COLLABORATION WITH: KATIE, FELIX & MIA

I love working with clients to commemorate triumphs that never would have occurred to me. Katie's story fits that bill. Reading her story I was reminded of all of all the friends I had who had moved to New York after college. There was a fierce tenacity and commitment to making it a city that was often times impossible to survive in. 

Memento mori means remember we are just mortals. This tattoo reminds me to always depend on God. It also to commemorates what I have learned from the four years of living in New York. and the possibility of what humans can achieve. We are merely humans and have limits to what we can do. Trying to survive in New York, many of us overlook and break these restraints and limits to go after dreams and goals, and many succeed to overcome these impossibles. 

Now I have New York with me forever.

Thanks so much to Katie, for sharing her story, to tattoo artist Felix from White Rabbit Tattoo, and to photographer Mia Yen. 

BIRTHDAY GIFT TO YOU & COLLABORATION WITH JESSICA VALENTI

Hello dear readers, 

Three events conspired to bring you this blog post.

The first event is that I had the honor of collaborating with Jessica Valenti, a writer I have long admired.  Jessica commissioned the tattoo above in honor of her daughter. She writes:

My daughter was born under pretty precarious circumstances - I was 28 weeks pregnant when I developed severe pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. We had to deliver by emergency c-section to save my life, and my daughter - Layla Sorella Valenti-Golis - was born weighing just 2 pounds. 

We came up with her name in the midst of a lot of confusion and fear, but I wanted 'Sorella' both as a nod to my feminism (it means sister in Italian) and to honor my own sister, Vanessa. 

Layla spent two months in the NICU and continued to have prematurity-related health issues for the first two years of her life. When she turned 3 this past August - healthier and happier than ever - I wanted to get the tattoo to commemorate all my family has been through, and all Layla has overcome. She is truly a wonderful, smart, funny kid and I feel lucky every day to have her in my life.

So I was getting ready to post Jessica's story when is started to think back on all of the incredible women I have worked with on tattoos. Like Jessica they've commemorated transformative, difficult, life-changing experiences. There is Deb who took the leap and overcame her professional fears, Natalie who mustered the courage to start her own business, Stephanie who overcame cancer, Catherine who memorialized her remarkable, in spiring grandmother, Lisa who conceived despite being told she couldn't, Sabine who conquered her fear of heights, Courtney who inked a reminder to walk towards what scares us, not away from it,  Claire who honored the passing of a friend who saved her marriage. Karen who left her job as a corporate lawyer to defend the rights of prisoners on death row. The list goes on. And on. Not to mention the remarkable men who have honored incredible women in their lives, like Sam and Karl.

The final event that brought me to this post is that I turned 34 this weekend. It has been a blessing and honor to work with every brave, inspiring client who has crossed my path. And I wanted to mark the occasion and give thanks. So, inspired by Jessica and all of the like-minded sorelle (and fratelli), I'm offering 10% tattoo orders (just mention the promo code SISTER when you contact me), and I'm donating 10% of proceeds from these commissions to Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. now through February 10. Thank you to Jessica, my muse and collaborator! 

{Tattoo by Stephanie Tamez, Saved Tattoo, Brooklyn, NY. Photo by Vanessa Valenti}

COLLABORATION WITH: KATELIN, FLICKA & PHILA

Katelin just sent along photos from our collaboration.  My yoga practice has deepend these last months (thanks to this wonderful studio in Portland).  I remember at the very beginning of my practice teachers would talk about setting intentions and it sounded like they were speaking Greek. But now, it makes a lot more sense. Katelin's story explains how powerful this can be. So much so she had the intention inked. 

The literal translation of Jai Ma is: hail to the mother. The interpretation of this Sanskrit mantra that most resonates with me most, however, is: the love is so strong. In essence, it refers to the deepest, most selfless, and radical kind of love that I can imagine. In the Buddhist tradition they say it's like the kind of love a mother has for her only child, however, instead of reserving this magnitude of love for just those who are close to or alike us, it's meant to be extended far and wide. It's the ultimate mission: love unbounded for all, and the subsequent presence in the world that follows. 

I was in a relationship some time ago with a woman who lived, slept, and breathed this. She didn't talk about it, she just gave. heart wide open. Her love was big. Not just for me, but for everyone that crossed her path. Boundaries of self extended to include other in utter compassion and kindness. The love limitations of a hardened ego- barely existent, in fact, none that I could see. At the time, I couldn't commit to her in a lifelong kind of way, although our bond and connection was of the cosmic kind. The following separation was emotionally crushing for more than a dozen reasons, but amidst the heartbreak, a deep well of love remained. My only refuge during this time was a vow of the heart, to try to embody the beauty that she represented for me. 

