Chris Nuñez, one of the tattoo artists featured in TLC's Miami Ink, graced the 14th annual South Padre Island BikeFest on Saturday, October 13.  The event, which is the Island's largest motorcycle festival, kicked off last Thursday, October 11, at the SPI Convention Center and Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.

Nuñez's appearance at SPI BikeFest proved to be one of the event's highlights.  SPI BikeFest coordinator Mark Lacy expected as much, as “these guys from the cable channels bring in a lot of fans.

For SPI BikeFest, Nuñez sat through two autograph signing sessions, during which he also posed for pictures with attendees, at the convention center.  The first session was held from 10 am to 12 noon while the second one was held from 2pm to 4:30pm.  He also served as a guest judge for the Tattoo Contest and Kids Temporary Tattoo Contest.

“I try not to judge [tattoo contests],” Chris Nuñez told the Brownsville Herald on Saturday with a smile, “but I'll do it if I'm asked to.”

Falcon Heights resident Yesenia Hinojosa told the Brownsville Herald that “it's cool” Nuñez came to SPI BikeFest.

“We always see the show.  I'm a fan,” Hinojosa said.

Nuñez's trip to SPI BikeFest marked the first time he set foot on South Texas.  He said he had to work non-stop when he arrived in the area, which is why he had not gotten the chance to do much sightseeing.

Chris Nuñez entered the world of tattooing after starting his career as a graffiti artist. He received his first tattoo at the age of 16.  Later on, he headed to Brazil in a leisuire trip but ended up staying in the South American country for five years.  He then traveled across Europe, which enabled him to work with various tattoo artists.  The experience further honed his artistic sense and added to his knowledge of tattooing.

Currently, Chris Nuñez is busy handling a number of business ventures with Miami Ink costar and fellow tattoo artist, Ami James, including the DeVille USA clothing line, the Love/Hate Lounge and the tattoo shop featured on the show.


-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Brownsville Herald
(Image Courtesy of TLC)