The significance of artistic creativity is an expression of freedom, experienced and perpetuated by human beings. Special topics of interest are just as unique as the human beings developing them. Artistic desires are reflections of thought and imagination that can be illustrated in a permanent adornment called body art or body modification.
The collection of art on the human body is an extremely personal choice that allows the collector an unmistakable sense of identity. Tattoos are a form of nonverbal communication. Their meaning does not have a universal cultural significance. It is open to the interpretation of the collector or the misinterpretation of a judgmental observer.
Every culture that participates in tattoo artistry has developed its own traditions, styles, meanings, and techniques. Historically, tattoos have been a valuable tool in determining the worth and significance of the bearer to the community. A tattoo can be a trophy that is worn with pride as a sense of accomplishment.
According to 1000 Tattoos, by Henk Schiffmacher, historical tattoo designs focused on the demonstration of spiritual salvation, warding away evil spirits and depicting the fruits of a successful battle. Wearing body art with pride ensured their entrance into heaven and protected them from the fear of death.
Western and industrialized societies quickly picked up on this art form, transforming it into a modern cultural institution. Primitive tattooing techniques were modified to decrease pain and increase the technicality of line and design. Attention to detail has been refined, leading to a more intense, dramatic display of our perspectives.
The modern collector of tattoos may use them as decorations to add color, to tell a story, or as a cloak to shield them from pain or predators. Predictions of hope, religion, future, and past experiences may guide their choices in art selection. Others find themselves focused on what is popular and model their behavior accordingly. The art and emotional meaning is unique and stands alone in its entirety.
In American society, there is a misrepresentation of tattoos and the people who choose to have them. Some believe that only people of low social status, little education, or of brute mentality would subject themselves to the mutilation of flesh. Having tattoos should not limit one's ability to form social structure or have community standing.
Korey Upton, a tattoo collector and student at Penn Valley, said, "Having tattoos is a way of life." Her family and social structure is designed around this art form. "If people do not have tattoos, that is weird to me. Why would you not get tattooed?" Her present artist is her fiance, Brennan O'Rourke, from A1 Tattoo on North Oak Trafficway.
 Korey Upton |
Lee McConnell, a sophomore Finance student at Penn Valley said, "People can do whatever they want with their bodies. If they have visible tattoos on their necks or hands, it may be difficult for them to go out into the world to find a job." He is not opposed to tattoos, however. Mcconnell said, "I don't have any...yet."
Tattoos are becoming more popular than ever. This worldly phenomenon increases the chance of meeting a tattooed person, or getting a tattoo yourself. People from all walks of life - lawyers, doctors, nurses, mechanics, musicians, scholars, teachers and more - are finding the true meaning of their lives displayed for everyone to see, in the form of tattoos.
You never know what someone is hiding under their clothes. It is important to maintain positive human relations and social acceptance of everyone. Together we can build a tight community, without segregating certain people from society. We must respect all people and learn as many life lessons as possible.
Tattoos are not for the faint of heart, or for the fickle popularity chaser. They are for dedicated, committed, strong, introspective people, who are not afraid to pay the ultimate price for self-actualization, permanent scarification. Tattoos are not for everyone.
Copyright 2006 Metropolitan Community College