Expression through art
Frankie Tameron
Tattoos, for some, are a rite of passage, for others they are a form of rebellion, expression, or just to cure boredom. There is no denying, however, that tattoos are a trend that will never fade.
For many, turning 18 is all about getting a tattoo.For some, it’s earlier.
Kaitlin Shafer, former Scottsdale Community College student, said that she got her first tattoo when she was 15.
“I had a birth mark on my lower back that I’ve always been self conscious of. So with my parent’s permission, I got stars to cover it up.”
For Chenise Quiroz, Grand Canyon State University freshman, her tattoo symbolized turning 18 and the freedom that comes with it.
“I got angel wings on the back of my neck. It symbolizes me leaving home and being free to live my life, now, finally.”
Living Canvas Tattoo owner Mark Walters has been infatuated with this permanent form of art for over 22 years.
Walters displays a clear sign in his shop “absolutely no minors, no exceptions.”
Robert Stead, Chandler-Gilbert Community College student, however, regrets his spontaneous decision to get a tattoo.
“I got my girlfriend at the time’s name tattooed on me. Some days, it’s whatever, some days I try to tell myself that it’s there to symbolize a part of my life. But every time I look at it, I think of her. It just costs too much to get it removed.”
Walter’s tattoo shop sits in the heart of downtown Tempe, where he and his team of artists turn their clients into walking art.
Each person in his shop specializes in a different type of tattooing.
“Everyone here has their own forte of what they like to do,” Walters said.
“That’s what makes this shop stand out among the others.”
“Most shops are cut throat business, most people are only about making money. This shop is about what is best for the customer’s wants,” Walters said.
“It’s not just about me and my shop, or me and my clients,” Walters said.
Emily Draeger said she loves her tattoo, which pays tribute to the band Alkaline Trio.
“It’s so cool, there’s a bunch of us with the Trio logo (which is a heart with the tip of the devil’s tail), we’re kind of like a club.”
Sarah Ferguson, MCC student, said that having a lyric tattooed on your body is a powerful thing.
“Last year, I met Jack’s Mannequin’s Andrew McMahon (a cancer survivor) and got him to write the words ‘swim for your life’ on a piece of paper. The next day, my friend, who had been diagnosed with cancer, got those words tattooed on her. Having known that Andrew wrote this song, while going through cancer and beat it helped her a lot.”
“I know first-hand, how some of my tattoos evoke different emotions. My sleeves cause people to look at me weird, sometimes. To hell with them, though, every one tells a story.”
Kaitlin Shafer, who has lost count of how many tattoos she has, also knows this feeling.
“Because of me, my work made a rule – no upper body tattoos can be showing.”
Her most recent tattoo was for her husband.
It was a heart comprised of a less than three symbol and the number three on her wrist (<3).
“I think that’s it for a while. I love all of my tattoos. I love getting tattooed. I’m young; I’ve got a lot more time to tattoo more things onto my body, I just need a break.”
It’s hard to find a young adult who regrets their tattoo, whether it be a picture of something that means a lot to them, some words, something unique or cliché, today tattoos are worn with pride.
“I think the most exciting thing about a tattoo is the fact that it’s yours. It’s permanent; it’s never leaving,” Draeger said.
“Yeah, you might hate it some days, and maybe our parents are right about us regretting it when we’re old and wrinkly. But for now, it’s all about the present and that shiny new ink in your skin. Even when we’re old, whether we like it our not, our tattoo will be there to remind us that we’ve lived.
