Our bodies are canvases, and ink is the expression of emotions. My project, Living Canvas, aims to highlight the fact that tattoos have evolved into much more than just art; they now serve as a profound representation of one's inner self. My goal is to illustrate how people use their bodies as canvases to express their true identities. Each tattoo featured in this book carries a deeper significance that transcends the ink itself. The tattoos depicted within these pages artistically convey the unique stories of these individuals, allowing others to capture a glimpse of who they truly are.
Throughout Living Canvas, I showcase individuals with various personalities, united by their love for tattoos. The range of tattoos spans from just a couple to full sleeves. Each person I photographed has tattoos that hold special meaning, from memories of deceased friends to places they've traveled to and favorite movies. I find this particularly interesting because, in the past, tattoos were often associated with rebellious individuals, such as bikers, sailors, and disobedient teenagers. This connection between tattoos and rebellion led to a perception of disdain and distaste, overshadowing their artistic value.
As time has passed, society's perception of tattoos has transformed; they are now celebrated as an art form. After capturing images of individuals and their tattoos, I found that they were thrilled someone was taking the initiative to showcase tattoos' positive aspects. I visited Modern Love Tattoo Parlor and encountered a group of everyday artists who delight in sharing their art and having it adorned on people's bodies for all to see. There is a renewed appreciation for tattoos; their beauty has been restored, and those who choose to get them are no longer the typical rebellious types, but rather nurses, painters, and everyday community members. People have become more open and upbeat, proudly displaying their works of art as they become an artist's Living Canvas.
Throughout Living Canvas, I showcase individuals with various personalities, united by their love for tattoos. The range of tattoos spans from just a couple to full sleeves. Each person I photographed has tattoos that hold special meaning, from memories of deceased friends to places they've traveled to and favorite movies. I find this particularly interesting because, in the past, tattoos were often associated with rebellious individuals, such as bikers, sailors, and disobedient teenagers. This connection between tattoos and rebellion led to a perception of disdain and distaste, overshadowing their artistic value.
As time has passed, society's perception of tattoos has transformed; they are now celebrated as an art form. After capturing images of individuals and their tattoos, I found that they were thrilled someone was taking the initiative to showcase tattoos' positive aspects. I visited Modern Love Tattoo Parlor and encountered a group of everyday artists who delight in sharing their art and having it adorned on people's bodies for all to see. There is a renewed appreciation for tattoos; their beauty has been restored, and those who choose to get them are no longer the typical rebellious types, but rather nurses, painters, and everyday community members. People have become more open and upbeat, proudly displaying their works of art as they become an artist's Living Canvas.
