So, it’s Erte, Golden Pearls one of my favorite illustrators. I got it right after my mother’s suicide as a way for protection. I wanted it from the age of 16, Tina wanted to do on my back but I wanted to see my first tattoo. I got it at 29 after identifying my mother’s post suicide attempt, it was an act of defiance and strength.

My Tattooist is Tina Bafaro at Sweet Bee Tattoo. She had a shop in pioneer square in the 80’s. She’s moved to Lake City now – she apprenticed under Vivin truly a seattle tattoo treasurer. She’s known for sea creatures and BIG!

My back tattoo is my past, healing post divorce – Tina had a 4hr consultation. I provided images and details of why I loved or why each thing heals, it’s meaning to me, then drew up and-mapped out my back. Each item has multiple meanings.

Note: Parts of the story above and the image below were provided via email after our initial encounter.