Tattoos, Their Stories, and Great Artists (pt 2)
Another look at our ink
Two years ago, Sydney and I talked about our tattoos:
Sydney and I are…addicted to tattoos. As someone who is not a fan of needles, drawing blood, any of that medical bullshit, I have my fair share of tattoos. Each one for me, and I know for Sydney too, are important in every way so we decided to share with you the inspiration and stories behind our permanent artwork.
This was before anyone else was on the OTF team, so I decided a Tatoo Part Two was in order. My favorite part? Not all of us have tattoos! (though those of us that do have enough for all of us and then some). So for those that aren’t tatted, I asked for their reasoning why and if they ever considered getting some ink. As for Sydney and I, we share the newest additions to our skin art, plus the incredible people we’re loving that created them. To see our first tattoos, check out our post from May 2020.
Those of us that are tatted:
Sydney’s Ink Stories:
I've gotten quite a few tattoos since we last checked in. Getting tattoos is so special to me. It gives me control over my person and my body in a world that seems pretty set on removing my bodily autonomy. It also gives me creative expression and acts as a scrapbook of my life. I always say, I could never regret a tattoo if it was done from a place of love and honesty, even if it is old or no longer true to myself. I like that they are a map of who I am and who I was.
Sucker (@givemetheskull at Divine Machine in Buffalo): My sucker tattoo!!!! This is the first of many matching tattoos with my bff Sydney. It is a reference to our favorite fanfiction (shameless plug to read Duplicity). We got it last summer while I was visiting her in Buffalo.
TPWK (@razotat at Live By The Sword Tattoo in NYC): This was a walk-in last December while my mom was visiting and is a reference to Harry Styles' mantra of Treat People With Kindness.
Butterfly (@unloveable.nyc at Goodnight Moon Studios): Hold on to your seats because this one is a long story. First of all, Barry (@unloveable.nyc) is a personal friend and old co-worker who has done 2 of my other tattoos. This one is probably one of my most meaningful tattoos because it is a connection to my Jewish heritage.
As a result of persecution and the Massacre of 1391 (the largest act of violent antisemitism in the Middle Ages) over half of Spain's Jewish population had converted to Catholicism. As a result of continued attacks on Jews, another 50,000 more had converted by 1415 to avoid expulsion.
In 1492, during the Spanish Inquisition, an edict was passed calling for the expulsion of practicing Jews from Spanish territories in order to eliminate their influence on Spain's large population of Catholic converts (ensuring they did not revert to Judaism). As a result of the 1492 edict and the history of prior persecution, over 200,000 Jews converted to Catholicism and between 40,000 and 100,000 were expelled. The edict was not formally revoked until 1968. During the Spanish Inquisition, converts to Catholicism who secretly continued to practice their Jewish faith, would wear a butterfly necklace, which form a Star of David when folded.
Upcoming: In a few weeks I am going to visit Sydney in Buffalo and we are going to have Dustin (@givemetheskull) do 2 more tattoos for us! We are going to get a disco ball and a dancing flower.
Shelby’s Ink Stories:
Unlike Sydney, I have only gotten one tattoo since we last spoke and it was also in 2020. Friday, November 13th to be exact which makes this an interesting date to have this collab. So it’s been one and a half years since I’ve gotten a tattoo—many that sucks to write; I really need some ink therapy. Anyway, way back when, the same artist that birthed my stunning forearm snake, posted a flash piece of a broken lightbulb with plants and flowers growing out of it. At that time, I was on my way to getting hired at SHA (I’m pretty sure I was already an intern for some time at that point) and was—for the first time—seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, feeling some sort of direction and safety in that. It felt like my ideas were finally growing, even though I never thought they would. So when I saw Hannah’s flash, I had to get it. Sidebar: Hannah moved to Colorado and I find that very rude.
