We Tattoos
If a picture is worth a 1 000 words, how much if it’s on your body? Eight women from different walks of life talk about their unique works of art.
“For me, tattoos are a form of expression. When I got my first one, I was being rebellious, and trying to show that I didn’t care what people thought. That I’m going to treat my body how I want to instead of how others expect it to look like.
“I became addicted. Afterwards, I got a second, and then a third. Eventually, it was no longer about rebellion; the tattoos began to represent symbolic stages of my life. For example, my ‘Love’ tattoo on my wrist represents a time in my life where I felt free, loved and content with by body. I was more willing to put effort into making a change within myself, not just on my outward appearance with artwork.” – Carmel Dulinda, 22, accounts administrator
“I got this tattoo after coming out of a long-term relationship with a man who hurt me deeply – and negatively impacting my wellbeing. He was someone who made me feel like my whole life should revolve around him, his job and his future. When the relationship eventually ended, I felt like I was only left a fraction of the person I was before. I got this tattoo, the Greek word ‘ Anistami’, which means ‘rise again’, to encourage and remind myself that I would come out of this stronger and rise back to the person I was before. It’s also at the back of my neck to remind me to keep my head up.” – Danica van der Veen, 24, trainee fashion buyer “I have two butterflies and a quote by writer Kahlil Gibran that reads, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls.” This sums up my past and future.
“Similar to the metamorphosis a butterfly goes through in the cocoon, I also grew from lifehindering struggles and fluttered into a beautiful butterfly. The watercolour effect represents a rainbow, which appears after a rainstorm. Water can’t be contained or stopped from flowing through the earth, just as I can’t be stopped from growing, learning and experiencing a beautiful life and journey.
“But when there is no water, there is struggle and hardship, and things can’t grow, so the skies always send rainfall to wash away the drought (struggles) and reveal a beautiful rainbow – a promise for a brighter future.” – Viné Lucas, 26, digital creative executive “When I was 16, I gained a sudden fascination with piercings and tattoos. They were taboo in my family, and I guess I found that enticing. There was this tattoo parlour in Sandton City that my friends and I would often frequent and daydream about what we would get. I was immediately drawn to this Chinese character, and when I was told it meant ‘ wolf’, I was sold. I had to have it! Wolves have these piercing eyes, and I’ve always been attracted to them because of that. However, there was one obstacle: I needed permission from my parents in order to get it done. So, being the rebel I was, I lied to my mom and told her it was temporary and would only last a year, so she signed the permission for me to get it. Now, two more tattoos and many years later, she has come to terms with my inner and outer wolf (well, maybe).” – Lerato Motea, 33, entrepreneur “I have nine tattoos and each has sentimental value attached to them. On my left shoulder you can see an elephant, my favourite animal, but there is more to it than that. My surname, Ndlovu, means ‘elephant’ in Zulu. And I’m named after Queen Nandi (Shaka Zulu’s mother), who was called “Ndlovukazi” (Queen Mother), but when directly translated, it means ‘she elephant’. I love how everything just comes full circle there. This was a beautiful way for me to honour my family and heritage, and it’s the reason why it’s my favourite tattoo.” – Nandi Ndlovu, 32, marketing copywriter “Tattoos have always been intriguing to me, and are a great love. It’s a way to define parts of your life, your world, your heart. I love that there are so many ways to express yourself. Creativity is important in my life as a writer and musician, and Nelly Furtado is one of my all-time favourite artists. She is so diverse and humble – her versatility and style captivate me. I adore her, and the latest piece I did was just another way to express my passion. It’s funny, my very first tattoo I got 10 years ago are lyrics from one of her songs. I’m nothing if not consistent!” – Gemma Esau, 28, screenwriter and musician
“Tattoos have always been intriguing to me, and are a great love. It’s a way to define parts of your life, your world, your heart.” – Gemma Esau
“It started when I adopted my first kitten in April 2017. I had always thought cats to be independent and not affectionate because of the stereotype attached to them, so I preferred dogs. But because of my living situation, I wasn’t able to get a dog, so I adopted a cat instead – and it was the best decision I’ve ever made, because she is absolutely lovable and irreplaceable! Now, I’m currently the proud owner of two cats and I’m a huge feline lover. I got this tattoo to symbolise my cats, who have now become part of my family.” – Jeanne Su, 26, business intelligence developer “I got this tattoo in 2014 as a dedication to my mother, because she’s the reason I am who I am today. My mother has always guarded and cared for me, and she is so giving and instantly knows how to brighten up my day. So when I was searching for the right tattoo to honour her, I immediately knew that an angel with flowers was the perfect representation of how I saw her. The position, on my back, was just as important, too: you can’t see your guardian angel, but you know they are always there, ready to be the wind pushing you along when you’re struggling to carry on.” – Siphumelele Mjamba, 30, property negotiator