FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Photo Series by Graham Wielgos
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Photo Series by Graham Wielgos
PERMANENT EXPRESSION
Photo Series by Tessa Oliver
Tattoos have been a form of self-expression since ancient times. In the past, tattoos have been considered taboo but this idea has shifted and tattoos can now be considered as an art form. Just like music or dance, individuals can choose how they want to express their beliefs, values, or personality. Tattoos can tell a visual story about the individual, giving friends and strangers insight into their minds and imagination. Tattoos can also prompt conversations between strangers where not just individual self-expression is shared but true moments of intimacy. Some tattoos are planned out for months and hold deep meaning for the person and others are spontaneous and just for fun, but each tattoo has a unique story behind it. This photo series focuses on individuals and the tattoos they chose to express themselves. Each individual has graciously shared their tattoos and meaning that inspired them to get inked.
Chang
This tattoo translates into English as “sail against the current” and “give everything you’ve got.” Growing up I’ve always complained about how hard things were, either complaining about how hard my homework was or how tired I was when I played sports. Every time I expressed to my mom how difficult things were, she’d tell me that no matter what you’re going through, it's not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it. You just have to sail against the current and give everything you’ve got. Since then, every time things got tough, my mom would say that to me to remind me that these hard things are making me stronger as a person.
Audrey
I got my medusa because she is a symbol of the blame society places on victims of sexual assault. She doesn’t have a mouth because no one ever asks medusa her point of view because she is the “monster”. I got her behind my arm to protect me from that which I can’t see. I got the Columbine because it is the Colorado state flower and reminds me of the summers I would spend in Telluride as a kid. And I got the bumblebee on my knee because everyone needs a little reminder that they are the bee's knees.
Sammy
I got my sun tattoo as a matching one with my cousin who has a moon tattoo. I got the star tattoo with the same cousin a year after her suicide attempt to signify the close bond between us and that no matter where we are in the world, we’re always with each other in the stars somewhere.
Danika
The number 222 is my favorite number, it is an angel number that represents being in the right place at the right time. This to me represents how lucky we are to get to experience life and that everything happens for a reason. I got my clover tattoo because I like lucky symbols, especially four-leaf clovers. It also reminds me of my mom and grandma who are very Irish and love St. Patrick’s day.
Cassie
My tattoo doesn't represent that much. I just really liked the look of it. It was my first year that I could legally get a tattoo and it's something that I always wanted to do. It was one of the first things I did when I turned 18, so it was really exciting to do. It made me feel really independent by being able to do whatever I want to my body and to express myself.
Jack
My dad passed away from colon cancer when I was 15. I didn’t want a ribbon but I wanted a tattoo on my wrist in his honor. It’s a colon punctuation symbol, standing for colon cancer.
Lydia
I got my tattoo because the bee reminds me of my mom. She owns a non-profit that focuses on gardening and has added bees into the farm which she just loves. I guess it represents my mom’s love for nature that she has instilled in me. And also... queen bees are badass.
Emilia
My tattoo is a stick-and-poke tattoo, I got it just for fun and because I really liked the design and the color. When I look at it and it reminds me of my friends that I got it with and the point I was at in my life when I got it.
Emmett
A few years ago my team had a motivational speaker come in and he told us this story about the battle between the good wolf and bad wolf that is in all of us. The bad wolf represents anger, greed, guilt, self-pity, envy, and lies. The good wolf represents joy, peace, love, kindness, generosity, and truth. In this battle, the wolf you feed is the one that will win. So one day one of my friends drew a wolf on me with a sharpie and I decided to get it tattooed on my foot for fun.
Tessa
The whisk has a particularly special meaning to me because it reminds me of my Godmother, Evie, who was an amazing chef and baker. She passed unexpectedly just weeks into my first year in college in 2019. And though she’s gone, there are many things that she taught me both in and out of the kitchen. The whisk represents my passion for food. Good quality food is something that I have learned to appreciate. Food is more than just a necessary daily need, it is a form of art. Each dish is filled with personal creativity from the individual who made it. A whisk is essential to many dishes and baked goods just as my godmother was essential in making me the person I am today, a person who appreciates good quality food and the community that food creates.