snickerdoodles: ink love...

Well I am no longer a tattoo virgin.

After years of trying to decide what I wanted and prioritizing other things above art I went for it on a whim. I had oodles of ones I loved on Pinterest on my ink love board but we didn't even go there...I just sort of told him things I liked and he did a quick sketch and I went for it which is so unlike me but what the hell!

For me a skeleton key symbolism indicates opening or discovering that which is hidden or secret. Because skeleton keys usually can open more than one lock, they are often considered a powerful symbol. I had mine placed on my liver area, the third chakra, as the liver holds emotions as well and over the years I have had tenderness and strong stitch like pain flare ups in that area.

THE THIRD CHAKRA represents the development of your personality, self-esteem, and ego. Organs associated with the Third Chakra include the area of your solar plexus: your abdomen, upper intestines, liver, gall bladder, stomach, kidney, pancreas, spleen, adrenal system, and middle spine. Spiritual and emotional issues that can block energy in the Third Chakra are challenges with self-confidence, self-respect, competence and skills in the outer world, substance abuse, aggression, defensiveness, making decisions, and competitiveness.

taken from Dr. Christiane Northrup's page as I have loved her work and wisdom since seeing her on Oprah years and years ago...her books are fantastic.

There is lots of symbolism of keys in popular culture as well...

The symbolism of keys is present in both ancient and modern culture. A visiting celebrity or lauded individual might be given a "key to the city," an honor that implies power. The phrase "key to my heart" refers to intimacy and the "unlocking" of emotions or tenderness. Keys also connote the ability to uncover secret knowledge, illuminate hidden wisdom and gain entry to fortified areas. Keys can also symbolize initiation and freedom. Common phrases using key symbolism include: "key to my heart," "key to life," "key to wisdom," "under lock and key," "key to success," "key to wisdom," "key phrase" and "keywords."
taken from ehow.com with gratitude.

Troy from Little Bird Tattoo here in Vernon came highly recommended so I let him be the artist he is and just do his thing. Already I am thinking of adding to it to make it wrap a bit more...maybe some very light line drawing motifs. Here is a close up so you can see his artwork well...

I had only seen a line drawing before I gave him the go ahead and let him work away till it was done without seeing so I have to admit I was very suprised by how dark and solid it was with shading...for some reason I expected it to look exactly like the sketch but that is my own ignorance and impulsiveness and I have gotten used to it and am so grateful to have gone with such an experienced and gifted artist. I will go back to Troy for more work for sure. Follow his work on facebook as well on the Little Bird page and give them a like.

As for my original plan...it was this on my forearm with my boys names of course but I have been warned by two artists that writing warps over the years and they wouldn't do it that small.

Another thing I was loving was vintage arrows and wanted three, one to represent each of my boys. I loved the symbolism as arrows always move forward.

Anything with straight lines is also tricky for placement as well and wouldn't work well on my hip or waist like I hoped. Not ruling out somewhere else later though as I still love this looks and idea.

I won't lie it hurt a little bit at times, especially when the darker outline lines were done but after having babies it didn't seem painful at all.

Thanks to my photog pal Amanda Huston from the Huston Spot for snapping these images for me during our coffee meet up this morning. See her work from my left sponsor button, she is rather amazing if you ask me.

So it only took me a couple months but I finally shared my first bit of ink...not bad since it took years of procrastinating to finally take the plunge.

oxo