I think it started when I was very young, 9 I think. My dad has a tattoo on his arm and looking at it I grew fascinated about the ability of putting ink under your skin. Though I was deathly afraid of needles, I didn't get my lobes pierced til I was 14, there still was the attraction.
At A Glance Author Alison/Amadahy Contact Alison/Amadahy@bme.anon When Two years ago Artist Chris Studio Art Apocalypse Location Athens, Ohio Fast forward to when I was 18, first year of college, it seemed everyone at my college was getting tattooed or pierced, I knew I wanted a tattoo but I wasn't going to get one just because everyone else was but this is when I seriously started thinking about getting one.
Second year I got serious started checking out parlors, looking online mostly at BME, artists books, etc... I finally found a parlor I was comfortable with, though now looking back I regret the artist I choose but that's besides the point. I visited them countless times hanging out, watching other people get tattooed, asking about the pain and making sure they were sterile (I did my homework). The third time I went there I knew I wanted a tattoo but unsure what to get I got my tongue pierced instead figuring if I didn't like it I could take it out. I still have to this day.
There are times my dad says I was born horse crazy. I've loved horses since before I can remember. They have always kind of symbolized me, wild and reckless and just wanting to be able to run free. That was the half of it, I have never been lucky in my life and I was in 4-H for 5 years, the 4 leaf clover is the symbol of 4-H. My insperation finally came to mind. Emma was my favorite horse at my college who died in a freak accident. I made the decision I wanted to make her into a memory somehow so her color, she's a bay, became that of my tattoo. For those of you out there who aren't as horse crazy as me a bay is a horse with a brown body, a black mane and tail and black on all 4 legs.
January 31, I visit the parlor for my tattoo I was originally was going to get it that day but the parlor was booked for the rest of the night. So I made an appointment for the next day with Chris.
Febuary 1 also know as T-day, my appointment was for 8 pm but I got out of class early so grabbing Ashley, my emotional support left early I was psyched. I got there about 6 pm. It was crowded there was a guy there getting a tribal sun on his shoulder and Chris had another appointment so Ashley and I hung out watching people get their tattoos and looking at the artists books and flash. This is also the time I found a flash I got later on (see experience "It was worth it" in Athens Ohio).
Chris called me back, my turn had arrived, I had butterflies in my stomach. He placed the outline where I specified then he had me get up and look at it to check the position perfect on the first try. The buzzing began, it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be the feeling went from a deep cat scratch to a hard massage. I cussed a bit then asked my artist if he minded that I was cussing, he said "I don't care just as long as you hold still." We got through the outline and my butterflies turned into queasyness. This is the conversation the ensued.
Me "I don't feel so good."
Chris pausing "What do you mean you don't feel so good?"
Me "I feel queasy kind of like I'm going to throw up"
Chris "When did you eat last?"
Me "Uhhhhh about 4 I think."
Chris explained to me this is what happens when you combine adrenaline and an empty stomach.
A slightly upset Chris sent Ashley to the store to get me a candy bar and a bottle of water, I ate while he took a cigarette break. After my stomach had settled Chris put on new gloves and we continued with the shading, which again wasn't so bad. Ashley helped instruct Chris where the colors would go on the horse.
Nerves hit me as I stood to look at it. Though small it was beautiful and I've never regreted it. Emma is always with me now and when I'm sad, I just look at my tattoo and remember the trail rides and the fun I had with her.
Since then I have gotten more tattoos and my more recent artist made me feel so much more comfortable then Chris had. I never regret the work, just the artist. Live and Learn, I guess.