The pride of the Irish.

Name: Michael D.

Where it was done: Apt. set for Summer '08 at Beauty Mark Tattooing and Piercing (Waterbury, CT)

Artists: Ken (specialized in portraits)

How long it took: Predicted time about 5 hours.

Why I got it:
Like most kids I've wanted a tattoo since I knew what it was. Since this is going to be on my body forever, I decided that this would be a good first tattoo. It is to be placed on my back across both shoulder blades. This, like the other post, is also a tribute to my deceased grandfather. The colors of the skulls are representative of the Irish flag. The design binding the skulls is a Celtic knot. As you could probably tell, my grandfather was a hardcore Irishman. In the middle of the knot, which the above design does not show, will be a blue "T". You see, my grandfather put a blue "T" with magic marker on everything he owned, it stood for Tom, his middle name, which he was known by. (This was designed by a close friend of mine Roger P.)
Once the piece is finished, there will be an updated posting, where you will be able to check out the final product.

RIP ATM

I'll start with my own Tattoo story.

Name: Ilma

Where it was done: Beauty Mark Tattooing and Piercing (Waterbury, CT)

Artist: Ken (Specialized in portraits)

How long it took: About 1.5 to 2 hours, nothing big.

Why I got it:
When people see my tattoo they all ask the same question, why eyes? Well, you're about to find out. Those eyes are my grandfather's eyes. Sounds weird I know, but bear with me. He had the most beautiful green eyes, or so I'm told by my grandmother. You see my grandfather died when I was very young.

At the age of 3, I moved out of my home country (Bosnia), my grandparents stayed behind in the war. Since my father was an only child, I was my grandfather’s only grandchild. He died when I was about 5, my grandmother told me that he used to hold the neighbor's baby daughter and call her Ilma and treat her like his own, his only wish was to see me one last time before he died. Sadly, that wish was never fulfilled. However, I can feel him watching over me everyday. This tattoo was my tribute to my Grandfather, his eyes always watching over me and protecting me.

R.I.P. Deda, you will never be forgotten. <3

Want your stories shared?

This blog is meant to share people's tattoo stories.

If you want your story shared
feel free to e-mail me a picture of the tattoo you're most proud of to ilsworld89@gmail.com
and include the following information:
-Your name
-Where you got it done
-The artists name
-How long it took
-Why you got it? (the meaning behind it)

Or if you have a tattoo shop you are really fond of....share it with me, I'm always looking for cool places, and I'll add their link to the page.

A little history before we get started

The art of tattooing began over 5,000 years ago. It was discovered accidentally when someone rubbed a small wound with a hand that was dirtied from soot and ashes from a fire. When their wound healed the mark from the ashes remained and tattoos were born. They have been thought to have everything from aesthetic to religious value and even therapeutic uses.

However, tattoos do not always display moral actions. A good example of their misuse would be in the concentration camps during World War II. The Jews were tattooed with an identification number on their arms, much like the brand on a head of cattle. Another example is, gang and prison tattoos, which are frowned upon by today’s society because many of them portray hate and violence.

Today tattoos are mainly a way to permanently display a memory, family member, or something else important to the person being tattooed. They are one of the most difficult forms of art and while not everyone appreciates them, their importance throughout history is undeniable.