In recent years the tattoo industry has grown significantly; social influence has deconstructed a lot of the stigma around tattoos, and outdated conceptions of tattooing have been dispelled. As an artist, tattoo culture is truly fascinating… It is such a democratic form of art and the commonality and accessibility of tattooing as an art form makes it an interesting subject.
The permanence of tattooing is integral to its nature, and the permanence of art which is so personal to an individual is a unique phenomenon. There has long been discourse about addressing tattooing as a form of art- this goes along with misconceptions that tattoos are “unprofessional” or “delinquent”.
However, today, tattooing is much more appropriately addressed as a very impressive and particular form of art. The relationship between art, artist, and customer here is much more complicated than with traditional types of art. Tattoos demand that the consumer accepts this art as a part of them, and there is a unique trust in this process. There is also then the idea of the impermanence of the art for the artist. Their “canvas” per say is coincidentally impermanent to them. It is, conversely, entirely permanent to the consumer. This then leads to the discussion of how tattoos impact or alter one’s individual embodiment. Tattoos to many people are an outward expression of parts of their identity often not visible to the public. To me this is such a beautiful intersection of freedom, identity, and art.
I think that some stigma that still remains regarding tattoos is their permanence and meaning- there is a general sentiment that now, okay, tattoos are acceptable, but they should be regarded with importance and meaning and hold particular value. I think that this is still a misconception and hinders that freedom of expression previously mentioned.
To me, tattoos can hold meaning and tell a story, but they also express simple beauty and art. There doesn’t need to be some significant life event or meaning to warrant someone wanting a beautiful piece of art immortalized on their skin.
To me, my tattoos tell my story, and I will continue building that story as I grow older. I also love collecting tattoos from different artists, and I hope to do this on a larger scale as I go on and travel and have more unique experiences. I love that each of my tattoos holds a memory of a particular artist and a unique interaction and experience. I love collecting other people’s art on my body and using it as a means for my own expression and self confidence. I think it’s a beautiful exchange of expression and identity.
I love too that this expression then allows me to connect with others around me who are interested by what they see on my body; I think of my tattoos as a sort of outward preface to my personality and identity and that exact idea has led to some truly wonderful interactions and even friendships.
Unruly Bodies 
I really appreciate how you explain tattoos as so much more than just ink on skin they’re an experience, a memory, and a connection all in one. As someone who doesn’t have tattoos, it’s fascinating to think about the trust involved in the process, allowing someone else to create something permanent on your body. That level of collaboration and vulnerability is something I hadn’t considered before, but it makes the relationship between the artist and the person getting the tattoo feel incredibly meaningful. What really stands out is how tattoos can spark connections. I’ve noticed how people’s tattoos often invite curiosity or start conversations, and the way you describe those interactions as part of the experience is so thoughtful. It’s not just about self-expression but about the way it brings people together. Your perspective makes me see tattoos less as just personal art and more as a shared language of identity and connection, which is something I find both relatable and inspiring, even without having any tattoos myself.
tattoos are such a great conversation starter! ok, this is silly, but because i am unable to get tattoos at the moment i’ve resorted to drawing on my arms with body markers, or using temporary tattoos to self-express. and even though these are impermanent, i’ve actually gained a lot of attention because of them? people will stop me and tell me they love my tattoos, or ask if they’re real. i always laugh and tell them thank you and nothing more (whoops). i do hope to get real tattoos one day, as i love seeing my body as a canvas that i’m able to mark up with whatever comes to mind. this is also why i love fashion – there’s just too much inside of me that i need to express in other ways!
i hope that you continue to get tattoos and self-explore with your body! : )
I love this way of looking at things. I agree tattoos are a story. A story of everyone I am and everyone I have been and I cannot wait to display mind proudly as I age. I want to be sitting in a rocking chair with the skin weathered and wrinkled, tattoos barely legible, and be able to talk about who I was when I got them. There’s something so special about the concept of permanance and so much of me is focused on trying to make my mark on the world. But sometimes I have to step back and think about the marks the world has left on me — In that I find a more complete story ^_^.