About

Greetings,

My name is James Orville Real. I am an artist.

As a native of Long Beach, California, I am fortunate to reside in a community with a rich  history of ethnic and cultural diversity. It is within this exciting environment that I draw inspiration for my work, fusing together a diverse range of aesthetic and cultural influences.

My creations embody the synthesis of diverse forces that have shaped my perception. Growing up in the greater Los Angeles area, I was immersed in a myriad of subcultures such as gangs, hip-hop, graffiti, skateboarding, and punk rock, which profoundly impacted my artistic sensibilities.

Since my early childhood, I have been devoted to art making. At the age of thirteen, I experimented with self-tattooing, using a needle and thread. It was at seventeen when  my interest in tattooing deepened after creating my first tattoo for a friend. In 2002, I assumed ownership of American Beauty Tattoo parlor. Over the next two decades, I diligently practiced the art form, while striving to elevate the public's perception of tattooing through  professionalism. 

Driven by my artistic pursuits, I embarked on a path to acquire a formal education in the arts, culminating in a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting from California State University Long Beach. My unwavering passion for the tradition and history of art motivates me to constantly refine my craft, paying homage to the artists who have come before me. 

Whether I am tattooing, painting in my studio, or drawing inspiration from various media, my creative enthusiasm remains undiminished, always striving to stay true to my artistic vision and authentic self.