JACKSON HEIGHTS — Artist Mohan Gurung, nearly covered in tattoos he designed himself, opened his first shop in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2000.
Mohan's Tattoo Inn helped Gurung become one of the country's most well-known tattoo artists. He also organizes the annual Nepal Tattoo Convention, drawing artists from around the world, and his work has also been featured in "The World Atlas of Tattoo."
Six months ago he moved to Woodside, hoping to open a second shop in Manhattan.
But he was drawn to Jackson Heights, where many Nepali immigrants live — including plenty of former clients.
"Everybody wanted me to open," the 41-year-old artist said, referring to old friends he reconnected with once he arrived in the United States.
Mohan's Tattoo Inn opened on Halloween in the set-back shopping center on Roosevelt Avenue, off 77th Street.
Mohan's Tattoo Inn off Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights. (DNAinfo/Katie Honan)
"I prefer to stay [in Jackson Heights,] this way I get more support. I feel comfortable here," he said.
So far it's just Gurung tattooing full time, although he has two guest artists at the shop, including a former Nepali student.
Mohan's designed featured in a book about tattoo artists. (DNAinfo/Katie Honan)
Artist Bijay Gurung sketches inside the shop where he is a guest artist. (DNAinfo/Katie Honan)
He's influenced by Hindu and Japanese imagery, he said, and loves working for hours on a full sleeve or entire back design.
He hopes to expand his clientele in Queens, and so far his clients have been people he's worked on in Nepal.
Gurung said he feels at home in the neighborhood.
"I don't feel any different, if I'm living in Kathmandu or living [in Jackson Heights]," he said.
