Art is human expression. It is how we tell stories, feelings, events, and even convey the beauty that we personally see in the world to those around us. It's a powerful engine of communication, and the best part is that it doesn't need to make sense. An abstract piece of colors that shift along the canvas can convey as much depth of feeling as a fully painted scene or photograph.
Art is also in the eye of its beholder, which means that there's no right or wrong with art, no ugly or beautiful, just your interpretation. With tattoos, you get all that and more, because the very nature of a tattoo means you can transform your body into a canvas, and yourself into a work of art.
It's no wonder, then, that so many people are using body art to tell their stories, and why you should consider using it as your go-to medium, too:
Cultural Art
One of the first and arguably the most powerful ways to tell your story with a tattoo is through a cultural piece. Some cultures have tattoos deeply ingrained in them, such as the Maori, who use them to commemorate their stories and milestones, as well as their cultural heritage.
You don't need to belong to a culture that has adopted tattoos to embody your culture. You can use your religion's symbols (if allowed), motifs of your home, or even subjects that represent who you are and what you do. Adopting a cultural framework for your tattoo and relying on the best tattoo artist in Nashville to bring that design to life can help you feel at one with your community, regardless of whether you use traditional cultural tattoos or design your own.
Celebrate Milestones
Another way people tell their stories through body art is by celebrating their milestones. You could get the crest of your university tattooed on your body when you graduate, to celebrate that achievement. Alternatively, you may want to tattoo a moment of your wedding or the birth of your children. There are so many ways you can celebrate milestones. If you're worried about future regret, simply keep the milestone tattoos symbolic.
Instead of tattooing a name, tattoo something that makes you think of that milestone instead. Tattoos never have to be literal to celebrate a milestone, so get creative.
Commemorate Memories
Any memory that you think back on fondly and want to remember again and again is worthy of a tattoo, which is why so many have tattooed memorials to remember their loved ones, or special days. These memories are always going to be personal, and they can be anything, from a realistic depiction of your memory to a symbolic, even thematic art piece.
Make Space for Your Lifelong Interests
Finally, people tell stories of their interests through tattoos. Someone who has always had an affinity for snakes, for example, could have the subject tattooed beautifully on their body, particularly as it's long enough to wrap around the curves of their form. You may love gardening, and celebrate that hobby through flowers, could be a reader, and tattoo quotes or scenes from your favorite novels.
Tattoos have given us the ability to display what we love directly on ourselves, and have done so since the very first tattoos. From memories to milestones to cultural markers to even our interests, everything we tattoo on ourselves is us telling our stories.