(edited: forgot to actually link to the first post about the tree)
In this post, I wrote about the tree that grows by Anna’s grave. I got a likeness of that tree tattooed on my leg today. I’ve always wanted a tattoo as far back as I can remember as an adult. I just never had an image that I felt so strongly about that I wanted it on my skin for the rest of my life. I woke up 5 weeks ago today and as I became conscious, the idea of this tree on my body was already committed to my skin. It was just a matter of finding the right artist at that point. I told my dad it was divine intervention and he (the devout Catholic) totally cracked up.
I’m so incredibly thrilled with it. There are still about 2 hours of shading work to do, but I wanted to post pics so far. I had it done by Mike Prickett at The Tattooed Heart in Lafayette, Indiana. I can not say enough about how professional and talented the guy is. The shop was clean and well-maintained. The atmosphere was friendly. Mike did the design and the ink. Did it hurt? Yeah. Like hell. Especially on the top of my foot. The pain was exquisite at times. I felt like passing out. But it was totally worth it. I can’t wait to go back (3 weeks) to get it finished. I just want to sit and look at my leg all night.
Eden
| 22-Jun-07 at 12:53 am | Permalink
I really like the way the roots are placed, how it goes down to the foot. The art is lovely. Can’t wait to see the fully shaded version
Malinda
| 22-Jun-07 at 1:53 am | Permalink
That is the sweetest and most emotionally (and visually) beautiful tattoo I have ever seen. I told my husband that if he ever dies I’m gonna get a tattoo of a wedding ring on my ring finger. He has a bunch of tattoos but most are faded. The only one’s that can be seen are a Harley Davidson tattoo and a tattoo with a rose and his name.
I can’t wait to see the tattoo when you get it finished as well!
bine
| 22-Jun-07 at 4:24 am | Permalink
wow! that man sure does a good job!
i like the idea of getting that tree onto your body, to have it with you whereever you go. like eden, i also admire the way that one root goes down to your ankle.
i can imagine it hurt like hell, especially where there’s not much flesh over the bone. does it feel like a sunburn now? can’t wait to see the shading!
what do your kids say? and what will you say when they want some as well?
thordora
| 22-Jun-07 at 7:31 am | Permalink
That’s a really nice piece.
The good thing about the pain is that it allows you to transfer grief. I was able to let go a lot of my mother when I had the last piece done, and expect to let go of more when I get the bigger sleeve piece done.
That’s gonna look beautiful.
Missy
| 22-Jun-07 at 8:13 am | Permalink
Okay, wow. Yes, I see the three trees. Incredible.
Very cool.
jase
| 22-Jun-07 at 8:58 am | Permalink
@bine - It does actually feel a bit like a sunburn today. Kinda tight, kinda raw. Interesting. The top of the foot was the part that really, really hurt. The actual ankle bone hurt, but not as bad as the top of the foot. The meaty part of the calf - very manageable, by comparison.
Kids - Alyssa hasn’t seen it. She’ll see it today. The two littles like it. When they want some? I’ll say thank goodness you have to be 18 to be legally tattooed. And I’ll suggest waiting quite a bit longer after that, like I did. My rule has been that I had to have a design for 5 years before I got it on my skin. Yeah, this was 5 weeks instead of 5 years, but hey. I waited anyway.
@thor - I was warned that the pain may bring up emotional stuff. Surprisingly, the pain was just…painful. No emotional stuff. I did some eyes closed deep breathing, but found that the best way to alleviate the pain was to watch closely as he was working. It distracted me and also made me feel like I was part of the process.
venessa
| 22-Jun-07 at 9:39 am | Permalink
That’s beautiful! I am excited to see the final pics. It’s much bigger than my pain tolerance would allow.
A likes to have temporary tattoos in the same place where I have mine. I think it’s adorable, but am definitly glad that she has to wait several years to have a real one.
bine
| 22-Jun-07 at 10:09 am | Permalink
i forgot to ask - do you like john irving? his latest book, “until i find you” gave me the first little insight about tattoos and tattooing, before that i never gave it a thought because i’ve never considered a tattoo for myself.
it has most of the elements that all john irving books seem to have - the wrestling, the loneliness, the sexual abuse, the search for identity and belonging, but the first part plays in europe, where a young tattoo artist, a woman, takes her son from tattoo parlour to tattoo parlour around the baltic, looking for work while searching for her lost husband. i’ve never imagined those places, but i found it kind of fascinating, how he describes the different tattoo artists - the maritime men, the bikers, the hippies, also the fascination of getting tattooed.
that’s a lovely tattoo you’re getting there!
jase
| 22-Jun-07 at 10:21 am | Permalink
@bine - I really loved Owen Meany in college. It’s the only one of his I’ve read. But the funny thing is that someone recommended “Until I Find You” to me just yesterday. Another bit of synchronicity, my friend. Though not totally random, I suppose, considering the subject matter. I’ve vowed I’m going to finish my current book first, but this would be a good followup.
roxy
| 22-Jun-07 at 1:04 pm | Permalink
It’s breathtaking!
jessica
| 23-Jun-07 at 11:03 am | Permalink
I told my kids they can get all the tatts they want… after they turn 31, which is when I got my first. Like mother, like children… it’s good logic.
Strong and purposeful are words that come to mind for the tatt…. beautiful.
Fuzzy
| 24-Jun-07 at 9:02 am | Permalink
That tattoo is just incredible. It’s gorgeous on its own and the story makes Erica and I kinda teary-eyed.
Kate
| 25-Jun-07 at 6:22 pm | Permalink
Dude, nice ink!
I have two, myself. I approve.
Heather (AmeriMama)
| 26-Jun-07 at 12:40 pm | Permalink
That’s stunning work. Can’t wait to see the finished piece.
BOSSY
| 26-Jun-07 at 1:44 pm | Permalink
Super great idea for the tattoo. But Bossy needs to know: did it hurt like hell? If truth be told Bossy and her 10-year-old daughter have become very addicted to watching Miami Ink (ever see it?) but they can’t figure out why no one is *eh-ver* hooting in pain.
jase
| 26-Jun-07 at 2:51 pm | Permalink
@bossy - Yes, it hurt. On the calf, not too bad. Could still hold a conversation. On the top of the foot and on the ankle bone - it hurt LIKE FUCK. I actually had to let out a scream at several points. Or more like a loud grunt. I have watched Miami Ink (and Inked). The only explanation for why people aren’t writhing on those shows is that they’re on TV and, therefore, much better than us. Remember, TV takes the pain away, especially if you’re inside of it. That explains the whole Lindsay Lohan thing.
Love your blog, btw. I’ve been lurking for a month or two.
Jill
| 26-Jun-07 at 2:53 pm | Permalink
I hadn’t checked here in a while so I’m glad I stopped in and got to see your new body art! My first thought was holy crap, OUCH that is big! My second was that it is really beautiful work. If I ever get a tattoo (a small, small less painful tattoo), I will go to that guy. I am glad you are happy with it and that it is such a meaningful design to you. Hope to catch up with you soon!
bine
| 12-Jul-07 at 1:20 pm | Permalink
hey jase, that was three weeks ago tomorrow! are you going tomorrow? i can’t wait to see it finished.
yes, i’m having a better week, thank you, but think i ate something wrong today … but will be better soon, i think.