Photography: Steph Silva
Instagram: @stephaniesilva_photo
Whether it's for sentimental purposes, a love of a specific style of art, or a drunken mistake, there is always a reason for a tattoo. Since that anxiety ridden day in October, I've had a new edition to my body that I'm surprised to say I've already gotten used to. What was once something constantly on my mind is now simply another point on the extensive list of things that come along with who I am. It's like getting to know me is a list of benefits one receives from buying VIP concert tickets. Along with the actual physical person, you'll receive a band tee shirt, an over analyzed deconstruction of the band's song lyrics and a perfectly constructed sun tattoo. That pretty such sums me up.
Just over a month ago I went to see one of my all time favorite bands. To sum up the weekend, it was the concert experience every person dreams of. After the usual involuntary swaying with the crowd, making of new friendships with fellow fans and straining of voices, myself and a few other devotees ended up meeting, and actually hanging out with the band. Not only did we chill, for no lack of a better word, with three out of four members of the band on a sketchy Downtown Vancouver side street until two o'clock in the morning, but the lead guitarist happened to comment on the small, underwhelming shape on my forearm. After reaching for my shivering, goose bump covered arm he started thumbing at my tattoo. He stared at it in awe as though gazing dramatically at a painting in an art gallery that actually meant something to him, the onlooker. He asked me what it meant, and while I took a second to allow myself to compose a somewhat literate answer, I had a not so miniature internal freak out. Was this really happening?
This experience proved two things to me. It is possible to meet someone who is on your "list" in person (shout out to the Friends fans who understand this), and that my tattoo isn't just another part of my body, it's a statement, a symbol and something I shouldn't forget to admire. Though it may never invoke the anxiety or intense excitement it once did, my tattoo is never something that should induce numbness, nor is yours. No matter the reason behind it, any current or future tattoos in your life should make you feel something. A tattoo is unarguably a choice and a commitment, one I believe should make you smile. Even if that smile comes only every few months when you take a moment to acknowledge your ink. Even if that smile doesn't come right away because of regret, the simple reminder of the person you once were, and who you've become since should be enough.
Thanks for reading.
- Emily
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