My first project is about the history of tattoos and how they were used. I researched the 1800s and 1900s. I used this research to inspire my art and english. For my art portion, I did a collage of a tattooed lady in a cage at the circus because circuses used tattooed ladies as side acts to make more money. There is a lot of hidden meanings in my art piece. The star stripes represent the patriotic tattoos that people often got during this time period. The striped stripes represent the lines that tribes often tattooed upon the chin to ensure passage to the afterlife. The floral strips represent the woman tattooed during this time period. The amount of women being tattooed went from a very few to almost more then men. The cage represents the stories the ladies made up about being kidnapped and forcefully tattooed. I used glitter because the stories were used to enhance their tattoos and make for a better show. Also, a lot of the stories they told were made up because it made money. This is why her stance is so calm, she knows nothing is wrong and it is all just a made up story.
Tattooed Stories
I leave my last touch of vibrant colors on my canvas
Marking a masterpiece into the skin of my costumer
Just one of my many creations over the years
Once upon a time I was just a single needle and some ink
Poking through layers
For hours upon hours
Dripping color deep into the skin
Causing people pain
Not intentionally
But I always left an amazing creation behind
Each one had a reason:
Under her lip to her chin
Five simply clear lines
Bold black color
marking her skin
A heart upon his shoulder
Big and looped with love
A name rest inside
Maybe a heart for her
Grand enough to display
A collage of designs
Draping over her shoulder
Flowing down her back
Continuing onto her leg
Darkly shaded, bursting with details
Covering the delicate body
A smile shines with happiness
The first of many
Then I had a makeover
I had this strong black armor with many needles
Enhancing my abilities
Allowing me to be faster
Faster caused less pain
My images became more clear
Becoming more available
Seeing a rainbow of people
Making them happy
Impacting their lives
With forever lasting stories
Marking a masterpiece into the skin of my costumer
Just one of my many creations over the years
Once upon a time I was just a single needle and some ink
Poking through layers
For hours upon hours
Dripping color deep into the skin
Causing people pain
Not intentionally
But I always left an amazing creation behind
Each one had a reason:
Under her lip to her chin
Five simply clear lines
Bold black color
marking her skin
A heart upon his shoulder
Big and looped with love
A name rest inside
Maybe a heart for her
Grand enough to display
A collage of designs
Draping over her shoulder
Flowing down her back
Continuing onto her leg
Darkly shaded, bursting with details
Covering the delicate body
A smile shines with happiness
The first of many
Then I had a makeover
I had this strong black armor with many needles
Enhancing my abilities
Allowing me to be faster
Faster caused less pain
My images became more clear
Becoming more available
Seeing a rainbow of people
Making them happy
Impacting their lives
With forever lasting stories
