The Inked Perspective

Personal expression, creativity, a love of art, and a yearning to be outside the norm is the basis of any tattoo experience. Sometimes we get them in remembrance of something or someone; other times we get them so we never forget. There are tough tattoos, beautiful tattoos, funny tattoos, and sad tattoos. There are many combinations, meanings, and explanations to go along with what has been previously listed. I can’t tell you about your tattoos or why you got them, so I will tell you about mine.

My first tattoo was the word Mom on my wrist. I got this not only because we are close, but because I knew she couldn’t be too mad at that being my first one (which paved the way for the other four during my senior year of high school). I have both a Christian crucifix on my right arm and the Lucifer’s Cross on my left shin. On one arm is my daughter’s footprint, on the other is “The Dead Man’s Hand”. One arm are tattoos of protection, balance, memorials, and family; the other is a representation of my most proud, yet nightmarish, time of my life. On one hand is a lotus, representing peace. The other proudly displays “Sic Temper Tyrannis” (Thus Always to Tyrants), not because of John Wilks Booth, but because of Brutus. Both killed a guy, so I guess they have that in common.

The tattoos on my leg I got because they look cool, there’s really no thought put into them other than that.

I’d like to sit here and say that I have deeper meanings in my artwork. The truth is, some do, while others don’t. However, the older I get the. more I realize, they all serve a purpose.

After years of therapy, I came to the realization that much of what I do is to act defensively. I do this so that I don’t experience previous pain a second time. I’ve admitted to myself that much like any other animal in this world, I have evolved to make myself known as a threat to those who would seek to harm me. No different than the Polyphemus Moth, Coral Snakes, or Poison Frogs; my practice of Aposematism helps keep me safe.

Now, before I mutate into a full-blown edge lord, those aren’t the only reasons I have tattoos, and definitely not the reason other people do. I’ve always loved how they looked and despite what my mother may think, I love looking different than everyone else. Our differences are what make us special, purposeful or not.

Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself, even when you don’t like the truth.

Get the My Little Pony tattoo, brother. Hail Satan.

xoxo

-Jake