A Form of Self-Expression
A lot of people are not fans of tattoos because they think it scars your body or effects the odds of getting certain jobs. While I understand that the world still needs time to fully adapt to the art of tattoos I really believe that my tattoos express different really important parts of my life. Some are random, but I love this just as much! I have never regretted a tattoo that’s on my body.
Story of the Basketball Court
So when I was 7 years old, I moved from Queens to Roosevelt Island. The move was weird for me because I had to change schools for two years since I was young and couldn’t travel alone on the subway yet. There were courts across from the building we moved into called “Blackwell”. Little did I know this would be the place I learned how to really hoop, and I seriously fell in love with basketball on those courts.
I played with all the guys from my community from every age. They were the first group of guys who treated me like I was one of the guys and taught me how to get better and grow but did not let up on me. They fouled me hard, blocked shots, argued with me at times. They really believed in me and never made me have to “prove myself” because I was a girl. They are a huge reason I am where I am and my Roosevelt Island basketball community will always have a special place in my heart! So I decided to get a part of the court with the 59th Street bridge in the background on my left calf so I’ll always know my safe place for basketball will always be with me wherever I go.
A Relationship with an Artist
My tattoo artist name is Chung, and he is not only one of the best artists I’ve had the chance to be around but an even better person. He knew my sister first and then she introduced him to me. I only trust serious tattoos or bigger jobs with Chung. We get some lunch, put the tv on and talk for hours as he does my tats and it’s such a nice experience! That relationship means a lot to me because my tattoos mean a lot to me, and I know that Chung understands that, which makes me feel really comfortable to let him draw it out or free hand certain things.
The One with the Deepest Meaning
It is the simplest tattoo on my body, but I decided to get two hands with the pinky fingers crossed on the back of my right arm and my sister got the same tattoo on her heart. I left my right arm blank besides that tattoo because I want it to have that space for itself forever.
My sister is my best friend, and the bond we grew over the years has saved me in so many different ways. She’s one of my biggest supporters. It’s hard to be away from my family all the time and my sister, but the tattoo reminds me of her and even my family, and it makes me happy to get that reminder everyday whenever I need it.
The First Tattoo
My first tattoo was of my first trophy when I played in CYO (Christian Youth Organization) in third grade. I had my tattoo artist draw it out and then kind of be creative with how he wanted to use the color. I know I’ll always cherish that tattoo because it was when my mom finally let me join an organized team, and I started falling in love with the game. I got a quote that my mom wrote in my high school graduation card put inside the trophy as well. The tattoo will always be special.
Credits:
Photography: Taris Smith/Louisville Athletics