Mark Lawrence

Meet Mark Lawrence, Artist/Tattoo Artist

Mark has been doing art ever since he could remember. In fact, he sold his first piece of art at just 9 years old. As Mark got older, he then started dabbling in graffiti art linking up with other graffiti artists such as “Nicer Bio” and “BG183.” “We were a close knit group” says Mark. “We all grew up together in the Bronx and the more work we did together, the more the world saw us… they are actually my biggest inspirations.”

However, growing up Bronx was tough for Mark. He ended up in jail and wasn’t able to keep working with his closest friends. But like a true artist, he pivoted and ended up dabbling in tattoo art. “I missed drawing on trains and walls. But I figured what’s better than drawing on trains and walls? People! And they don’t just wash it off, it stays for life!”

Mark’s little brother Izzy was a longtime tattoo artist and taught him everything he knows to this day and in fact pushed him to be better. “Tattooing is in my blood,” says Mark. “The tattoo journey became a spiritual journey for me allowing me to touch as many souls possible. My soul is the tattoo machine. The spray paint is my blood. The brushes my bones.”

Mark has worked on many projects including a collaboration with “TATS CRU” on the Black Lives Matter mural in Manhattan. He has also worked with Ray Sierra on the 50 Cent wall. But what Mark is most proud of is what he is doing for the younger generation and giving back. “I want to inspire and teach generations that they have the power to be anything they want through art and knowledge. Teaching them to be financially free and independent allowing them to navigate this new world and paint it their own way.”

You can follow Mark and all of his projects on IG @marklawrence421 and visit his website at www.marklawrence421.com for more info and appointments.

Thanks for all you do Mark!