Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

The tattoo that I am the most proud of is my turtle. I have a large turtle in the center of my back with a map of the world in the shell of the turtle.

What does it signify?

I had the design for my turtle in mind and had talked to a few different tattoo artists who said they couldn't do it, or that they had no interest in drawing a turtle with a map on it. I eventually found an artist to who agreed to do it. My turtle means different things to me. First off, I just love turtles. They are beautiful and prehistoric. I just find turtles fascinating. My family lives all over the world, mostly in Europe and I miss them a lot. My turtle reminds me that even though we are apart, we are really all together. Mostly though, my turtle is a daily reminder not to carry the weight of the world on my back. That is why it's on my back. I tend to have a personality that worries about things I have no control over and it's something I'm trying to work on.

My turtle is my favorite tattoo, but all of my tattoos are original and meaningful. I have 9 tattoos at this time, which is likely to change at any given time. I have my children's names on my lower leg from my knee to mt angle along with images of the meaning of their names. Rachel means "little lamb,"Ryan means "king," and Julia Rose means "youthful rose." I have my children on my right side and it is my children that hold me up every day. Just like my legs. Everything I do is for them. My children are my foundation and they keep me going every day. It seemed appropriate that my children be on my leg. Although my turtle is my favorite tattoo, my children are the most meaningful.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

For all of the above reasons. I always wanted this tattoo. I have several tattoos, all of which are originals that I had designed for me. Each tattoo has a meaning special to me and I love when people ask about them. It's a great conversation starter; shy people who would never otherwise open up seem to have no trouble talking about tattoos as a common connection.

How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

I think my tattoos show to the rest of the worlds that I don't need society to decide what is beautiful. I want to be different from everybody else. I don't want to be another cookie cutter version of what society tells me I should be. I will be my own person, I will have my own opinions and ideas, and I will decide what I will look like. It's very empowering to show the rest of the world that you are strong enough to beat your own drum.




Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

It's called a Norther Knot. It's in black. There's a circle in the center and sort of a four-pointed star intertwined with the center circle.

What does it signify?

The vikings used this symbol as an amulet to promote healthy relationships. The center circle represents me and the intertwining star is all of the relationships in my life. It has extra meaning for me because I am Norwegian, like the vikings.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

I guess it's a way of carrying a piece of art around with me, as a reminder that all of the lives around me are connected to me. I think that tattoos are beautiful and can mean so many things to the person who has them. Not to mention the artist who actually applies the ink. And they don't go away. No matter how fickle or impulsive you are. So in a way, my tattoos are like a catalog. Some I'm proud of; some I'm not so proud of. But they are all a part of me. I'm a photographer, and in my profession, it's all about capturing a single moment and preserving it. My tattoos are moments of my life; my state of mind, my beliefs, my focus. And they're all there. In a little catalog for others to see and for me to remember.

How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

For the most part, I'm just damn proud. I'm tough. I'm daring. I don't scare easily. I don't subscribe to everyone's standard of "normal."




Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

The tattoo is Latin for "Faith Alone, Grace Alone, and To Christ Alone Be The Glory." It's tattooed on my lower back.

What does it signify?

My husband writes those words on everything. When we were dating, he wrote it on all of the cards and letters he ever sent me. He still uses it, but not as much. We've also had it written on the front door of every house we've lived in. The words are definitely something I believe in, but it's also a reminder of my husband.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

I didn't come to the decision lightly at all. It was a five year thought process. I like tattoos, but I think that it is a very personal thing. I don't like tattoos to be shown off.

How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

I'm totally fine with my tattoo. One of the girls I work with told me that my tattoo is a "tramp stamp," because of where it is. But that couldn't be more wrong. I just thought it would be a nice place to put a tattoo. A lot of Christian folks I know think that it's wrong, which I knew ahead of time. But sometimes they can be so mean about it! I've been in a number of fights with my mother-in-law about tattoos; she absolutely hates them. (She doesn't know that I have one.) I don't particularly care what anyone thinks about my tattoo. It's something I thought about for a long time and I did it just for me. I did get my husband's blessings ahead of time, though. He absolutely love it.




Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

Well, my favorite tattoo is the SpongeBob SquarePants tattoo on the back of my neck. But the tattoo that I am most proud of is my rosary. It stretches across my lower back and also includes the dates of my parent's passings.

What does it signify?

It's actually a tattoo of a rosary that my mother gave me before she passed away. She and my father were devoutly Catholic. I remember that my mom would pray the rosary every day.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

It certainly wasn't for me; the tattoo I mean. I did it for my mom and dad. Something to both honor them and remind me of them.

