Tattoos - Laura Jane Hatcher - "Resist"

 

I was so excited with the theme of this Tattoos challenge. As a former Tattoo Artist with 80% of my body covered in ink, my mind was racing with the possibilities! 

I was deeply inspired by the classic portraits of Tattooed Women of the past. The portraits especially from the 1880's-1920's are beautiful images and provide rare glimpses of the strong women, groundbreakers, revolutionaries, suffragettes, non-conformists of their time. As an artist and also as a chronic pain warrior, I draw strength and courage from these women. Frida Kahlo is another non-traditional chronic pain warrior who gives me strength and courage during the dark times. The way she created her art,curated her outward appearance, clothing, jewelry and her home and garden as expressions and mirrors of her inner life remind me that it's the beauty of our innermost selves which we struggle to reveal.