Tattoo Tuesday 1

Name : Beca
Age: 25
Occupation: Pastry Chef / Part Time Drink Slinger / Junk Store Archeologist
Age of first tattoo: 21
Favorite tattoo: So very hard to choose, but I will always love the portrait of my boyfriend holding one of our Boston Terriers, Charlie by Isaiah Toothtaker of Staring Without Caring in Tucson Arizona.

Featured tattoo/location: Four kiddos balancing on a bicycle with a banner that reads "I Remember" on my left arm (from my shoulder to me elbow)

Artist/shop/location of featured tattoo: Isaiah Toothtaker of Staring Without Caring in Tucson, Arizona

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

My Grandpa Jack loves to talk, and loves to tell stories and due to the unfortunate decay of memory caused by Alzheimer's Disease, stories are about all he has left to tell. Ever since I was very small, his favorite story is one from when he was a kid, maybe 8 years old. He and three friends broke a world record for bicycle endurance by riding one bike consecutively for weeks on end during one summer in Michigan. The whole town celebrated and he was given a new suit and toys and gifts for the feat. He even has an old newspaper clipping featuring the boys and their bicycle. The story brings me so much happiness. As my grandfather's disease progressed, I told Isaiah that I wanted to get something so that I would never forget the story and what it means to me. He drew up this fantastical acrobatic image and here is it. It is by far the tattoo I get asked about most often and I will always hold a special place in my heart for it.

2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?

I've lost track! Somewhere in the 30s. I love little tattoos, like tick marks on a timeline, each one has been a stamp as to what I like, what I am thinking about, what is important to me at that moment. Some I plan out, like the portrait of my boyfriend and our dog, or my parrot LeRoy on my shin, or the Lotaria heart (for Tucson) on my inner arm. Some have been really spontaneous, like the hot air balloon on my forearm, popeye and "Pain Hurts." It's such a mixed bag, but each a total reflection of my personality. I Love Billie Holiday so two for her, I like Marc Gonzalez, so a drawing from his book, I love hearts so I have about 25 little ones. There are the star gazers from my Grandma Ruthie, the pterodactyl and the moray eel. Honestly, I don't take my tattoos very seriously. I have skateboard monsters from a Michael Sieben series on my hands, "Bake Sale" on my knuckles, the rebel alliance from Star Wars on my forearm, and "Bless This Mess" on my chest! Please! How could that not make you laugh just a little bit? I believe strongly that even if your tattoos have meaning behind them and can be serious, you should still have fun with them. I will always have fun with mine.

3) Do you plan on getting more?

I'm sure I will, at some point, but since we have moved to San Diego, I probably won't get tattooed until we go back to Tucson for a visit. I have never really prioritized getting tattooed, it's always just happened when I had extra cash or if I really wanted to get something done. Tattoos are expensive but definitely addictive, so I'm sure I'll be back for more!

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them?

For the most part, everyone in my life has been really accepting. My mom hates my tattoos, but she seems to be the minority. My grandparents think it's funny, my dad is stoked because I got one for him. My boyfriend has as many as I do. And, of course, I have gotten a handful of negative comments from strangers. My favorite was "But you're so pretty, why would you let someone do that to you!" as though they had been forced upon me. When that happens, I smile and remind the person in front of me that I like them and I'm happy. I have had a lot of different jobs and even taught middle school for a year in a public school. The kids were OBSESSED with asking me about my tattoos and the staff and parents treated them as a novelty. I'm pretty immune to all the questions by now. Since it's impossible for me to completely cover my tattoos (my fingers, hands and throat are tattooed) I have definitely had to accept that people will always ask and ALWAYS share their opinion.

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

It's your body! If you want to get tattooed and you feel totally comfortable with the fact that you will have it forever, go for it. Even though tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable, they might not always be, so if you're getting a visible tattoo, be totally sure you are willing to live with the fact that people are going to ask you a lot of questions, they might even touch you without asking permission, you may not get that job, and you may regret it. But really, when it comes down to it, it's your decision and nobody can make it for you. Oh yeah, don't forget to have fun with it, it's just skin. Your skin! Enjoy it!