Flesh & Ink

Karly

I’ve known Karly for about 3 years now.  We met in the beginning of my senior year of high school at a Halloween party. I remember when I first met her she was quiet and reserved, but I couldn’t help but sense that she had a kind disposition about her. Over the next couple of years we lost most contact except when we would randomly run into each other around town. Over this past year, however, after we reconnected through instagram, I’ve finally had the chance to get to know the “girl in the picture”.  And I was right; she is very kind.

What tattoos do you have?  “I have, ‘May his spirit watch me prosper’ tattooed on my left shoulder.  I got the idea for it after my dad passed away in 2008, but I got it done by a dude in his house when I was 17.  I really wish I would have waited.  I also have a bee on each knee representing the phrase ‘the bee’s knees.’”

Do you plan on getting any more tattoos? “Not for a while, but I want to get a portrait of a mermaid on my thigh above my knee.”

Does that have any significance? “not really, but the idea is timeless and I like getting tattoos in the moment.”

During the shoot, she told me about what it’s like to be a vegan and the work she wants to do in India to help children suffering from starvation and disease.  Her heart is driven by her kindness, and I can’t wait to see where it takes her next.

Tyler

What inspired your tattoo? 

My love for traveling. It’s a constant reminder of how much I want to travel the world.

Where, in the world, have you been so far? 

Just the usual: Mexico, around the United States, and Canada.

Where do you plan on going next? 

Fist stop Italy, and then from Italy I’ll travel to eastern Europe, and from there the sky’s the limit!

Do you plan on getting any more tattoos? 

Oh yes!

What’s next for your tattoo collection? 

A compass on my right shoulder.

Have you thought about getting tattoos from each country you visit? Sort of as a land mark in your journey?

Yes, I want an original tattoo from Asia. I want to get it done like in the old days with bamboo needles and ink.  

Timmy

Meet my friend Timmy, he's the kind of guy who looks tough and intimidating when you first meet him, but he'll have you laughing till you cry with in the first few words of a conversation.  I've had the privilege of spending a lot of time with him in college over this past year, and, consequently, we've become good friends.  When I decided to do this photo project Timmy was the first person I thought of to photograph.  In between eating pizza and studying for our classes, we managed to fit in a quick shoot/ interview:

What tattoos do you have?  "I have a tattoo on my calf, ‘straight edge for life,’ and one on my shoulder which is the scripture verse from psalm 34:4-6. It’s the beginning stage of my full back piece."

Do you have a favorite tattoo?  "my leg; I really like the design of it and it represents my dedication to being a part of the hardcore scene."

What’s the story behind it?  "I just like what straight edge is all about, I live by what they live by, and I thought it would be a good reminder to stay living that way."

When did you decide to claim edge and why?  "I was 18 so in 2010. Honestly, I decided to do it to hold myself to higher standard as a Christian guy in the hardcore scene."

What tattoo do you want next? "I want to finish my back piece with a portrait of the vision God has given me about having faith to serve as a missionary over seas."

If you have tattoos and want to be a part of this please contact me at mjdameron@gmail.com