Artistic people are known to get crafty with their hands and have a unique way of interpreting things. What do tattoos mean to these two beautiful women who make art for a living?
Name: Doralisa Lee
Age: 29
Occupation: GM at Craft Haven (Self-proclaimed craft-holic )
There’s just something about tattoos. The allure of them was never something I could explain. However what I did know was by the time I was 14, I wanted one. I mulled over it till I was 17 and went on a “secret mission” to get one. I knew it had to be something significant as it was going to be for life. I believe tattoos reflect a person’s being and it’s never “just art” – to me, at least.
Like any teenager, I was bound to have “interesting” views on life, and at that time I was into all things Wiccan. As such, my first tattoo was that of an eternity sign over a pentacle with angel wings – a sign of protection. Sounded and looked amazing in my head. I remember researching and reading and making sure what I wanted would look just right. However, because I was only 17, I couldn’t’ legally get a tattoo so I got help from another friend that knew someone who would do it without checking my ID. Best and worst mistake I made. The guy didn’t redraw my idea, nor did he do a good job on the tattoo. However, the experience reinforced what I already knew. I wanted another one!
I didn’t have to wait long. By the time I hit my 18th birthday, my eldest sis (who also has a tattoo of her own – and is currently the MD at Ogilvy One Worldwide Malaysia) decided to gift me, my first proper tattoo done by Eddie from Borneo Ink (before he got famous and has an insane waiting line).
Loving all things associated with the blue rose at the time, it was my choice of tattoo and it was done on my hip bone near my pelvis. His workmanship is amazing and I have never needed to do a touch up on the colour till now – and this is only because it has stretched a little due to childbirth. So, I have decided to hold off the touch up till my second child is born. Since, the plan is to have 2 kids.
In 2006, I was diagnosed with ovarian cyst. At that time it was not as common as it is today, but at the same time it was not rare either. However, it still freaked me to know I had to go under the knife. Since this was before they came up with the keyhole procedure, the one I went through was similar to that of a c-section with a tube that had to be pulled out a few days after the procedure. Long story short, it prompted the next tattoo I wanted to get.
My 3rd visit to a tattoo parlour was when I was in Bangkok studying Jewellery Design and Gemology. It was a gift from an amazing woman in her own right. I decided to get a phoenix – a small one, as at the time I still had the infinite pentacle and wanted to add on to it, somehow. The meaning of the phoenix is important to me. It reminds me to continue to strive for the best in life and get up no matter what happens. Though it may be small, it holds great meaning to me.
Back to my very first tattoo – I kept it for about 6 years before deciding to cover it up with the lotus flowers I now have on my shoulder. I decided to get the flowers as the meaning was the same as that of the infinite pentacle. I thought it would be my last tattoo. Though some days I still get the feeling the piece on my shoulder is not quite complete. However I did make a promise to a very special person, and unless circumstances change, it doesn’t look like I will complete my shoulder piece anytime soon.
I love my tattoos. They are a part of who I am and I find getting them to be therapeutic. They embody what I want to say, are loud but subtle all at the same time. Still, to this date, if anyone that asks me about getting a tattoo, I always tell them get it for the right reasons. Not to piss your parents or be “cool”. Let it be an extension of who you are and wear it with pride.
Name: Harmini Asokumar
Age: 27
Occupation: Artrepreneur and Dreamer at Deeper Than Fashion
Having always surrounding myself with art, be it the one I create or the ones I find, I always try to learn and try new forms of art. I like creating makeup looks because to me it’s art, I love creating jewellery because its wearable art & that is exactly why I got a tattoo; I wanted a piece of art permanently inked on my skin canvas (body). Having come from a family that pretty much gave me the green light to express myself (though sometimes they couldn’t understand it themselves), ironically made me become extra cautious of what I would get tattooed on. With that sort of freedom comes a sense of trust that I knew I had to maintain.
After years of contemplating what to get, it hit me on a sleepless night. I still remember it. It was 4.07 am when I texted my completely inked out best (guy)friend telling him I knew exactly what I wanted. When inspiration hits, it hits right? It was going to be something that represented me as a whole. I got a dreamcatcher at the side of my rib with each feather having a member of my family’s signature in it. My mom had passed away the year before I got it, so it was further encouragement to make it as a tribute piece of some sort.
I know a dreamcatcher seems like an incredibly cliche design, but mine had its personal reasons. Native American culture believes that a dreamcatcher captures bad dreams, filters your nightmare and sends you good ones. This is what dreamcatchers are known for and that was why I initially started making them. My own form of magic, filtering nightmares in a form of art. These pieces of art that I created and customized became the main focus of my business, Deeper Than Fashion and was one of the first few reasons why business became a success.
From that, the idea formed to add my family’s signatures to it as a tribute to my family for always being there by my side. Another reason for the placement of my tattoo being the side of my ribs. Being my first tattoo, the pain was something I wasn’t used to but definitely bearable. The end result, was definitely worth it. What’s even more amazing to me is how accepting everyone is to my tattoo (including older family members who I assumed would freak out).
I have no idea where my inked journey will take me, or even if it will continue. But I absolutely love this piece of art I carry with me wherever I go.
Pilgrimages of a Typewritist 