Tattoos. What mental images are conjured up when you hear that word? What feelings? For some it is fear, loathing, judgment; for others the idea of fresh ink causes anticipation, excitement, desire. Without fail, one thing every person can agree on when it comes to tattoos is: story. Every tattoo, for better or worse, has a story attached to it.
Is that not true for each one of us as well? For better or worse, we carry our stories around with us. Stories which are meant to be shared.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. For me, image is one of the strongest forms of storytelling. Long before we learn a language to verbally express ourselves, we can communicate through the power of an image.
Pictures move us. As with all forms of art, a visceral reaction takes place; like the cry of our hearts stretched out and echoed on a canvas. It can be thrilling (and terrifying) to find someone else who understands the ache in our gut, and has somehow perfectly displayed it outwardly for all to see and experience.
For me, something magical happens in a tattoo parlor as I sink back onto the chair; the hum of the machine, the scent of green soap and alcohol, the music, the shop talk… It feels like coming home.
Part of my story is that it has taken me many years to even acknowledge myself an artist, and years afterwards to be able to screw up enough courage to boldly proclaim what I want.
I want to be a tattooist! This is my version of art therapy. Not only is the act of getting tattooed therapeutic for me, but to actually be the artist who could help others by drawing out their stories, breathing life and blood into them, and then have them heal and scar and become a true part of them—I long to do this.
And you can help me realize this dream.
By donating, and using the indiegogo tools to help share my story, you will become a key player in my narrative.
One day I would like to meet you, and we can get messy making art and sharing our stories. And I’ll give you the opportunity to do just that:
For every $110 you donate, I will give you one tattoo (or custom work of art) in return. And it is your prerogative to decide when you would like to redeem said art.
Thank you for taking the time to read a little piece of my heart! I love meeting new people, connecting and listening to your stories. Follow me on Instagram (nwbexx) or find me on Facebook (N. W. Bexx)
