HNT: In the Eye of the Beholder
Photo by Ken Norcross
People make assumptions based on their own experiences. Our own backgrounds and experiences really color the way we see the world.
Take my tattoos for example. I had VERY specific reasoning for each one of my four tattoos. However, people see them in whatever light makes the most sense according to their experiences.
My newest tattoo is of two people embracing, rising out of the wrought iron curls. In the real world, it is situated evenly on my back; I’m at an odd angle in this picture.
When I got this tattoo, it took me forever to find the perfect actualization of my concept. I wanted two people in each others arms…but I didn’t want it to be either two women, or a man and a woman. In fact, I wanted them to be genderless. Granted, the one in front may look more feminine (ponytail?), but they’re meant to be genderless and sexless. Just two people loving/lusting after one another.
Right after I got the tattoo, I was at a party, wearing a backless dress to let it heal (no bra). Two or three (straight) friends came up to me and said “I though you wanted it genderless; what made you decide to get a man and a woman instead?” I thought that odd.
Then, a month or so later, I was at Dinah Shore 2008, a lesbian party event. I had no less than 5 different women come up to me and tell me how much they adore the tattoo of the two women embracing on my back. Again, odd.
We see things through our own lenses. The straight people saw a man and a woman, the lesbians saw two women.
My flying pig has nothing to do with “When Pigs Fly,” but that’s the phrase people know, and so that’s what they assume. It’s actually a memorial for my dad.
“Not all those who wander are lost…” helps me to remind myself that even when things change, and I make new plans, new goals, etc, that it doesn’t mean I’m backtracking or am losing myself. It’s from the Lord of the Rings books. I have people asking me if it’s from Harry Potter, from the Hobbit, if I made it up. Some people have asked me if I was a runaway. Others have asked me who it is a memorial for. They see it, and process it through their filters, and those are the assumptions they make.
Everything is in the eye of the beholder, not just beauty. Even tattoos :)
-Essin’ Em
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I love that. I think it’s REALLY important to have your modifications mean something. I love the poem with that line, too. :)
HHNT to a truly thoughtful woman.
I love the concept of one’s story on their skin. That each tattoo is uniquely meaningful to you makes them all the more beautiful.
Happy HNT
You are so true, we read things based on our own biases…yet this photo, in whatever way we may interpret, we will all conclude that this is SEXY! HHNT!
Ah, that is so true about questions on ink. It’s one of the best parts about tattoo’s, IMO. Even the most ‘straightforward’ of tattoos can be up for interpretation.
Hot pic, BTW. ^_^
(I wish I had decided to go to Submit, BTW. My straight vanilla friend bailed on me. Would have been much more fun to hang out with sexy queer people and check out your piercing scene)
Fantastic. I always figure as long as it means something to you, then it doesn’t matter how others see it. Unless they want to be rude about it, that’s a diff thing then. Happy HNT.
I adore the two people embracing.
I see a woman and a man; all of my partners have been male, and I consider myself mostly straight (hence the male partners), so I suppose that’s the lens through which I look at the world. A good reminded to keep things in check. Thanks for sharing it.
Your back is so very beautiful – and your ink just adds to it. I love knowing the meanings behind them all, and appreciate you sharing them with us!
(All my tattoos have meanings as well – remind me sometime and I will tell you about them.)
HHNT, xx Dee
I am not into tattoos in general, as I think bodies are beautiful enough in themselves. But the fact that these have meaning for you and are not just a fashionable adornment does make some sense to me. Thanks. Happy HNT.
Knowing the concepts and stories surrounding them makes them even more special. I’m trying to recall what I first thought when I saw the embracing couple…whether or not I perceived gender. I can’t recall but think they all look amazing.
I told my daughter I was thinking of a small tattoo. She said, “No way. You’re too old.” Sigh.
Thank you all.
Wendy – I’m coming to NYC at some point. a) can we hang out, b) can I crash with you a night or two?
Tess – You’re never too old. Don’t listen to her!
Thank you all.
Wendy – I’m coming to NYC at some point. a) can we hang out, b) can I crash with you a night or two?
Tess – You’re never too old. Don’t listen to her!
Very nice photo – and I love the different meanings/thought put into your tattoos. Happy HNT!