Tattoos, Fashion, and Rock ‘n’ Roll

The skin is the largest organ of the body.  So for me, accessorizing certain areas of my skin with colorful ink seems to be an obvious part of expressing myself.  But what about the social stigmas attached to the tattooed subculture of men and women?  Or, the most commonly asked question, “What will happen when you’re older?”  Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion regarding body modification, be it tattoos, piercings, or even plastic surgery.  However, I am proud to know that a solar system of stars stretches from my right hip to below my navel, where my name “Elana” sits in Old English.  I also love having a yin-yang also sitting on my lower back, reminding me that the highs and lows of life combine to create a beautiful existence.

I prefer to place my tattoos in discreet places, regions where I can show them off when the time calls for it.  Wearing a bikini by the pool or at the beach makes me feel oh so sexy.  Lounging around in low-waist sweats and a midriff tank with my boyfriend makes me feel comfy and cute.  But that’s me.

As for those out there who have adorned their skin with tons of pop art, personal portraits, pin-up ladies, and names of their loved ones for all the world to see, I praise your bravery.  In my eyes, the tattoos that have been permanently imprinted on a person’s body are merely an extension of that person’s style, the season, a time, or a reason.  Just as a pair of vintage kitten heels passed from a grandmother to her granddaughter stands for a memorable era, a tattoo depicting this very time period might also carry the same meaning.  A granddaughter can show her love for her grandmother by either keeping the shoes forever or tattooing a specific memoir on her skin forever.

Although I may not choose to display my body art to the public on every occasion—you’ll notice my leopard heels before you catch any glimpse of my tattoos—I can’t help but feel in awe of people who take tattooing to a whole new level.

Such as Kat Von D!

This 25-year-old tattoo artist grew up in the Inland Empire of Southern California, starred on the reality television show “Miami Ink” on TLC as the shop’s only female employee, and eventually scored her own show and shop “LA Ink.”  Although, I am more impressed with her entrepreneurial spirit, rock ‘n’roll vibe, and her insane platform heels than simply her massive number of tattoos, I enjoy seeing a soft-hearted gal committed to her clients and staying passionate about the art of tattooing.  With stars lining alongside her temple and, if you look quickly enough, tattoos underneath her chin, the most common thought might be:  Why would she do that to herself ?

I say, “Why not?”

Elana Pruitt (www.talkingchic.com)