|
Up Front - Tattoos designed to express your lifestyle
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
I think there is a hidden part of me that would love to be a biker chick.
Not just a chick who rides a bike, but one who lives the lifestyle. Fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, wild child, unconcerned about the future, live-for-the-day kinda girl. Wouldn’t that be great?
On top of driving a Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide, I would love to wear chaps touring all the bike shows across North America.
My family is originally from South Dakota, so I’d be inclined to begin my travels at Sturgis bike rally.
I’d get my second tattoo in Mitchell, which is in southeast South Dakota. I’d visit the Corn Palace again, check out Cabela’s then travel into the deep southeast states.
I’d spend my days touring each of the states and provinces in our beautiful continent.
Unfortunately, I’ve been born to be a stay-close-to-home kinda girl. I’d rather be here than most other places in the world, so to allow my wild child to come out, I get tattoos.
Would my parents be proud of this fact? Likely not. To this day I only have one tattoo on my ankle, but have prospects of getting two more in the near future.
I currently have a pink rose on my ankle, in honour of my maternal grandmother who passed away in 1988.
My next goal is to get a black bear tattooed on my back. Wildlife and the outdoors have had a very strong impact on my short life. My dad has owned an outfitting business longer than I’ve been alive. Hence, I have had the great opportunity to gain a huge respect for animals.
In the past eight years I’ve been guiding for my dad in my “spare” time. Out of all the animals I’ve been able to watch, bears are by far the animal I respect the most. They signify strength, integrity and garnish respect from every other animal in the wild.
A bear tattoo would also represent the relationship my father and I have gained over the past 26 years. My dad has taught me to stand on my own two feet, be strong, independent and still nurturing when needed.
The bear would represent my lifestyle, my passion, and one of my best friends... my dad.
Some people frown at tattoos because they think when they’re old, the tattoo will no longer represent them.
However; I believe you only ink on your body designs that will act as a reminder to what your life was, is, and could be.
I was recently talking to a man who has half sleeve tattoos, some on his back and neck, who has tattooed designs from his occupation. He is a firefighter that has a passion for his job. Each and every tattoo he has represents his lifestyle.
I would never get my entire body covered by tattoos, but I think the odd few add a new element to personal style. To me, tattoos are like adding a piercing or a new (permanent) handbag. They add character, permanent tribute to a loved one, and a little bit of individuality.
One of my favourite shows to watch (when I have some spare time) is LA Ink. Kat Von D lives her life creating portrait tattoos for her customers. I think it’s amazing how she can get the tattoo to look exactly like the living person she’s trying to depict.
I am impressed with the talent tattoo artists have. I believe tattoos are a way to express one’s self, and to discover a form of individuality.
< Previous
Home
Next >
|
