Ritual Tattoos
A Ritual Tattoo is based in an Intention.
We often get tattoos to mark something important in our lives. Although these milestones are often significant to us, they generally aren’t acknowledged in a typical tattooing process — that is, in tattoo shops located within ‘modern’/western/capitalistic sphere. (Note: they have been treated and continue to be treated with reverence and depth of meaning in countless cultures existing outside of this sphere.)
An intention-based tattoo is a co-creation process between myself (the artist) and you (the human receiving the tattoo). We work together to weaving your chosen intention into the tattoo design, as well as create ritual and reverence as the tattoo is being realized on your body.
What does this look like exactly?
Depending on what you (as the client) desire, the process can metastasize in slightly different ways. However, the bones of the process look like this:
We have an initial meeting to explore your Intention. During this first appointment we will work together to solidify your intention— We will flesh out what you want to celebrate / morn / declare / call into the world / step beyond / etc. This intention will be the guidepost from which we work on the tattoo’s physical form (the actual design).
After establishing this intention, we will do some initial brainstorming around the tattoo’s physical form. Maybe you already have an idea of what imagery you want, maybe you don’t. Either way, your unique story and creative input will be an integral part of the design process. I strive for you to feel full ownership of your tattoo.
On the day of your tattoo, we will take time to build a reverent container for the process, and weave the story of the tattoo into its creation. Specifically, we might open the session by drinking some tea, sitting with the design, and offering thanks. We will move slow and intentionally (this is what I love about hand-poking!). Maybe there is a playlist or an object you would like to bring in. Maybe you would like to share the full story of the tattoo and the weave of threads that have brought you to mark this intention on your body during the tattooing process, so that it is infused into the piece. There are many ways to build the ritual, and together we will build what is right for you.*
*A small note on what a ritual tattoo doesn’t it look like…
It doesn’t look like appropriating ceremonial traditions and practices from other cultures. If there is a ritual or self-generated ceremony that you would like to incorporate as a part of your tattoo, I welcome that. I only ask that the ritual be birthed in your imagination, culture, or personal experience.