Tattoo + You, A Photo Story of Body Ink features Tristan.
In Tristan’s words:
“In my opinion tattoos have always been a way to tell a story. They can be images that a person wants to project about one’s self, or a way to remember and share a part of one’s life. The back piece began as a concept when I was 20. It started as a way for me to reconnect with my earth-based Celtic and Viking heritage, but then as I aged and new stories and memories formed it became so much more. It also didn’t just happen to materialize in the physical through traditional means — I had to wait for the right situation and time. That time came one summer when I worked with and became friends with Conrad Burglund. I told him about my idea of having a tattoo with a tree that represented me and my life with a Norse world-tree theme. But I also wanted to represent death and the passing of friends, family and relationships as well as the birth-stones of my daughter and family. I also wanted the artist to add their own artistic flair to the image. The result was everything I had hoped for and more — it represents my connection to nature and family and my connection to my past. The piece will continue to evolve and it awaits the next session where it will grow like my life has…with more stories and memories layered in.”
Tattoo + You, A Photo Story of Body Ink began as a book 10 years ago. The project continues online today. If you know of anyone who would like to participate in this project, please send a message to [email protected]
Check out the growing gallery of tattoo portraits and their stories.