The right time and place.
What is the moment, for me as an artist, when I realize the tattoo I am doing is a little deeper than what I have imagined?
The key is in the conversation.
I really enjoy talking to people while I tattoo. I am a professional “yapper,” if you will. It doesn’t distract me from the natural flow of tattooing. Most of tattooing for me is layered between sensation and intuition. Feeling when the skin has had enough. Knowing when it’s time to push it a little further. The silent tango of art and its creation. There are definitely moments when I need to lock in and shut-up. But then there are moments where it’s just time to listen and take it in. To hear someone’s story. The story is where the true purpose lies. Why our paths crossed and how special it is to have this short time together.
I was having a lovely session a couple of weeks ago. Working in the new shop alongside a new coworker. We chatted individually, laughed and toward the end of the day the conversation blended into one big one.
It swelled with the with the story of my coworkers -clients-friend. I had asked earlier that day what she was getting— it was a new piece building off of a memorial of her friend. The topic came back up during the final and most painful hour for my client. He was as getting the back of his thigh done. He was offered some respite listening about the vivid life they shared since girlhood. I felt a tug. A pull to really hear her out on their story. A story most people only read about. I felt a buzz of energy and looked down at the tattoo I was doing: a hawk. Something that sees even the most minute of details. Something that, for me, feels like a messenger. I smiled. This felt right. That was the moment I knew that what was happening, was important. Everything being shared that day revolved around paying attention, release, and perseverance in the continuation of moving forward even when the unexpected happens. To continue to love, to grieve, and understand what a privilege it is to be able to do both.