So… on my wrist I tattooed the mantra 'Jai Ma' as a lifelong reminder to let my guard down and let fiercely open-hearted love exist in the spaces within, without, and in between 'the silky oscillation between me and we,' as poet Mo Lohaus puts it. The wrist was the perfect place.. as a yogi, every time I practice sun salutations, I lift my hands overhead, look upwards, and am reminded why I practice, my very reason for existing. This gorgeous piece of art is dedicated to my Heart Teachers, my Mom, all the mothers and brothers, sons and daughters, sisters and fathers, and to my future self: the mother I one day hope to be.

Thanks so much for sharing, Katelin. And thank you to tattoo artist Flicka and Phil Manijak the photographer. 

COLLABORATION WITH: MEGHAN, DAN & ANDRA

Excited to share the latest tattoo story with you, one honoring an adored son. It was such a pleasure to work with Meghan. I'll let her tell you more:

My children are my world and the reason I feel so blessed in life. I have always been drawn to the story and meaning of tattoos and knew that I wanted to put my children's "stories" in ink. Seven years ago I took my toddler to draw her own name so that I could have it inked and forever a reminder of our story & bond with each other. With the birth of my son in 2011, I knew that I wanted to also get his name in a tattoo but I was determined to make it different. I wanted something unique, beautiful and personal. Calligraphy was the only way to go because of the simplicity yet flow & beauty of the writing. I searched for almost two years before I found Mara and instantly knew that this was the answer. To me the tattoo reminds me of the pure beauty of having a child - it's something that I will cherish for the rest of my life!

Thanks so much to Meghan, Dan of Tattoos by Danny, and Andra Edwards of Andmade Photography. (Also, how great is Meghan's jewelry?!)

COLLABORATION WITH: CLAIRE, (KEKE), STUART & ERROL

Whenever a client requests a tattoo, I leave it up to them to share the motivation behind it. Some do, some don't. I'm honored that many clients choose to share the life-changing stories that have inspired them to mark that moment in their lives on their body. These stories, in turn, inspire me (and hopefully you!). Claire's is the latest. It comes at a time when I've been thinking a lot about death, having had three friends lose loved ones in the last month. How remarkable to have the strength to salvage a marriage, and the grace to honor the person who believed so fervently that salvation.

My dear friend Keke showed me the true meaning of love, friendship, patience and compassion. In the midst of the breakdown of my 13 year marriage she spoke of restoration. She spoke of my marriage being bigger and better than it was before. I couldn't see it. She diligently prayed, believed and got excited for the prospect of my renewed marriage, while I questioned and doubted.

Cliff and I had gone away with our children - things were still a little strained, but starting to get better. It was at this time that out of the blue, I received a message that Keke had collapsed and was quickly diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. 

Despite her own situation, she continued to champion my marriage. She never stopped believing that it would be something great. 

Keke astounded the doctors with her generous spirit, and was passionate about praying for those who were battling cancer like herself. She put others before herself daily.

My last text message from her ended, "...arohanui, keeks xx". Sadly she passed away in November 2012.

Arohanui, is a maori sentiment of encouragement and strength. It means to be large, plentiful, abundant. In its basic form, Aroha means to feel love, concern, compassion, empathy. Nui expresses a state or condition rather than an activity.

Arohanui symbolises everything that Keke was as a person. It was a privilege to know her, and it is a daily reminder and encouragement in my restored marriage.

Thank you to Claire, tattoo artist Stuart Archibald at the Family Business in London,  and photographer Errol Bennet.

WORKSHOP WITH EMPRINT PRESS, PAPERFINGER & NEITHER SNOW

I am stupendously excited to announce this collaboration with my two of my very favorite friends: Emily Johnson of EmPrint Press and Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger at my very favorite space in Portland, Yale Union. This is such a dream come true. By some miracle we all find ourselves in Portland, Oregon this month and so we have seized the moment to teach a two-part workshop on calligraphy and letterpress. On day one (Monday, September 23) you will find me and Bryn at the beautiful, chandelier-lit YU farm table where we'll be leading a workshop on contemporary, pointed-pen calligraphy. We'll play with styles, nibs, and inks. You'll walk away with some bit of text (your name, a saying) that you love that we'll turn into a letterpress plate. Day two (Saturday, September 28) we'll head down to Emily's magical printshop in the basement of YU where you'll get an introduction to the presses and then print your very own goodies (stationery, bookplates, etc.) from the work we created on Monday. Won't you please register and spread the word?  Can't wait to see you there!

