By Louis S. Luzzo, Sr. 

The saying "perception is everything" has never more true than when it is applied to this month's Up Close and Personal personality, Ami James. Unless you live in a box, you will recognize Ami from the hit TLC show, Miami Ink, where he is portrayed as a gruff, grumpy seldom happy individual who takes a hard stance about life.

Ahh televsion and the editing room. We as the American public are so gullable. We believe anything and everything we see just because " it was on TV." This is especially true when it comes to so called "reality shows'. The REALITY, is that these shows are usually completely maufactured and scripted to garner the one and only thing that matters when it comes to TV shows, ratings.

As you will see in the ensuing interview, Ami James is a thoughtful, caring young man with a passion for good food, good wine, and of course, good art. Soft spoken and eloquent, he is the antithesis of the surly individual he is made out to be in the show, Miami Ink. Direct, yes. Forthright, absolutely! Unwavering in his convictions, no doubt about it! But he is also reflective, thoughtful and has a depth of character that is quite evident.

We caught up with him recently at a South Beach art event, where he was the host and presenter for the evening. I hope you enjoy watching this interview as much as I did in conducting it.

It is our pleasure to bring You Miami Ink's, Ami James.