How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

Just fine, thank you. It's fun. I think it's art; body modification. It's beautiful. I don't think it brings me spiritually closer to my parents or anything. I know that some people get tattoos for that kind of thing. But my rosary reminds me of parents and how much I love and miss them; pure and simple.




Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

I have a traditional old school sparrow, brightly colored, with my grandfather's name (Delmer) in a banner beneath it.

What does it signify?

It signifies my dedication to my grandfather and my attempt to keep our connection even though he is no longer on this earth; trying to make his memory more physical than just mental.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

Well, I'm a fan of traditional "old school" tattoos. There's just something so classic and beautiful about them. But I digress.... So that's pretty much where I started. Then I saw the mother/father sparrows and new that's what I had to get. Plus the sparrow just seemed to git. There were always sparrows around my grandparent's farm and it all just reminded me of him.

How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

To be perfectly honest, bad ass and tough. Because I know a lot of guys that are too sensitive to even get a shot let alone a tattoo.




Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

It's a Thai dendrobium orchid with a bit of a dark side. It has a lot of dark shading to give it that effect. It's also shaded with purples and pinks on the inside with a yellow center. There's green shading behind it to make it pop and to also bring in my first tattoo which is right about it.

What does it signify?

I got it as a "souvenir" of sorts to remember my trip to Thailand. I got it below my first tattoo which I got to represent home. All of my tattoos represent things and places that make me feel at home. I got the orchid darker to remind me of some of the bad things I say when I was in Thailand; the poverty and disease. The brightness in the petals and background represent all of the good things I saw.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

I got my first tattoo because I just felt the need to do it. I kept getting them because there are things I want to remember no matter where I end up.

How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

As a woman with a tattoo, I feel that I am completely happy with the choices I have made of designs to permanently have on my body. I do, however, feel judged at times by others when they find out I have tattoos. Since they're not in very visible spots, people are sometimes shocked and I can tell that it changes how they perceive me as a person. Even though I am not covered in ink, it gives people a different view of me. At times, it has even been a joke to others and they make me try to feel guilty.




Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

It's the words "truth" and "love" written in Polish in all black in an informal cursive script. The two words run up and down my spine in opposite directions.

What does it signify?

Truth and Love are the two most important traits of a good relationship within families. Every relationship should have those things. They are the qualities that I look for in people. I had it written in Polish because I am from a Polish family and it is my favorite of all heritages. I have always wanted to learn how to speak it.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

My first tattoo is of a cross. I got it to represent a time when I was having trouble in my life and church camp changed it. It was the hardest and best time of my life.

I have always wanted a tattoo on my back. I put it higher on my back so that it's not seen as a "tramp stamp." I wanted it to be in a more personal spot so I could hide it when needed.


How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

Fine. Normal. Not any different. The same as I've always been. People always ask why when they find out I have them. It's like they need to give them a reason for the decision I made.



Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

My tattoo is a quote by Henry David Thoreau or "HDT." It reads: "Dreams are the touchstones of our character." I got the quote done after reading his dream sequence books while living in England. It's black in a script style font that I wrote out myself. The tattoo runs along the outside of my forearm between my wrist and elbow in a straight line. It's simply a text tattoo.

What does it signify?

It signifies how I was reacting to humanity during that phase of my life. Thoreau thought a lot about how humans lived their lives and why they do the things they do. I feel I'm a lot like that. When I first meet people, I listen very closely to what they are saying and how they react to the conversation. I use that information not only to get to know them better, but also to see how they interact with the world around them. I realize that everyone is different and I love looking at those differences and how they effect our lives.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

I chose this tattoo because it was a quote that was meaningful to me and I wanted to share it with other people. I ended up deciding to get the quote tatooed on my arm because I wanted other to see it and think about it. Because I'm a fairly shy person, I would never come out and just ask someone that unless I knew them pretty well already. I thought a long time about where I wanted this quote placed and how I wanted it written. Originally, I was going to have it go across my chest in more of a block font so it was right there for people to see and read. Almost like a billboard. But after a little more thinking, I decided on my arm with a scripted handwriting. That way it's more of a game for people to see and read. If my arm is moving, people only get little peaks of it. Most people will them move their heads around so they can see what it is and what it says or they will simply as me what's on my arm. After they read it, I usually get some kind of a reaction from them. It's amazing how different people interpret and react to it. I love this tattoo! Not only does it represent me and my way of thinking, but it helps me get to know people and interact with them when they might normally never talk to me.

