Humans logo

Why One Tattoo Wasn't Enough

Tattoos and Human Expression

By Steven AltmanPublished 5 years ago 8 min read
Like

Tattooing has a history all its own, from tribes decorating their bodies with stories and milestones, to being viewed as unsavory and the underground in Western society, and now to an expression of art and self-identity. Looking at any continent on our planet, tattoos and the people that continue to create them have shaped the way we tell our stories, helped handle difficult aspects of our lives, and to remember the paths our lives have taken. From the far East of Japan and Thailand, to name a few, to the Pacific Islands of New Zealand and Samoa, all the way to African nations such as Togo and Burkina Faso. Heading over the Atlantic or Pacific, you will be introduced to South America and North America where tattooing culture has tribal roots in the Amazon, to the more modern styling from the mid- to late-1800s in the United States. From wanderers, vagrants, sailors, and military men to the modern human canvases that pass by us daily, tattooing is a piece of our human identity and can be found in many tribes, cultures, and nations. Today, a new breed of tattooing is around for many reasons, it is not just a rite of passage or a story to tell anymore. It is self-identity, individualism, and a full art form.

For me, the idea of tattoos and painting my body with them has been in my head since I was a youth. Something deeper called to me when I first saw them. I was in true awe gazing upon the details and skills needed to bring things to life with hyperrealism, the weird odd and strange seen with surrealism, and the powerful images created with American traditional tattoos. As I became older script artists and traditional/tribal methodology, the manner in which the ink was put into the skin, the time and bond created by the two people involved during the process.

A tattoo says a lot about the person depending on what is depicted and what they would like to present to the world. It will very greatly depending on who the person is but for me it has been associated with forethought, deep meaning and individuality. When I am getting a tattoo I try to avoid getting a copy of what someone else may have, whether that is the style presented or colouring. For me, it is a rite of passage all it's own. An opportunity to acknowledge changes of self, environment and celebrate milestones in life.

My first two tattoos had been premeditated for some years. They were simple yet powerful based on the source. At 15 and 16, I discovered my Jewish roots and realized for the first time in my life I felt accepted and truly understood. I wasn't judged for my last name, what I did or the dreams that danced around in my head. Here was a young man who no next to nothing about his heritage and was welcomed by the congregation with open eyes and with a little skepticism being such a new face.

For me, it flashed me back to what my fathers life had been like, his upbringing in Montreal and what that side of my family was. There was always a large disconnect between my father and his family as he grew older. He left to pursue music, life, and move away from his faith. At the time of the 1950s and 60s, what he wanted to do was insane by many standards. He created his life, but fell out of touch over the years. As I grew and became more curious about our Jewish life he began to reach back out on my behalf to show me the family I hadn't know existed.

Jump to me heading into my senior year of college, life had changed for me I honored my faith in private, hockey now playing a large role in my life. I had lost a 3 year relationship in a very ugly fashion and realized that the things that I needed most were missing. I felt lost, confused and to be honest scared. It was the moment to get my first tattoos. After a summer shift working on a furnace truck, I went into Ink Addicts in my hometown and showed them the ancient lettering I wanted: Strength from God and patience. I decided on the biblical Hebrew instead of Modern Hebrew to highlight my renewed faith. Guidance and support were waning, nobody had advice for me on where to go or what to do. These tattoos located on each arm would become permanent reminders of what I needed to succeed.

Three years later, and lots of hiking in the local Rockies, grew another piece I was unaware resonated so deeply with me: Nature. The sounds of pines rocking and swaying in the breeze, the crisp cool mountain air bringing life to my soul. Sweat, mud and dust covering me head to toe as we crested the summits in the back country. It was during this time that I found one of my favourite places to be in the wild. It was a special spot for me beyond nature. I spent time with a woman there, who I would live with and spend two years of my life. Her bright smile, tanned skin, warm brown eyes and bubbly disposition took on form as we talked and hiked, there I thought she would be it. She would eventually change my view for the better both about the world and myself. In the mountains, I found a new level to my physical and spiritual self. With her I found out that I had so much growing left to do, I was far from where I thought. My left shoulder holds coordinates of that beautiful lake nestled in the mountains. It reminds me that I have so much left to learn. In her immortal words, "You wanted to be a boyfriend and an athlete, but you couldn't be both." For that, this tattoo tells the story of connecting with nature and love but a warning that both can be dangerous if ill prepared.

At this current place in time, I have lived in various areas across Canada, the United States, Sweden, and now, Denmark. It has been a constant transition of language, culture, time zones and relationship building. The most recent tattoo tells the story of Viking history and it's origins in Denmark while paying homage to the country that I currently reside in. In early August, I made my way from Calgary, Canada to Copenhagen. The island of Amager would become my temporary home for the month of August. By early September my pro hockey club had folded for the season leaving me without a place to play. A few days after that announcement, I was called by the Jutland Vikings, located in Aarhus, Jylland to come and play for them. The peculiar piece is, one day before the phone call I had a strong urge to have this piece done. I ventured down the streets of Copenhagen towards a familiar face that I had met. A Viking Valknut with the Danish flags colours became the design that would become an emblem on my right shoulder. The location of the tattoo in the city holds a story I did not know at the time. Nyhavn in the great city of Copenhagen is the origin of Scandinavian tattooing. By the canals and port, this is where tattoo artists had their starts before the ideas and skills spread across Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Walking the streets today, you will see that being without tattoo in Denmark is both rare and unique.

The Valknut is depicted as three interlocking triangles forming one larger triangle. The original meaning is difficult to know for sure but it has been referred to as the "Keys to Valhalla" and the connection to Odin. This latter meaning focuses on how Odin is able to clear a warriors mind and lead him to success or, if angered, cloud his judgement and leave his mind in binds. It is a reminder to give thanks to something bigger than yourself and to honor those who have helped you along your path.

A Danish friend pointed out to me that all my tattoos revolve around three things in life: Great change, spirituality, and value. The easiest to see is that of spirituality. For me, this was unintended but I have always been drawn to these pieces for their meaning, design, and rarity when looking around at others who share tattooing culture.

The ink that flows through my skin represents the life I have lived so far, instead of verbalizing my entire story I am able to wear it like armor as life progresses. Paying homage to those who came before me, respecting the places that I have been and becoming more immersed within the world we all inhabit. Tattoos represent are human expression, a connection with others and the bond that we all share together. One tattoo will never be enough but, at some point, there will be a final tattoo to finish the tapestry of my life. When that time comes, it will be both a time of celebration and somber remembrance of the people, places and experiences that have occurred to form the person I am becoming.

Follow Me on Twitter and Instagram: @altsy01

humanity
Like

About the Creator

Steven Altman

H

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.