My first tattoo
So, I got my first tattoo today, and it was a somewhat emotional experience for me. Let me explain.
I saw a video a while ago on YouTube that was presented by one of my favourite photographers. It was about printing and selling your photographs and the emotional connection to the process. It is trusting a printing house to do your photograph justice. Finally, the feeling that you get when somebody appreciates your work so much that they want to spend money to have it in their home where they look at it every day and show it to their acquaintances.
In a sense, that was how I felt getting this tattoo. I found an image, done by an artist unknown to me, but it resonated with me and I wanted to use it to portray an aspect of my life. It is an appreciation of his, or her talent. I entrusted this permanent capturing of that image onto my body to the capabilities of another skilled and talented person. This image is now a permanent part of me, telling a story, to showcase to my family and friends and even strangers. I am grateful for these talented people that made it possible for me to tell the world a little bit about myself, with words I did not have.
To summarise: Tattooing, for me, is about appreciation, storytelling, talent, trust and gratefulness.
My birth- or star sign is Leo, and I have always had a great appreciation of the male lion and what it represents. For me, the lion symbolises leadership and protection. He is the king of the jungle, after all. He takes care of his pride, but with the help of his lionesses. He teaches the young males and passes down his skills and knowledge. The image that I selected, and in some way, totally unknowingly, shows a lot of how I see myself and would like to be seen by others. It is a line drawing, very minimalistic, yet bold and strong. It is not complete, or whole, indicating that I am in no way perfect but a work in progress, continually evolving. Showing that I am part of a team, with my lioness at my side, making me whole. For me, the orange of eyes, albeit piercing, displays warmth to my loved ones but signals caution to those that might threaten them.