I have sooo many ideas for new pieces—like my Shakespeare/celestial quarter sleeve on my arm to cover up the terrible Orion constellation or the skull on my right shoulder with a crown, giving off mad Hamlet vibes or a phoenix on my thigh or something on my hand or a finger… I need to start budgeting…
Lizzy’s Ink Stories:
I love all my ink and am itching to get more soon!! But ya know money… my knee I got done before my 22 birthday!! It’s the bee’s knees! Literally and figuratively!!! I wanted a bee tattoo and kinda looked around to see how I could make my tattoo bigger than a little bee. My next tattoo was my flower vase. I did so much research for this one, I now own multiple books on the language of flowers. Each flower has its meaning, new hope, strength, and perseverance! This was my renewal tattoo after getting out of a bad relationship. The centerpiece is a white rose which is “I’m worthy of you.” It’s a nice way to remember I’m worthy of whatever I want. I deserve happiness so I got a permanent reminder! My next was my Medusa on my thigh, they’re becoming really popular. I love how different mine is. The placement is my favorite she kinda peaks out from under a skirt or shorts with her eyes covered! It’s like a warning if you will. As if my butt wasn’t cute enough already I got a $20 tat covered up with a big juicy peach cause why not!! And my newest is my slutty little ghost lady!! I love her. Not really thought about it!! Just a fun one!!
Those of us that aren’t tatted:
Blaze’s Ink Stories:
I couldn’t get the buzzing out of my ear. Christina was waiting for me outside the shop with apple juice and half a cheese sandwich like a babysitter at kindergarten pick up.
“Here, drink this. The sugar will help regulate your nerves” she said, handing me the bottle.
The cold liquid brought me back to the dense Barcelona heat and the pools of sweat sticking between the bare angles of my arms, connecting my thoughts to the sights around me.
The pain was beginning to subside and all I could do was stare at the thin coat of blood and excess ink smeared against the clear wrap, showing through like steam fogging up a mirror obscuring the cemented object underneath. I could ignore it for now.
Each step forward felt foreign to the rest of my limbs. Christina had been done 30 minutes before me, made evident by the joyful spring in her step striding along the city street next to me with ease as I fumbled over the uneven stones beneath us. This wasn’t her first time so she already seemed back to normal while I was struggling to wade through the sensory overload moments in that uncomfortable chair.
As we looked for a shady spot to get an afternoon beer and craft a plan for the rest of the day—a museum trip, maybe a show—we came upon a restaurant with a nice patio under plenty of trees. We plopped down and turned the menu over to read what translated to The Star Far Away.
The name of the bar scrolled across the top of the laminated page with a crisply drawn star shining next to it. An almost identical drawing to the one now permanently tucked under my bicep. A symbol of my family living so far away, a memento reminding me of their omnipresent eyes now appearing again in front of me as if I needed another sign to confirm they are with me always.
We ordered a drink there and countless others over the next few years but none tasted quite like home as much as those from The Star Far Away.
Kayla’s Ink Stories:
I've had a tattoo picked out for like five years but I've just never gotten it. Truthfully I'm not sure if I'm subconsciously choosing not to get it because I'm scared or if it just isn't a big enough priority in my life to make time to go get it. I've always wanted to have a simple cat tattoo and I found one that is so cute and perfect, but alas here we are. I'm still an ink virgin. Growing up, my mom always condemned tattoos. I thought they were a sign that someone was a "thug" or bad person. My mom absolutely hated them, as most conservative, Christian, white women I know did. I think I took her opinion too seriously because at the end of the day, who cares about a tattoo? Everyone is allowed to portray themselves how they want to and a tattoo doesn't change how "good" a person is. Maybe one day I'll actually decide to get my tattoo. For now though, I'll just keep staring at the one I've had picked out.
Aimée’s Ink Stories:
For some reason, I've never had any desire to get any piercings or tattoos. I don't think I'm suuuuuper straight edge or anything, but those things have just never appealed to me. I LOVE doing things to my hair (and would do much more if I hadn't been cursed with slow-growing hair), and obviously adore painting my nails. Tattoos are definitely more permanent than those things...maybe that's why they don't appeal to me? Maybe I really do have commitment issues with all things other than romantic relationships?! Who's to say.
One day, if/when I have kids, I could see myself possibly getting a small tattoo or two to honor them. I've also somewhat considered doing some kind of monarch butterfly piece. I know that sounds super basic, but I promise I have a legitimate lifelong connection to monarchs! Eh, still not in any rush to head to a tattoo parlor.
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Daily Intention:
Today I choose…
Art in all forms.
Here’s some nifty buttons for you to press, enjoy: