I’ve always wanted a tattoo ever since I was a kid. About a year and a half ago I started to sketch up ideas. I wanted a Japanese koi fish on my calf but I haven’t found the design I like yet. I got inspired by those full body tattoo Japanese woman and I think the art itself speak stronger than having a tattoo.
It was a warm Sunday Easter afternoon and I was supposed to pick up Karey in San Jose. I took her with me to the Bay Area to my friend’s pot luck gathering, then her friend Paul picked her up from my friend’s house.
Paul is a wonderful tall shy shinny guy who works in a tattoo shop (www.eddietattoo.com), it is a family business and he works there since a kid. When I got there at around 4:30 Sunday I was just waiting for Karey and thinking to head back home and I don’t want to drag too long in the shop. I talked to Paul’s father (I think his name is Eddie), he is a outgoing kind man around mid 50s who loves red wine. He asked me “Are you Karey’s friend who wants a Koi fish?” I was kind of shy and reply “Yes, I been thinking about it. Any good designs?” He showed me a bunch of pictures but it was nothing that I interested it. Therefore I continued my new book and not thought of it anymore. When Karey and Paul finally arrived to the shop I was excited to see them because I felt left out in the shop. Paul’s Dad asked me that have I done any tattoo before and I replied no. They looked me and told me it will be hurt for the first time and the size of the tattoo I wanted to get will be very painful.
I decided to get a little one on my upper arm and test out the water before I commit to a big one. My idea for the first tattoo was represent luck, simple, and artistic. I wanted something match my personality. I thought clover might be a good one to pick but I can’t found a nice one. So it got me really thinking…
For that moment I see a tradition Chinese BamBOo water painting in my mind and that’s what I want.
I was a bit hesitated to do a permanent mark in my arm, and I think I can back out I still can. After googled for more than 20 minutes I found the bamboo that I like. I printed out and handed to Paul and he started drawing it on top of the light table. I was ready because I already have the image of the tattoo on my arm. I rested my arm on this thing while Paul’s dad “needdles” did his work. It hurts, but pain was nothing worse than someone broke your heart. I felt more pain before and this is nothing compare to some depression I had. It went the full range from painful and unpleasant in certain areas, to almost feeling sort of good in others. It was very strange.
I am still thinking what is the psychological effect would be on me to have my first tattoo. It is sort of a life-transition in this Easter Day, I felt like a re-born last night and become a different me when I start my new day tomorrow. And now, I feel different not only my mind, but my heart and soul had been touched, and forever modified in this process.
Eddie's Tattoo 1207 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 554-8520
No comments:
Post a Comment