clothing line, Ami James Ink, and future plans.
The Ami James Ink line is growing everyday. I feel lucky to take my art and add it to a medium for young people and all ages to enjoy. What better way to expand?