Shannon from Texas
Where did you grow up?
How was it growing up there, would you say that it
influenced you?
I grew up very differently than most folks, I was home
schooled and also sort of religious with a mostly Cajun family. It influenced
me a lot, but in a good way.
When did you start getting tattoos?
I got my first tattoo when I was 18, and it was horrible.
The artist totally screwed it up and after a few years I had it covered with
another tattoo.
How would you describe your style?
My style is bright, I love anything with lots of color and
something that is unique.
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Very serious. I am an artist myself and I understand the
creativity it takes to create something from a blank canvas.
How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
Some parts of it are great, others not so much. I have
especially like seeing how tattoos are moving further and further away from
taboo. I mean, even my mother has about 5 tattoos now. Ha ha!
What has been your inspiration for getting them?
Each of my tattoos represent something about me, a time in
my life, a memory or whatnot. I have never picked a 'random' tattoo so far.
What’s your favorite piece?
My 'cake or death' piece on my forearm. I got it for my
little Sister's wedding, my Mom and I both went and got work together which was
really cool. The sweet treats represent all the sweet women in my life, my
daughters, my mother and my sister. The cake or death quote is from Eddie
Izzard and it is a reference to being the 'cake attendant' at my Sister's
wedding reception. And yes, I did really ask people if they wanted 'cake or
death?'
Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?
I get a lot of compliments on my ink, but usually never
anything bad. Mostly people stare at me because of my hair, it changes every
two weeks and I am usually rocking some sort of 'do' that Edward Scissorhands
would have come up with.
In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
My tattoos make me happy every time I see them. I love being
unique and colorful and it makes me happy every time I see them because I know
that they are an extension of myself, and my personality.
What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
My cat skull and crossed bones was one of my first tattoos
and it was for a pet cat that I had for many years. Her name was Kytah and she
was a feral cat rescued off the streets of southern California
What’s your next tattoo?
My next tattoo will probably be a Star Wars inspired piece.
I want Han Solo's blaster, with Sailor Jerry roses and a banner reading “Never
Tell Me The Odds”
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their
first tattoo?
Go to a
reputable artist, always check portfolios and good tattoos are usually not
cheap. And yes, it hurts. - rolls
eyes -
What is one thing that life has taught you?
If you have common sense and a strong will things usually turn
out alright.
Will you be getting anymore?
I have a huge folder of flash pieces I have drawn up or
collected that I am planning to get. Portraits of my daughters, bible
scriptures, and even have plans for tattooed makeup... there are too many to
count. Check back in a few years, lol.
Top ten things before you die? 1.Watch my Daughters grow
up healthy and happy.
2. Have a relationship with my Son I lost in a custody
battle
3. Publish my own comic book.
4. Grow an indoor garden of orchids
5. Be arrested for graffiti, public nudity or assaulting a Westboro Baptist Church
6. Visit the WatPa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno Monastery in Thailand
7. Go to Burning Man with my Mother
8. Start a no-kill non profit animal shelter
9. Learn to dance the pasodoble with my husband
10. Play a zombie in a horror movie