Jell-O shots and Tweety Bird: exploring the world of body art
Sydney Taylor
Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: Features
Lying face down on a table in only my bra, I was surrounded by a group of tattooed and facially pierced "artists." I suddenly wondered if I was making a huge mistake.
No, I wasn't doing Jell-O shots in a seedy bar; I had just turned 18 and I was about to get my first tattoo. As the red hot needle first pierced my shoulder blade I twitched slightly but maintained my composure. (Okay, so maybe I whimpered a little more than that.) For about half an hour my friends watched as the intricate design grew and spread across my skin.
By the time I dressed, paid, and sat down at IHOP for a well-deserved pancake feast, I had completely fallen in love with my tattoo. Symbolizing my love of nature as well as man's connection to the earth, the Celtic tree of life was truly something I was proud to have permanently displayed on my skin.
While meandering over the rolling hills and brick paths of Wittenberg University, one may notice a variety of inked college students. The beloved "tramp stamp" of the lower back, the coquettish ankle tattoo, the Tweety bird on the bosom, or the occasional arm "sleeved" tat may wander past at any moment.
This flamboyant boardwalk of body art triggers intrigue, envy, and even sometimes disgust amongst Wittenberg students.
"Unless you have something really meaningful you'll probably regret it," said Wittenberg junior, Kara Dennis, on getting tattoos. "At least, to me it doesn't serve a purpose."
In contrast, Wittenberg freshman, Leanna Stansell, finds tattoos appealing.
"I definitely want a tattoo-they're a great way of expressing yourself," said Stansell. "Something small and discreet that is still meaningful would be perfect."
There are about as many opinions on Wittenberg's campus as there are tattoos.
Another student, junior Suzanne Thompson, isn't as sure as others.
"Yeah, I'd get a tattoo," she said. "Well…maybe."
If you are brave enough and have the desire, find a design that holds personal significance and meaning before you permanently emblazon it on your body. If you are fascinated by the magical realm of inking, but fear the needle and accompanied pain, you can sit back and enjoy the intellectual dialogue of Miami Ink on TLC.
Just remember, a tattoo will last a lifetime. Hopefully you will come up with your own Celtic tree of life, but consider yourselves warned: what seemed like a great idea while inebriated may later become just a sad, sagging Tweety bird.
No, I wasn't doing Jell-O shots in a seedy bar; I had just turned 18 and I was about to get my first tattoo. As the red hot needle first pierced my shoulder blade I twitched slightly but maintained my composure. (Okay, so maybe I whimpered a little more than that.) For about half an hour my friends watched as the intricate design grew and spread across my skin.
By the time I dressed, paid, and sat down at IHOP for a well-deserved pancake feast, I had completely fallen in love with my tattoo. Symbolizing my love of nature as well as man's connection to the earth, the Celtic tree of life was truly something I was proud to have permanently displayed on my skin.
While meandering over the rolling hills and brick paths of Wittenberg University, one may notice a variety of inked college students. The beloved "tramp stamp" of the lower back, the coquettish ankle tattoo, the Tweety bird on the bosom, or the occasional arm "sleeved" tat may wander past at any moment.
This flamboyant boardwalk of body art triggers intrigue, envy, and even sometimes disgust amongst Wittenberg students.
"Unless you have something really meaningful you'll probably regret it," said Wittenberg junior, Kara Dennis, on getting tattoos. "At least, to me it doesn't serve a purpose."
In contrast, Wittenberg freshman, Leanna Stansell, finds tattoos appealing.
"I definitely want a tattoo-they're a great way of expressing yourself," said Stansell. "Something small and discreet that is still meaningful would be perfect."
There are about as many opinions on Wittenberg's campus as there are tattoos.
Another student, junior Suzanne Thompson, isn't as sure as others.
"Yeah, I'd get a tattoo," she said. "Well…maybe."
If you are brave enough and have the desire, find a design that holds personal significance and meaning before you permanently emblazon it on your body. If you are fascinated by the magical realm of inking, but fear the needle and accompanied pain, you can sit back and enjoy the intellectual dialogue of Miami Ink on TLC.
Just remember, a tattoo will last a lifetime. Hopefully you will come up with your own Celtic tree of life, but consider yourselves warned: what seemed like a great idea while inebriated may later become just a sad, sagging Tweety bird.
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