For this project, I decided to read one of the favorite novels, the Life of Pi by Yann Martel
and respond to it by writing a poem and creating a tattoo design.
and respond to it by writing a poem and creating a tattoo design.
THE PROCESSThe Life of Pi is a well-written book with tons of magical realism and symbolism. I enjoyed analyzing the deeper meaning behind the book and used that as my driving force of inspiration. As the animals in the book represent people, I decided to put myself into this position and write a poem representing myself through an animal. I concluded that I am best suited as a wolf due to common traits shared. I then decided to create a tattoo for the art aspect of the project.
THE POEM
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Silverless
Cold and shivering nights survived alone Repetitive days whimpering for warmth Invisible by the silverless coat, Studying the others and taking notes The trial those most intelligent pass, by Outwitting the predator to achieve Howls of approval on the bright full moon, From the pack of wolves known to commune That night survival became easier Swift movements even the moon couldn’t catch Learning faster and becoming stronger Old habits die, nightmares are no longer A quick burst through the woods as brand new legs Push off the ground and kick up the fresh dirt Together as one, working hand in hands Devoted and united the pack stands The sunshine broke dusk, the past turned to dust Paws falling onto the unstepped path Given knowledge, love, warmth and a place Returned with loyalty and an embrace Bones more likely to break than the bonds made Understanding each other's weaknesses Trade secrets told around a dinner feast What others try to learn but know the least Transforming the dull and colorless coat Stars shining down lusciously on its back Glistening hairs grow in lusciously anew Fuller and longer the silver breaks through |
THE TATTOO
I was varying between doing a face painted mask; however, I then decided to go with a tattoo because I believe a tattoo is more permanent. People usually get tattoos to represent something important in their lives. Therefore, by figuring out who I am as a person and then using an animal as a symbolic reference, that this animal should become a permanent aspect of my life. The wolf shouldn't be able easily wiped away with a cloth, this is why I decided that a tattoo would better represent importance and meaning. I drew up a few designs for my tattoo that showed different traits, but I decided to go with the unaltered, relaxed, and straightforward design. This was actually "tattooed" onto my thigh using jagua gel. Jagua gel is like henna, but instead of a red-brown stain, it shows up blue/black which I thought best represented the look of a real tattoo.
DESIGNS
Below are pictures from the designs I drew out as well as a video which shows the application of that tattoo to my thigh using the gel.
EXPERIENCE
Going through and evaluating my work through this project helped me figure out who I am as a person. I better understood my traits as a person based on my personality test. I thought it was a good experience to relate myself to another object, in this case, an animal. I really enjoyed the tattoo aspect of my project because I incorporated what I like which is henna and I tattooed myself. This was my favorite part because I could incorporate something I like into my project and make it meaningful and symbolic which is another aspect of the project I loved. I loved how simple concepts such as the wolf can be used as a symbol for a deeper meaning and then to others it's just a wolf until they further look and think about it.