I had a new experience last week. I accompanied my friend
G to
Depression Ink. And what's
Depression Ink, you are probably wondering?
It's the local Tattoo parlour.
G has always wanted to get a tattoo, and as she is a volunteer host at our
local FM radio station, this was an ideal opportunity as the whole process was being recorded for her radio show. I was there as moral support and chief handholder, although she didn't really need much hand holding.
First step - she chose a dragon, for various reasons. The Chinese Year of the Dragon has just started, and when younger, she had a nickname of "The Dragon Lady"! The outline of the image was transferred onto her arm.
Next - choose the colours to be used.
The tattoo artist, Kris, wasted no time to get started. He was friendly and very gentle and put us all at ease right away. First the design was outlined in black, and then colour was added. All the needles are pre-packaged, and there's no possibilty of re-use. Once the tattoo needles are used, they are disposed of.
G was very brave through the whole procedure, although I'm not sure if this was a smile or a grimace!
It didn't take long before the outline was completed and the first colour could be applied.
We were there for about 90 minutes. Here's the final product. The arm looks a bit red and sore, and Kris said it would take at least a couple of weeks to heal.
G was sent home with strict instructions for care and keeping it clean, and a tube of antiseptic cream to keep the skin soft. She couldn't wait to get home and show her grandchildren!
People with tattoos usually get a bad rap. Kris was wearing a ton of metal and was quite decorated... well, the bits we could see anyway. I'm sure there were many more bits of Kris that were not available for public view. He was an interesting guy.... easy to chat to and he told us a lot about his experiences in the tattoo shop. Here are his hands (
photo from Depression Ink website).
Tattoos are not just for tough guy bikers and sailors any more. Even respectable grandmothers in their middle 60s can get tattoos these days. So now you're wondering.... when am I getting my tattoo? Hmmm.... still thinking about it......
Have you got a tattoo?
