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Eden from England, UK
Where did you grow up?
In London, UK.
How was it growing up there, would you say that it
influenced you?
It was tough, I didn’t have a very wealthy upbringing. My
parents worked hard to give us a good life.
When did you start getting tattoos?
I got my first tattoo at 16. It was more a rebellion than
anything and I admit I now hate it and am getting a cover up done on it. I
didn’t think it through and it was my way of sticking two fingers up at
everyone who said don’t do it and everyone I was angry with at the time!
How would you describe your style?
My style has changed a lot over the years. I enjoy mixing
things up and experimenting with looks and fashion. My hair colour has changed
a lot from blonde to black and all colours in between!
I love old Hollywood Glamour, I love women that look like
women! I love anything pin up or retro, I love the 1950s silhouette and the
1970’s glitter with the 1960s Barbarella hair. My style is a complete mishmash
– I love the weird and the wonderful! The bold and the beautiful!
Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Yes, people spend thousands of pounds on a painting to hang
in their home that no one sees. I collect pictures that I like, but on myself,
so I take them everywhere with me and show the world! Mine are influenced by
Sailor Jerry, Angelique Houtkamp and a young artist from LA called Quyen Dinh. I
love traditional flash work in dark muted colours and have an obsession with
pirates.
How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
I think that it’s more unusual to see someone with no
tattoos these days! It’s so popular and common that everyone has them. I do
think that a lot of people possibly get them for the wrong reasons, to be
fashionable etc. and maybe don’t think them through fully.
What has been your inspiration for getting them?
I always admired heavily tattooed women, their confidence
and beauty! I have always struggled with body confidence and accepting who I
am. The more tattoos I have, the more I like myself. I like parts of me I
didn’t like before they were tattooed. Tattoos are decorations, they make me
feel pretty.
What’s your favorite piece?
I don’t have one, mainly because I don’t see that they are
individual pieces, now I see them as part of me and one big piece.
Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?
Yes. Most people want to have a look and then start pulling
your arms, it can be intrusive sometimes! Most people’s reactions are positive
and they want to chat, but sometimes people feel the need to offer their
opinion which isn’t always complimentary. Each to their own, but I don’t feel
the need to comment if I don’t like someone’s hair or find their appearance
aesthetically pleasing. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at
all.
In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
They cheer me up! The more I get, the more confident and
happy I feel about myself! Some people go shopping, I get Tattoos!
What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
They all mean
something, they all had reasons behind why I had them done at the time. They
tell a story of my life, hard times, relationships and good memories. I’ll look
back on them when I am old and remember the good old days.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their
first tattoo?
Don’t get anything fashionable, and don’t go somewhere
because it’s cheap!
Will you be getting anymore?
Yes!
What’s your biggest inspiration, what keeps you going?
I take inspiration from so many forms. I think for me to be
the best version of myself I can be and if I can motivate others to follow
their dreams, be themselves, and have confidence and pride in who they are, then
I feel I have done something right. I try and be a positive role model.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Dita Von Teese – “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in
the bunch and there is still going to be someone who hates peaches.”
Anything else you would like to add?
People with tattoos haven’t defaced their body, they don’t
self-harm, and they haven’t mutilated or butchered themselves. They have made a
personal choice and whatever their reason is, it’s not your place to judge. If
you don’t like what you see don’t look, but maybe if you learned a little about
tattoos and tattoo culture and appreciated the beautiful art form that it is,
you would be able to appreciate them even if you wouldn’t have any yourself.
This world can be a horrible place at times, so what’s the harm in decorating
it a little with beautiful tattooed people! After all, if we all looked the
same, how boring would that be?
Photographer's Credit:
Bella Photography - 1,2,3,5,6,8.
Melanie Titus - 4.
Stuart Deadman - 7.