I got my first tattoo pretty impulsively; I was a couple of margaritas deep when I saw a flash appointment opened for an artist I liked and immediately jumped on the chance. Barely two weeks later, I had a tattoo. My artist was Lisa O’Quinn from Heirloom Studios, and overall, the experience was great.
Tattoos are artwork we feel deeply passionate about, ascribe meaning to, and deem worthy of being on our bodies forever. Whether that artwork is shrouded in significance and dedicated to a loved one or if you picked it simply because it looks cool, tattoos are a decision that, most of the time, we are committing to for life.
When I look down at my tattoo, I often smile simply because I think it is beautiful. When asked about the meaning behind it, I will tell people that my mother, AND grandmother have butterfly tattoos, so for me, this felt like part of tradition. I also just fell completely in love with the art style and design.
After getting my tattoo, I became fixated on the tattoos of others and asked about their artists, which inspired this article. Below, you will read interviews from people who chose to get tattoos, with each artist/studio being based in Halifax or Dartmouth. Each person interviewed has their own story as to what inspired them to get their tattoos, from stories of profound significance to deciding to get a tattoo simply for the sake of art.
Danielle, the Butterfly Tattoo
Where? – By Ashley Hamilton, while she was at Outlaw Country Tattoo.
Why? – In 2013, I lost my cousin Charles to suicide. He was truly a one-of-a-kind person and had a great soul. Charles was also the only openly gay family member in my very religious family/community and struggled greatly with his mental health. It wasn’t until I got older and I, myself, came out as queer that I realized how hard that was for him and how not accepting my family and community was for him, which ultimately led to his death. Before coming out, Charles’ death severely impacted my mental health; we both struggled with severe depression and suicidal thoughts growing up. Watching my own family member take his life because of our family and community really impacted how I chose to come out. I did not fully accept myself until I moved out of the province and allowed myself to truly be myself! At his service, we released a variety of butterflies in his honour, and since then, whenever I have seen a butterfly, it serves as a reminder for Charles! I chose to get a more abstract butterfly, making it look like it’s finally “grown its wings,” which helps to symbolize my growth and accepting my struggles with my mental health and my sexuality, as well as it being a memorial butterfly piece for Charles.
Any regrets? – This tattoo, I have never regretted. I have always stood behind getting tattoos, especially when they have meanings, and every piece I have gotten to date all have their own meaning, but this is by far the most meaningful to me!
Liz, the Dragonfly Tattoo
Where? – Outlaw Country Tattoo
Why? – I decided to get the tattoo after thinking about the idea of getting one for a while. I always knew I wanted something small, and I wanted it to be meaningful, but it took me a while to fully commit to it. I finally decided to get it, and it is to represent my mother. Whenever we would see dragonflies growing up, she would say that they represent our loved ones who have passed watching over us, so I got it as a reminder of family.Any regrets? – Not really! It is still a new addition for me, so I might end up regretting it at some point, but not right now.
Gabriel, the Angel Wing Tattoo
Where? – Oceanic Art, Downtown Dartmouth
Why? – I got this tattoo because my parents named me after an archangel. I also thought it would look cool because it compliments my body type and physique. I want all my future tattoos to have an overarching theme that relates to me while at the same time looking super cool.
Regrets? – My only regret is not booking another appointment ASAP because I want more tattoos.
Darby, the Ribcage with Bee Wings Tattoo
Where? – Blackbird Studio by Janette Rawding
Why? – I thought it looked really cool; it was my first, and I also couldn’t imagine getting something that made my body feel off balance, so it felt like the right tattoo and the right placement (a sternum on my sternum)
Any regrets? – No, never.
Charlie, the Sappho Tattoo
Where? – Halifax Tattoo Company by Taryn Roach
Why? – The tattoo is of Sappho, a significant icon for queer women. The word lesbian originates from the name of the Greek Island Lesbos, where Sappho was born. Sappho was a poet, and the first recognized lesbian in history. The tattoo also includes violets, which hold significance in Victorian flower language and were used by lesbians and bisexual women as a special code to convey their feelings to one another. The idea was that men would not be interested enough to notice the flowers.
Any regrets? – None at all. It was the first of the five tattoos I’ve gotten, and it’s still my very favourite.
Simon, the Sunset Tattoo
Where? – Utility Tattoo
Why? – The tattoo was a “get what you get.” I hate making decisions. It’s cheaper. The running joke of my tattoos is that I really love Pirates of the Caribbean. They’re all Sailor Jerry American-themed. It is art for the sake of art. I don’t want a tattoo with a meaning changing and still being on my body. Art is pretty without attaching any deeper meaning.
Any regrets? – No regrets!