Bindi from Arizona
Where did you grow up?
Douglas, AZ
How was it growing up there, would you say that it
influenced you?
It was a fairly small border town, so I grew up with a large
Hispanic and Catholic influence which has carried over into my tattoos.
When did you start getting tattoos?
I got my first tattoo of a Sacred Heart on my lower back
when I was 20, as a memorial tattoo to my Nana. I waited almost 6 years to get
my next tattoo, since I knew I wanted them all to be special and well thought
out.
How would you describe your style?
I love color and all my tattoos are full color and either
have a religious or family meaning to them.
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Yes, I most definitely do!
There are so many talented artists creating tattoos that can only be
described as works of art. My artist Tony Olvera, is an accomplished artist as
well as tattoo artist. My former artist, Jason Kimble is a comic book artist
and painter as well.
How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
I think right now because of TV shows based on the lives of
tattoo artists and the acceptance of alternative models with a lot of tattoos
in mainstream advertising, people are much more accepting than they were previously.
What has been your inspiration for getting them?
I knew as a little girl that I wanted to get tattoos, I
can’t even explain why, it’s like they always belonged on my skin. I can’t
imagine not having my tattoos anymore; they are such a huge part of me.
What’s your favorite piece?
I think it would be an even tie between my Virgin Mary back
piece and my pirate ship thigh piece. They both have a lot of meaning to me. My
thigh piece is a combination of little symbols that represent my family. My
back piece is my favorite religious piece, because it means so much to me.
Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?
I really don’t notice it as much anymore, but my nine year
old son likes to point it out to me sometimes. Most people are generally really
nice when they ask about my tattoos. The question I’ve been asked the most is
probably, “Don’t tattoo’s hurt?”, and I usually say, “Yes, but I get to keep
them forever.”
In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
They make me happy when I think about them. I love knowing
they’re there and they’re mine!
What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
I guess I would have to say my back piece. It was a real
labor of love for both myself and my artist. My husband and I were trying to
have another child, and I really wanted my back piece finished before then, so
I went in to get tattooed every Friday for 6 weeks until it was finished. I’m
so lucky to have an artist like Tony, who understands how important tattoos are
to his clients.
What’s your next tattoo?
As soon as my baby girl is born, I plan on getting something
special for her, I’m just not sure exactly what I want yet.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their
first tattoo?
Make sure it means something to you and will for years to
come. Also, look for an artist with a good reputation and portfolio. Be
prepared to spend a little more for quality, it’s well worth it when you have a
professional looking piece you can be proud of!
What is one thing that life has taught you?
Tattooed on my inner right wrist I have the words, “Let it be.”
I try to live each day accepting the fact that plans change, people change and
nothing stays the same forever. I’m kind of OCD, so I need a reminder every now
and then, but I’m learning.
Will you be getting anymore?
Of course! I can’t see myself saying, “I’m done”, anytime
soon.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit
the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says... “Oh shit....she's
awake!!”
Photo credits: Mannon Pictures, No Regrets Photography.