Meet Yvonne Byers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yvonne Byers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yvonne, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk taking has always been something that intrigues me. The enticing factor of doing something scary, or that has the potential to lead to something “bad” offers me the challenge to try and create something beautiful and wonderful out of a rocky situation. Throughout my life I’ve learned that living in fear has done me no good. This fear, I believe, is within all of us. But we can choose to let it grow or keep it at bay by reassuring ourselves that we can do whatever we put our minds to no matter how cheesy that sounds. Our minds are powerful tools and can help us immensely or keep us from living, all due to fear. Taking risks has proven again and again that any fear I have isn’t as positively powerful as the outcome that happens when I take risks, whether it be quitting a 9-5 and focusing on art, or bombing a hill on a skateboard. Of course, there needs to be some knowledge and guidelines to the risk you take, like wearing a helmet when bombing a hill or saving just enough money to float while getting your groundings for your art career set up, I try and continue taking risks because life is here for us to live. I have to push myself to get out of my comfort zone because that’s where growth occurs. There are ebbs and flows of the growth in my life but I find that the spikes in self growth, knowledge, and wisdom all come from taking risks and having faith that things will be okay. That hope, the faith, is a super important factor for me because without it life can be a bit dull and meaningless. When I pair risk with hope there becomes a glimmer in my eyes and life has a spark that radiates from within.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is inspired by nature, as I love science illustration but more specifically botanical illustration. I am lucky enough to be able to translate the illustrative style of art and put it on someone’s body permanently through tattooing. For me, tattooing has been a healing journey and I hope to provide a safe and meaningful space where others can transform their bodies as well as their minds with this form of art. In addition, my desire is to add and accentuate the beauty of the body itself, as the tattoo is an ornament to this flesh we live in. I wasn’t always a fan of my own body but have learned to love and accept it, now with all the tattoos that tell stories of who I am.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego has so much to offer! For starters, Torrey Pines is a go-to place for me where the views and nature are unbeatable. After, I’d swing by Wayfarer bakery for coffee, sweet treats and a delicious home made sandwich while eating it on the cliffs and watching the ocean go by. Another day would be filled with activities and museums in Balboa Park, where the Japanese tea garden resides as well as the Nat which is full of adventure! Maybe a drive out to the desert or Julian would have to get packed in, as getting out of the city is always a nice thing to do. Upon return, I may venture to Liberty Station where the food court has more than enough options for grub and goodness and people watching.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many shoutouts that I want to give, first being my sister – Celeste Byers- who has forever inspired me with her art and in life in general. My family, friends, and amazing communities I’m a part of play a huge role in my support and growth. I have so much gratitude for the shops who support me and my art, Good Omen Tattoo in Santa Cruz, and Chapter One Tattoo here in San Diego. And a big shoutout to Thich Naht Hanh who is not physically with us anymore but his teachings live on through the hearts and souls of the large sangha he has cultivated on this planet. Spreading love, beauty, peace, compassion, understanding and joy he has shown me how to love myself so I can go on and do what I love as well as spread the love I have to others.

Website: Yvonnebyers.com

Instagram: @yvonnebyers_tattoo

Image Credits
Chris Gardner (working portrait)