My Tattoo Journey

Getting a tattoo is something very personal, and a very mind-consuming decision. Im going to talk about my journey so far with tattoos to date. A brief insight into my thoughts about the matter, and recognising the changes in my thought process over a period of 10+ years.

As an eager 18 year old I visited the beautiful city of Cape Town. The ocean views around Camps Bay, the Hike up Table Mountain and the ghastly winds of the city are a few fond memories. I mustered the courage to follow a friend named Kieran into a small wooden shack with a neon tattoo sign. Kieran had plenty of ink already and was just adding a little more. I on the hand was always excited by the idea but never knew what I'd get. So I used the step ladder to the upper floor and made a quick decision. With no hesitation the artist proceeded. The pain was not intense - more a pleasurable pain. I felt like a real adult. I felt proud of my decision, and found comfort knowing it would be concealed from public on my upper back.

My reasoning for getting this tattoo was crystal clear at the time. I was a terrible teenager and gave my mother a heap of trouble. She got tired of hearing the words 'I'm Sorry' but each time I said it I meant it. The phrase had lost all its value. I thought it'd be a great idea to prove to her that I was genuinely sorry. She did recognise the thought behind it and is grateful I'm all grown up now. . However, more than 10 years down the line I am not so sure. It regularly sparks interest and intrigue when I am at the beach. Personally it is a constant reminder of my fruitful years of mischief, and the worry I caused my family. This piece is now under consideration of being covered up.

My second tattoo was done in Tanzania. My father is Tanzanian and lives there so I decided to spend a year out there. The country is absolutely fascinating and definitely played a major role in shaping my character today. The streets oozed with deep culture, the people seemed laid back regardless and were happy to see each day as a new start. This visit really gave meaning to the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' - which means no worries. This wasn't just something from the Lion King - it was a way of life. I enjoyed living there, but struggled with the normality of poverty. I left with a heart full of gratitude.

A close friend of mine named Ryan Gillis was visiting from Cape Breton in Canada. Over the last 18 months, Ryan had transformed his life from being a heroin-addict on the streets, constantly in and out of institutions - to a model citizen and role model. Ryan ran a campaign called Love Life - through which he taught yoga and meditation and spoke to schools about his struggle with addiction. On the 19th of August 2014 - Ryan was involved in a car accident in Alberta, Canada and passed away. In his memory I got this tattoo. - as a constant reminder of his achievements and the value he brought to my life. Ryan was always happy and excited about every new day, radiating good energy. Please see the video below for a summary of Ryan's life and his campaign.

I had this tattoo done by an Italian artist, who warned me of the pain of tattooing on the ribs. The 22 year old, stubborn adult I was, went a head anyway thinking I was invincible. This was definitely the most painful feeling I have encountered from tattooing to date. Maybe I should have listened to the artist's warning? The vibrations radiated through every single rib and I struggled for the full 3 hour session. This tattoo is definitely one I do not regret. The positivity that I feel when I see it makes every second worth it.

After thinking of a new tattoo for almost 3 years I finally had a vague idea. I knew I wanted and illustration and not just words but struggled to make my decision. I sat with several artists discussing what to get but could never make a decision. I then decided to put my miserable drawing skills to use and sketch an idea. My sketch was then developed by my artist. Looking back, I realised just how personal and in-depth the meaning of a tattoo can be. I had this done in a studio in Guildford, UK by a Polish artist named Sylwester Luston. I shall invite him to the steemit community.

Below is a some explanation of the meaning and resemblance of each part of my tattoo.
The phrase 'To thy own self be true' had an immediate impact the very first time I heard it. As a youngster, I spent a lot of energy trying to be like others, trying to fit in, trying to be someone else. This phrase is a constant reminder that I am me. I am unique and that is my power. And with each step I take I should make my own decisions, from my heart.
The solar system shows me that the world is my oyster. I am not a tree, and I am free to get up and explore.
The lion is because I am a Leo. I don't pay much attention to horoscopes but do find I can relate to the characteristics of a Leo. Confident. Generous. Ambitious. Stubborn.
The 4th part is a quote from a childhood favourite book - Harry Potter. The phrase 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good' is used in the books to unlock a map. This reminds me to unlock my map and ignore what others think of me; allowing me to be free and in-tune with my own path.

This tattoo is not yet complete but over-time, I have managed to develop a patience and know this cannot be rushed. I find that a tattoo is a display of our innermost feelings, thoughts and or demons and so should be treated with respect. We don't know the deep meaningful messages trying to be conveyed through this form of art and so should not judge. Beauty at its best. I think I want to get stars added to cover the text at the top, and then re-write that text above to make it more visible.

Thanks for reading. This is my first post on Steemit, and hopefully not the last. I will be working on my photography and writing and exploring each day as it comes.