MARYAM MAJDI
Ottawa-Gatineau Tattoo Expo, Hilton Lac Leamy, Gatineau, Nov. 12, 2016.
“I work in a medical laser clinic, and in my profession, the hand and neck tattoos, with a blazer, are fine. Even the head tattoo, a lot of people are very accepting of it, but I’m still judged. But the face is something else.
“I got my first tattoo — some filigree and some flowers — on my ribs, right around the time I was finishing my doctorate at McGill in neuropharmacology. Before then, my parents were always dead against it and forbade me to get it, but at that point in my life I figured I was old enough to make my own decisions, and my doctorate gave me a good excuse; I wasn’t just getting it frivolously. It was a milestone.
“When I got my first one I was a starving student, so there was only so much I could afford. But two years later I was back for more. And now, whenever I get
the chance … if it were up to me, I would be covered in tattoos, obviously excluding the face. My partner, Robin Labreche, has done all my tattoos. He doesn’t necessarily want me to be covered all over, so it helps that he puts the brakes on the process.
“I didn’t know Robin when he did my first tattoo. But now we’re both partners and business partners; I manage his shop. And we’re engaged; I actually moved from California for him.
“But from the age of 10 I knew I wanted one. I used to draw on my body. I knew I wanted to be pierced and tatted when I grew up. It was very natural for me to start what’s been a very addictive process. You’re not just addicted to the ink, but to having the artwork.
“I love every single one and I just want more. And the artistry now is incredible. Each of my tattoos has won at least one award at conventions.
“And right now, the empty spaces on my body just look bare, like I’m naked and need more ink on them.”
You’re not just addicted to the ink, but to having the artwork. I love every single one and I just want more.