I am probably the last person you'd think of when you think of a Tattoo. I don't even adorn myself with earrings! The body is indeed a temple. But a tattoo that's carefully chosen, tasteful and significant is not a permanent taint... I see it as a thing of beauty, a piece of art.
I've been wanting to get a tattoo for the longest time ever, not a discreet little star or a bunch of curvy lines, I wanted something that would be a piece of art on my body... something with wings [I have an obsession with flight] and something significant.
I've been wanting to get a tattoo for the longest time ever, not a discreet little star or a bunch of curvy lines, I wanted something that would be a piece of art on my body... something with wings [I have an obsession with flight] and something significant. Last time you see my bare back
My parents have always been supportive of forms expression and creativity. I mean, just look at my younger brother! (In jest, I snapped this picture of him yesterday, we had just bought the banner from a garage sale! what a cool find...) I am my brother's hair stylist by the way...
But I never had an appropriate time get inked. First I was too young, then I started modelling at 15 and then came a whole bunch of pagaents like Miss Singapore Universe (it would not have been possible to hide a huge tattoo with make up), and then came my 3 year teaching career (I don't think they care about artistic expression or individuality... tattoos are just frowned upon!!! You have one... and suddenly you're not a good role model??).
But now that I'm moving on to a new phase in my life and new experiences, I almost feel redeemed... born again. And so I chose to have an angel tattoo. Not one of those trendy manga type angels, but I wanted medieval art or something close to that period. So my angel had to look every bit like the kind of angels I grew up believing in. The very angels in church on the stained glass windows. 
Chak Tat... from Johnny Two Thumb, Far East. Incidentally also my brother's favourite tattoo artist.
But I never had an appropriate time get inked. First I was too young, then I started modelling at 15 and then came a whole bunch of pagaents like Miss Singapore Universe (it would not have been possible to hide a huge tattoo with make up), and then came my 3 year teaching career (I don't think they care about artistic expression or individuality... tattoos are just frowned upon!!! You have one... and suddenly you're not a good role model??).But now that I'm moving on to a new phase in my life and new experiences, I almost feel redeemed... born again. And so I chose to have an angel tattoo. Not one of those trendy manga type angels, but I wanted medieval art or something close to that period. So my angel had to look every bit like the kind of angels I grew up believing in. The very angels in church on the stained glass windows. Chak Tat... from Johnny Two Thumb, Far East. Incidentally also my brother's favourite tattoo artist.Did it hurt? Like a *#&$#
Was it a tolerable pain? Of course.
Tattoos do require A LOT of consideration first though because it's costly, painful, and it's a lifetime investment. It shouldn't be something you do for fun.
Will I do it again? In a heartbeat.
Now I just got to be careful not to overdo it. It is addictive! Part of me wants to add another angel on my back, and then clouds, and keep adding till my back becomes a murial, suicide girl style. Yet, I still want to be feminine and girly and I'm sure too many tattoos will just spoil that.
I'll be satisfied with my *cough* tiny *cough* angel tattoo for now.
OMG!!! that's a big tattoo!!
ReplyDeleteI won't have the courage to do this... :(
I'm sure if you felt for something enough.. u'd have the courage to do it ! :)
ReplyDeleteLike for me.. I'd prefer to endure 2 hrs under the tattoo needle than go to the dentist for just 20 mins!! (dentist phobia!!!)
Oh dear.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn’t matter what the design is, tattoos just have a habit of making everyone and anyone look like a yob. They are a bad idea today, and a really bad idea in the future. I’m sure all the white guys you say you prefer (who in Singapore tend to be the conservative business focused types, who are educated & ambitious... exactly the sort of person who doesn’t get a tattoo) will really love it.
Oh, and don’t let anyone stop you joking around with Nazi mock photos. Another example of your good taste.
Ouch, the moment I saw it I knew there will be flames! Not the tattoo, but the Nazi banner.
ReplyDeleteHoly Holly Jean. A tattoo. Nice.
ReplyDeleteto anonymous-- Just because they're white and "conservative business focused types, who are educated & ambitious" doesn't mean they can't appreciate tattoos.