How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

Honestly, I never thought I would be the kind of woman to get a tattoo. Even after I got the first one, I said "Never again." But a few years later, I was getting another and then another. I love my tattoos. I feel like they are a visible time line of my life. Women that get tattoos are no different than any other women. It's just a different way to express yourself. I'm proud of them and I like to show people and tell them the stories behind each one. I also feel like they give me the power to come out of my shell.




Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

A small orange and yellow flower with a green leaf. The flower itself is sort-of a tribute to Georgia O'Keeffe, and the colors are a reminder of the Southwest, which is my favorite part of America.


What does it signify?

Georgia O'Keeffe was a traveler and a beautiful woman. Her travels from the East coast to the Southwest were incredible. I identify with that a lot. I don't identify with many women my age; I never have. But there's always been something so inspiring in her. I've lived my life, and I'm still standing. The flower is the kid in me and I'm still in there. I'm still dancing. I am myself, and I hope that doesn't offend. My father used to travel for his job on the railroad. He always photographed pictures of the Southwest. The flower reminds me of him, and all of the trips we took together there.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

Because I was 48, it was my wedding anniversary, and because I could. People ask me why, and I just say, "Because I can." When I was growing up, I couldn't even have pierced ears. I wanted to get a tattoo as soon as it became more acceptable. I realized that it was an art form. Normal people started to have a passion for tattoo, and I thought that was beautiful. Also, they finally started to have nice colors. I love color.

How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

When I was young, only sailors and Hells Angels had tattoos. Them and grease monkeys, anyways. If a girl got one, oh my God, well that's just right next door to sluthood. The jocks and the cheerleaders could do anything they wanted. The popular kids had a free pass to drugs, sex... anything. But no one could get a tattoo. Nowadays, it's totally different. A woman can have a tattoo and no one thinks less of her. And even if they do, why should she give a damn what they think? My tattoo is a symbol of my strength and a reminder of many things I've loved. I'm proud of my life and my tattoo and no one can change that.



Describe the tattoo which you are most proud of (ex. color, shape, style, etc.):

My favorite tattoo happens to be my only tattoo (at the moment). It is a group of five bats on my right shoulder blade. They look like ink blots, so there's no distinct style to them at all. Not really new school or black and grey. My tattoo artist told me that they looked tribal because there is no shading. They're just big, black blobs. And I love them.

What does it signify?

They're taken from the book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson and illustrated by Ralph Stedman. To me, the bats serve as a reminder of the character of Dr. Thompson himself. He was an uncomprimising individual; a completely free spirit. He was never afraid to be himself and he never cared what other people thought of him. I wish I could be like that. Totally myself no matter what my situation. I never want to comprimise who I am or how I express myself. Also, my family never read. Fear and Loathing is the first book I ever read cover to cover, and I am strangely proud of that.

Why did you choose to tattoo?

I've wanted a tattoo since I was eight. My uncle Tim had a skull and spiderweb on his shoulder along with the words "I Love Mom." I remember being fascinated with them. Then my older cousin got a tribal tattooed around his arm when I was 13. I didn't particularly like the idea having any skulls or tribals on me, but I wanted to decorate my body with something that would last forever. I think that's the biggest thing: I looked up to my uncle and my cousin and I wanted to be like them... (ie bad ass), but I was never sure just what I would get. I thought that I would need to get something important; something integral to my human experience, but at the age of 17, I had no freaking idea what was integral to my human existence. I decided to put tattooing off until I found the image which encapsulated my very soul. Then when I was 24, I gave up trying and just tattooed myself with something I happened to liked at the time. I think that everything that is human is temporary. I'm a little goth girl at heart, so bats and dark imagery along with Hunter S. Thompson was a prefect fit.

How do you feel as a woman with a tattoos?

Honestly, I feel pretty awesome. Not only did I get through the pain of 5 tattoos at once, I got something big and dark and mysterious. It's not a fairy on top of a moon or a jumping dolphin or some other such girly nonsense on my ankle. No one else has my tattoo, so I think it's a strong reinforcement of my individuality. I don't particularly care what people think about my tattoos. I plan on getting a good deal more. It's strange to think that there's now a part of my body that I'm proud of. I'm hoping to get a sleeve done sometime soon, but I'm still debating what to get. I want something absolutely beautiful and delicate like one of DaVinci's sketches of women, but I'm still not sure. After I get my sleeve, my tattoos will be beautiful, delicate, and awesome. Just like me.