History behind tattoos and body art

Like paintings, tattoos are works of art.  Instead, however, of having a canvass to paint on, human skin is where the art is at.   Tattoos have been around for thousands of years.  The art of tattoo lives on to this day not just as art, but also as a form of self expression.

It is pretty common nowadays, to walk along the streets of most any city throughout the world and never miss a day without seeing somebody with a tattoo.  Gone are the days where, in modern civilizations, tattoos were exclusively for criminals and convicts.  In today’s culture, tattoos have evolved from taboo to norm.

I’m certain that just like anybody else, once in our lives, we have dreamed of having ourselves tattooed.  Admittedly, I have always wanted to get the circumference of my navel tattooed.  It has also long been my dream to have a UV tattoo across my chest.

Why get tattoos and body art?

We all have our own reasons for wanting to get a tattoo.  A friend of mine got his for aesthetic purposes.  Another thought of getting himself tattooed to remember a lost loved one.  Whatever reason we may have for getting ourselves inked, one thing binds just about all of us together – self expression.

In the not so distant civilizations, tattoos presented different symbols.  Tribes in Asia believe that tattoos protect its bearer from harm.  African tribes from across the globe require its members to get tattoos as a rite of passage.

Tattoos and body art are not just mere lines, patterns, and color on skin.  They are symbols of beauty.  Intricate henna tattoos painted all over a woman’s hands make a gorgeous bride in some cultures.

Obviously, the skin is a very good canvass to work on.  Tattoos are the only paintings that can never be stolen.  However, unlike paintings where erasers and paint are available to erase imperfections, skin as a canvass doesn’t allow room for erasures and mistakes.   The value of trust is put to the test here.  When getting a tattoo, we are entrusting our skin to the artist.   As a tattoo is inked to the skin, it literally becomes part of your body.  An art imbedded in us that we shall carry to our deathbeds.  Tattoo artists consider the skin precious as there is a limit to the tattoos one person can get.

Getting a tattoo for the first time can prove to be a challenge and even something people avoid for years, despite really, really wanting one.  One past the first tat, it's not uncommon to hear people talking about their next one...even before leaving.  Some even get turned on so much that it becomes an addiction.  With most, there are just about always feelings of anxiety and apprehension.  Worrying about having the perfect first tattoo is one.  The fear of complications and dismay is another.  With the right disposition, trusted and skilled artist, along with the willingness and desire to express yourself through this art, rarely do things go haywire.   Once the first tattoo gets done, and you find yourself happy with the result, the next thing you’ll know, you’re already running out of skin.

Tattoos do have their own stories to tell.  Most of the tattoos we see have meanings (except for those tattoos that, well, were inked for no reason at all).  Each tattoo depicts an emotion, an expression of feelings and a reminder of the person we were at the time we got them.   Tattoos and body art reflects who we are as a person and as a human being.  Tattoos embody our hopes and dreams -- sometimes sorrows -- that make us who we are right now.

Real essence of having tattoos and body art

Every person has the right to do whatever he wants as long as he is not breaking the law or causing harm to others.  Having a tattoo may not be pleasing to the eyes of some.  What’s important is the respect we show to others for their right to self expression.  Tattoos and body art are a great way to express ourselves.   However, tattoos and body art are not for everyone.  Getting a tattoo needs the right conditioning, proper planning, and the determination to get one.  Remember, tattoos are investments that will last a lifetime.

Do you have a tattoo?  What story does it tell?  What are you communicating with your tattoos and body art?

(Note:  It was not our intent with this post to cover a history of tattoo or body art.  Wikipedia does a pretty good job of that.  Just click on the words to be linked to their article.)

Getting my first tattoo! (Vid.1)