After almost a year of preparations for my first tattoos (getting two is the plan) — deciding on meaningful subjects and designs, choosing desired locations for placement on my body, finding just the right tattoo parlor and artists to match my visions and expectations (considering artistry, reputation, cleanliness and safety), visiting with the artists, booking appointments, and waiting many months for the appointments, as the ones I selected are two of the best tattoo artists in New England, and thus in great demand — I experienced session 1 for my first tattoo (for line work). Shading will be added in session 2, after I heal.
A very factual introduction to this post, I know, however, the actual experience was anything but. It was (is) an in depth process and a spiritual journey.
The talented Cyndi Lou of Tsunami Tattoo in Portland, Maine designed this beautiful red-tailed hawk for me. She is rendering it in black and grey and has tattooed the line work so far. Session 2 will be all about shading and perfecting. The hawk represents the soul of my guardian angel, my great-grandmother, Grace. She watches me like a hawk and she is always with me. Grace is tender and fierce. A true woman warrior, and it is an honor to have her ascending on my upper arm and shoulder for the rest of my life. I could not have chosen a better person to give me my first tattoo. Cyndi Lou is a special woman. We connected on many levels, which infused the tattoo with even more meaning and positive energy.
So, you want to know what it felt like? I think the peaceful vibe of the parlor, drenched in the fragrance of burning incense and the mellifluous sounds of alternative, meditative music, made all the difference. The sunlight was bathing the table in a glowing light, warming the crown of my head, easing me into the experience. Cyndi transferred the design onto my skin and turned on the machine, which made the quintessential buzz and prompted me to inhale deeply to ward off any apprehension. She asked me if I was ready and I said yes, and what followed was not what I expected. No pain. Strong sensation yes, but not like anything I had ever felt before. I eased in with every breath. If I were to try and describe the sensation, I would say it felt like a deep burning scratch coupled with the most pleasant vibration. Perhaps that confused my brain. I could not decide if it was pleasure or pain — it was somewhere in between the two, on that fine line. Plus, after two childbirths (one very difficult), this was nothing. In fact, I enjoyed every minute of being tattooed for two hours straight.
Another client came into the shop just as my session was beginning. He graciously offered to take photos to document my experience. Even I was surprised to see the peaceful, blissful look on my face when I later looked at the photographs.
After the completion of my hawk this winter, I am scheduled to get one more tattoo, a smaller one, in a discreet place on my body, designed by Phuc Tran, the owner of Tsunami Tattoo. Not only is this guy a talented tattoo artist, but an absolute genius. His TED Talk about language and perception changed the way I think, in a big way.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my tattoo experience. If you are considering getting a tattoo, I say go for it, but don’t rush in. So many things have to be just right and aligned, and most of all I think there needs to be a genuine trust in the artist in order to move forward and receive an outcome you will be happy with.
Big Love all around!! XO