The Beauty of Ink Inside the Skin
“Tattoos teach love in an abstract way.”
- emmy Brutnell
The perception of tattoos has evolved since the 1900s. In 2024, we now link beauty and confidence and turn them into ink. In the 18th and 19th centuries, tattoos were commonly associated with crime and just trouble in general. However, as our society moves forward, tattoos have become more than just accepted. They are now similar to lipstick, an accessory for yourself. As Dr. Mehta stated in Psychology Today, “the majority felt comfortable with tattoos, so long as the tattoo had personal meaning or was a means of expression.”
So, why do we really get tattoos? Is it to express ourselves, to feel a level of uniqueness, or to feel beautiful? I like to believe we get tattoos to keep memories tied to our skin. It is being able to look down at your arm and know that memory will always be there, it will not ever get lost or ever run out, and it is inevitably yours. With memories come meanings, but not every tattoo has to have a meaning. That is where the beauty comes in, like lipstick painted red on your lips.
Why did we change our views towards tattoos? Surrounding ourselves with media leads to becoming influenced. Psychologist Luzelle Naudé of the University of the Free State in South Africa found, “38 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo.” This is due to the echo chamber that lives inside our phones. We constantly see new faces, new bodies, inked-up skin, and then we think, I love that or that is so cool.
Flagler College student Grace Barragan finds most of her inspiration for her tattoos on Pinterest. She says, ”My favorite tattoo would be my big one on my stomach because it tends to drag people away from my insecurities.” Barragan currently has fifteen tattoos that define her creativity. She also amplifies her tattoo artist’s vision by showing the artist her reference image and allowing her to create something new based on it. With a beautiful, aesthetic tattoo, your skin becomes your accessory, once again. Tattoos assist Barragan’s confidence to a new level, and she feels comfortable and inspired in her skin.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
The bigger idea is how tattoos are personal to each person. They bring out who you are and allow you to express yourself. When you put art on your body, it brings you closer to yourself. How could you ever hate art? Tattoos teach love in an abstract way. They help people who struggle with mental health and self-love in general. The tattoo becomes yours, and your body stays as your canvas.
Strike Out,
Emmy Brutnell
Saint Augustine
Editors: Maya Kayya, Jessica Giraldo
Emmy Brutnell is a writer for Strike Magazine, Saint Augustine. She grew up writing song lyrics and then horribly sang them. She enjoys reading poetry as well as filming for her youtube channel. Feel free to reach her @emmybrut on instagram, or by email- ebrutnell@gmail.com.