ReplyDeleteOver generalisation. I have white proffessional friends here in SG with tattoos. Just because there are a few anal retentive expats out there who don't like tattoos, doesn't mean they're all like that.
And I happen to LOVE the nazi banner picture. It's a good laugh! Doesn't mean that I subscribe to it's philosophy you pillock. If everyone is going to be so god damned sensitive over everything and taking everything so personally, the world would be a shit place to live in.
But still, I thank you for your comment. It's nice to get riled up once in a while. I also appreciate the sarcasm.
hmm tattoo, forgive me but the first thing that came up to my mind was the risk of hepatitis b. sighs my training really screwed up my brain sometimes. the angel looks really good tho. ha
ReplyDeleteHey ya CJ,
ReplyDeleteno worries, they always use new needles ripped from the sealed packaging :0)
I've got my Hep shots done anyway... so won't be ill... at least not from this :)
Nice tattoo. It's your body, do whatever you wants, make yourself happy.
ReplyDeleteSo have you thought of a name for your angel? :)
sweeeet babe.
ReplyDeletei like it. but i could never get one. haha. like you said, modeling and MSU.
Oh dear.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn’t matter what the design is, tattoos just have a habit of making everyone and anyone look like a yob. They are a bad idea today, and a really bad idea in the future. I’m sure all the white guys you say you prefer (who in Singapore tend to be the conservative business focused types, who are educated & ambitious... exactly the sort of person who doesn’t get a tattoo) will really love it.
Oh, and don’t let anyone stop you joking around with Nazi mock photos. Another example of your good taste.
Just so you know this wasn't me! However I do agree entirely!
Skye
Okay Skye.
ReplyDeleteOkay.
No wonder u guys split up.
ReplyDeleteYo gal, watsup?
ReplyDeleteFirstly, HAIL HITLER...
Secondly, luv ur medieval angel on ur back, maybe next time, i will get inked on my back...its addictive, i know...
MYJ
Wow nice, How much did it cost u?
ReplyDelete$280 if i remember correctly
ReplyDeleteReality bites. You cannot run away from it no matter how hard you try.
ReplyDeleteThis comment is not to judge you or to praise you but I just want you to do one thing if it's the only thing you do regarding your stand on tattoos. Try your best to get your hands on a recorded Ch 8 programme that was shown on 13 Oct 2008 at 8pm. The programme is called "Life Transformers". It is hosted by Christopher Lee and Quan Yifeng.
For those who have watched this episode(The one where Christopher Lee gave the guy two EZ Link cards to visit his mother in ICU), you would have seen what I mean.
Reality bites, Holly Jean, no matter how you hard you try to justify it to yourself...
erm.. Uncle choo... you're not going to let some cheap channel 8 show mould your mind and opinions on life are you? and even if you do... please don't impose them on me.
ReplyDeletethink abt it-- they're just trying to create Drama.. if they really wanted to help those 2 guys.. they'd just drive/cab them there to see whoevers dying or what... why must they take the damn bus/train??? GOD!
PLease....!!!
yes reality bites.
But who says I'm running away from reality?? You mean the reality as formed in your own head?? like i said. dont impose tht on me. I am my own person.
Hey babe,
ReplyDeleteJust come upon yr blog...i think i found u in me...exactly the same n yes i am thinking of doing a tattoo too and a nude makeover for myself....i really think u ROCKS!!!
Holly Jeans
ReplyDeletei admire your courage,
i have a half back tattoo, which is yet to complete, and i did not have it like those needle guns which are less pain. mine was done manually 100% intially one needle to out line then 3 needle at one go to touch up. the tattoo i had is religious (Thai buddhist), which is scripture in thai.
i too have a fetish for tattoo for yrs, but never had any till a master put in the firt small one at my UPPer spine near the back neck. and its been two yrs till now half back filled and i have another half back to go.
i am just wondering when i'll get it done.
well cheers to arts,
Lofty bye, sentimental soul mate :)
ReplyDelete