COLLABORATION WITH: CATHY, RENE & GARY

Cathy's tattoo was a fun one. And what an delightful word to have inked! Of course any mention of joy reminds me of Ingrid.  Here's what Cathy has to say:

joyful: experiencing, causing, or showing joy
Sometimes we need a little reminder of the joy that surrounds us every day. I wanted my reminder to be tangible, visible and beautiful. It brings me joy each time I look at it.

Thank you to Cathy, Rene at Liquid Amber Tattoo (Vancouver, BC) and photographer Gary Bremmer. 

COLLABORATION WITH: MIKKEL, HITOMI & ALLAN

I've been looking forward to sharing Mikkel's tattoo story with you. I'm so impressed she took the plunge and worked with a non-English speaker to translate the artwork. It came out beautifully! I'll let her tell you all about it. 

The decision to get my second tattoo was somewhat spontaneous. A week before I was headed to Japan for a two-week vacation I had a dream I got a tattoo abroad. I woke up feeling the need to follow through on the vivid image I had: “explore” in script on my neck, just above my back, in a slight arch.

I set out to find the style I wanted on Pinterest. Having tagged Mara’s work before, I found myself linked to her site knowing she was exactly who I wanted to create the piece. It was a tall order to get the design done in just 5-7 days but I reached out to Mara, hoping it was possible. To my delight, it was. 

There are few art forms that emulate the sexy, sinuous, graceful lines of calligraphy. No one does it better than Mara and I truly gravitate towards her work. I wanted the word “explore” for several reasons. Firstly, traveling is so important to me - but the word “travel” doesn't evoke as much emotion for me as "explore" does. I say this one word and my heart swells. It encompasses travel, my wonder with the world, my desire to examine things (for better or worse) and to put myself out there. What better time to get it than on a memorable trip to Japan? Secondly, I love the word’s simplicity and the potential for design with the word’s "x" at its beginning and “e” at its end. I was excited to see how Mara’s hand and creative mind translated it into artwork.

I fell in love with it once she sent me a few. So much so I needed to upgrade it to a tattoo on my arm so I could always look at it! 

Getting a tattoo of an English word in a foreign country, whose alphabet is nothing like America’s, is a challenge but I was ready to face it! I did some research before I left and found Hyperspace Tattoo. Through the use of Google Translate (they spoke no English, and I don’t speak any Japanese) we were able to communicate and discuss my tattoo. The end result is beautiful. 

I cannot thank Mara enough for her willingness to work with me and for making the process enjoyable. It truly added to the wonderful memory I’ll forever carry with me surrounding the entire experience. 

 Thank you so much for sharing, Mikkel! And for Hitomi in Osaka and photographer Allan Zepeda(!). (Also, PS, Neither Snow's tattoos were featured on BuzzFeed recently.)

Two men in separate recording booths

My cousin-in-law sent me this link to the unaccompanied track of David Bowie and Freddy Mercury's "Under Pressure." You can read the entire remarkable story of how we came to be blessed with this song here.  There is so much to say about it but the one thing that strikes me is how little we hear about genius collaborations like this being difficult and gut-wrenching. And especially with two strong (understatement) personalities like these two.  I'm so glad they slogged through it. 

COLLABORATION WITH: DEB, JAMES & MIKE

Every once in a while the internet magically brings together kindred sprits, and such was the case with Deb​, the designer and visionary behind Cococello studio. I was so honored when Deb asked me to create her tattoo, and I've been surprised by how often the words she chose cross my mind. Here's more: 

Early 2010, my husband and I found ourselves both self-employed. It was scary. It was stressful. We made the most of it by sacrificing a lot of our favorite things and the luxuries we had once believed to be necessary. It was a humbling experience.

The year I was to turn 40, I decided I wanted to do more. I had no idea what "more" meant but as if the universe was listening, I was offered the opportunity to teach design as an Assistant Professor in the Multimedia Photography & Design department at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Teaching. Seriously, never in a million years did I ever imagine.

"Be Bold" is a phrase I share with my students, my clients and during speaking engagements for independent creatives (mainly photographers). I encourage people to be bold, be awesome and be you. It's about allowing yourself to dream, overcome fears and give yourself permission to define what success means to you.

My tattoo is a reminder for me to do the same.

Thank you to Deb; to James at Halo Tattoo in Syracuse, NY; ​and to photographer Mike Davis. What words to live by.