Tattoos

How do you externally reflect the internal changes, the profound metamorphosis that has occurred? Sometimes these self-discoveries and life changes are so monumental that it elicits a physical change, as well.

I scrolled through my Instagram feed to catch a photo of a friend’s first tattoo. It was an abstract design that paid homage to her wedding venue, a distinctive historic site in her home state. The tattoo seemed sweet at first, but then I read the photo caption. My friend had gotten inked to honor the child she lost in miscarriage.

[CN: cutting, dissociation, auditory hallucinations] I struggle with the need to have physical, visible proof of my inner world. That’s when I realized tattoos can replace my scars. I can reinterpret what my scars stand for and transform them into something beautiful, something worth remembering.

I look tired when I stay up too late. I also look tired if I get eight hours of sleep.

Spotted in: The Mission, SF

Spotted in: Lake Merritt, Oakland

Spotted on: Market Street, SF

Spotted in: The Mission, SF