Page 8 - Nihil Alchemia CRUCIBLE Issue One MAY 2020 Flip Book

My First Tattoo
Experience
Chantelle Prior
The art of tattoo design has always been seen around the world as a symbolism
of uniqueness. This ancient art form dates to around the Neolithic age, originally
used as a way of identifying slaves and prisoners. Tattooing for religious
purposes was also practised around this time - particularly for Buddhists and
Hindus - as a way for people to fully devote themselves to their religion. For
much of history, tattoos were viewed as something “taboo” and were looked
down upon in society. Now, in the 21st century, the art of tattooing is extremely
popular. People have evolved to grow an increasing interest in the artistry and
expressive nature of tattoos; this is the reason why everyone seems to desire
to have a personalised art piece inked into their skin.
I, too, am one of these people who continues to become more and more
obsessed with tattoos. If I’m strolling down the street and I notice someone
with an extensive piece on their body, I feel inspired! The same thing when I’m
looking for tattoo inspiration online and come across a small, subtle piece. No
matter how big or small, how plain or outlandish; I always find myself wanting
some part of every tattoo I see. I even have a list titled “TATTOO IDEAS” on
my phone, which contains potential tattoo ideas, different tattoo artists, and
different styles I’d like to get for myself.
I always knew I wanted a tattoo. So, tattooed in that particular area was,
when 2019 rolled around, and I was to actually, quite relaxing. Of course, there
turn eighteen, I began searching for were times when it did get a little bit
inspiration for my first inked piece. For annoying having the needle dig into
my first ever tattoo, I knew I wanted my skin repeatedly, but the pain was
something designed in the “fine line” bearable. I’d describe it as an irritating
style - this type of tattoo focuses on cat scratch or a small needle being
emphasising line and shape. This is dragged across your skin (even though
a common style, especially for a first that’s basically what’s happening). The
tattoo, because it allows a simple design tattooing process took about twenty or
to be as vibrant or as plain as you want thirty minutes, which is longer than I
it to be. The simplistic nature is enough expected. The good thing about sitting
to make a bold statement, yet not draw in the tattoo chair is you get time to
too much attention. The year of 2019 yourself: to think, reflect, maybe even
was a tough one for me personally; I meditate. I found myself zoning in and
remember feeling so low and lonely, out of thoughts, and I forgot all about
almost like I was alone in the world - and the needle prodding my skin.
yet, that dark feeling is what inspired
me to go with the design I chose. The healing process wasn’t as
excruciating as I thought it would be. I
I decided I would have my own mini was required to wash the tattooed area
galaxy that would rest just underneath with warm water and soap twice a day,
my collarbone - to remind me that if I ever moisturising afterwards. After about
feel all alone, there’s an entire galaxy three days, the tattoo began to scab
out there. If I feel isolated wherever I and became rather itchy at times - I will
am, there is bound to be someone in admit, it took a lot of willpower not to
a different place, in a different time pick the scabs - but after two weeks,
perhaps, just waiting for me to discover everything settled, and the ink was
them. embedded into my skin perfectly.
The day of my eighteenth birthday Having my own personalised ink piece is
rolled around, and I was ready. I was still a surreal thing to me; I often forget
also anxious, excited, scared, as well as it’s there, being shown off to the world
in a state of disbelief that I was about 24/7. Tattoos are something different
to go through with this; but I was ready. to each person, and I think that’s why
Now that I look back on the experience, it’s so appealing. There are so many art
I realise I didn’t need to be so anxious, styles and designs to choose from, and
as the employees at the tattoo studio you yourself have the power of choosing
were completely friendly. My tattoo what is being marked onto your skin
artist showed me the design, and I was forever. Even back in the Neolithic age,
absolutely in love. He explained the people had different designs depending
process of what was going to happen on their cultural background or religion;
and how he was going to execute the sometimes they inked up to reflect their
design onto my skin. Before I knew it, self-identity, like many of us do. It’s
I was lying comfortably in a large seat amazing to think that the ancient art
with a needle going into my skin. of tattooing is still practised today, and
Depending on where and what you’re the knowledge that I’ve taken part in
getting tattooed, the pain will differ. It this art form only inspires me to delve
also depends on your pain tolerance more into the tattoo world.
as well. For me, having my piece