Denise from Texas
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Japan ,
Guam , Hawaii
and Texas
How was it growing up there, would you say that it
influenced you?
Growing up overseas was really nice. I was around a lot of
different races and culture; it was a fantastic way to be brought up. As far as
being influenced, my tattoos were influenced by ME as a person, and I wouldn't
have been that person had I not grown up where I had. So I suppose it did.
When did you start getting tattoos?
I got my first tattoo when I was 20 years old. It was my
20th birthday gift. It was such a horrible experience that I didn't get my next
tattoo till I was 27. Then I went overboard :-p
How would you describe your style?
My style is...ME! Every one of my tattoos represents
something about me.
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
I consider it the ULTIMATE art form. Paintings, sculptures,
music...all of it is art. But to get something permanently tattooed into your
skin...takes true devotion.
How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
I feel that tattoo culture right now is highly influenced by
what people are seeing on TV. Nothing wrong with that, but I just wonder how
people are going to view themselves in 20 years. When the fad may have faded
out by then and they regret getting what they got, all because everyone else
was getting a tattoo at the time.
What has been your inspiration for getting them?
Always been uncomfortable in my own skin and disliked people
looking at me. So getting tattoo's kind of controlled what people looked at. Because
chances are, people are staring at my tattoos, not at my face or body or any
other insecurity that I may have.
What’s your favorite piece?
My favorite tattoo is my Sally tattoo from my nightmare
before Christmas sleeve. I just love her so much!!
Do you catch people starring at you because of your
ink?
ALL the time. I get some people that LOVE the work I've
gotten, but I've gotten my fair share of people who seem to be disgusted with
it. And from that, some people have even went so far as to give me speeches on
how horrible I am. Just sad.
In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood
often?
They do, in the sense that...I can be in a bad mood and if I
go out in public and someone just gets so giddy about seeing my tattoos...puts
me in a good mood. I love people who appreciate art, and who appreciate
tattoos.
What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
It's hard for me to answer this because ALL of my tattoos
are significant to me. Every one of them represents me and who I am. It's like
choosing a favorite child, haha.. I just can't do it.
What’s your next tattoo?
I want to get an owl done on my abdomen.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their
first tattoo?
Make sure you are okay with that piece of art being stuck on
you for the rest of your life.
What is one thing that life has taught you?
That not everyone views art the same and that beauty is
DEFINITELY in the eye of the beholder.
Will you be getting anymore?
Oh most definitely!! I want to get my abdomen, chest and
ribcage done for sure. As for after that, we'll see.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"The tattoo is the mark of the soul. It can act as a
window through which we can see inside, or it can be a shield to protect us
from those who cannot see past the surface."
Anything else you would like to add?
I'm tattooed, that doesn't make me a bad person. If people could
learn to see past the cover, they just might like the story :-)