In 2017, I got my first tattoo and fell in love with the process, experience and thrill of having art embedded into my skin.
As of 2019, I have 22 tattoos and will be collecting more.
I’ve shared a few here as a glimpse into me.
”Skin is a tapestry of living. It holds all the stories we live through and it can paint a picture of our characteristics. Every mark and every colour has a personal identity. Tattoos are an extension of that story.” —- Frances Segismundo
Photographed by Sam Soon
Tattoo Artist: Kevin King
My very first tattoo. Inspired by my admiration for wolves and their ability to survive alone.
Tattoo Artist: Maggie Cho
The quiet sadness of kikkujo’s art resonates with me.
For me, the experience of being tattooed is the combination of accepting my body as part of a creation of art.
Tattoo Artist: Hannah Kang
Mitski’s Nobody video invokes in me that feeling of yearning for a deep romance and yet, never finding the right person.
Tattoo Artist: Samantha Park
I gravitate towards wolves for their ability to survive without a pack as well as in a group. I’m learning how to be in a pack of friends.
Tattoo Artist: Maggie Cho
The fierceness of Jen Bartel’s wolf reminds me I’m allowed to have moments of intense emotions including anger.
Tattoo Artist: Ariel W
A rendering of a scene from my favorite film, Moonlight accompanied by waves in the colors of In The Mood for Love . In Moonlight and In The Mood for Love, each film features a couple sharing silence in each other’s company. The films feel fitting for my own quiet demeanor.
In the depicted scene, Chiron doesn’t believe he’s worthy of love but he trusts Kevin enough to allow himself a moment of being cared for. A moment like this, one rife with vulnerability is something I want to welcome into my life.
I view my body as a canvas. My skin is the home to a curated collection of art designed to tell my story.
Each tattoo is how I communicate with myself the things I want to remember - feelings, aspirations, desires.
When I choose to share my tattoos with others, I’m hoping people may understand me a little better.
Tattoo Artist: Maggie Cho / Photographer: Marion Gaus
A reminder it’s possible to be kind as well as dangerous.
Tattoo Artist: Kevin King / Photographer: Sam Soon
In times of sadness, the moon is always a welcome companion during my nights walking home.
Often times, I get a tattoo knowing the significance I will attach to it.
Sometimes the meaning of a tattoo develops over time.
Sometimes a tattoo’s meaning is simply that I was drawn to a piece of art enough to put it on the canvas of my body.
Tattoo Artist: Hannah Kang
kikkujo’s dog is cute. I like to think the dog is encouraging the growth of his little plant buddy and me.
Tattoo Artist: Ariel W
Egg tarts are my favorite Chinese pastry. I have so many great memories sharing egg tarts with friends.
Tattoo Artist: Hannah Kang
A constant reminder to myself and others that I’m always growing.
Tattoo Artist: Katie McPayne
Out of all the figures I have tattooed, this one resembles a self portraiture the most. The character’s shy expression and hard to spot placement on the back of my arm is a reflection of my own personality.
I noticed that most tattoo pages are run by cishet white men showcasing their tattoos on light-skinned individuals. I’ve chosen to only work with tattoo artists of color and/or artists who feature tattoos on dark skin in their portfolio.
Recommended Tattoo Links: