The Connection

Issue date: 9/2/05 Section: Features

Media Credit: Ramirez, Jamie Roland Smith

Royal Watkins, a tattoo artist and fine arts major, said an average of two customers per week come into his shop for their first commitment to body art, but, on the other hand, cover-ups are the most common type of tattoos he has done.

There are different forms of art. Self-expression can be relayed in performances, music or paintings.

Body art is a form of self-expression that is growing in popularity. Researchers from the University of Chicago conducted a survey, which polled 500 people but was then refined to 32. They concluded that 26 of those 32 people had tattoos, according to Family Practice News. The survey also showed that there were 105 tattoos amongst those 32 people.

Brother and sister Roland and Salina Smith can relate to the study because they both have tattoos. They also share a common thread with one another. They said they are business majors with a love for body art who are ready for more tattoos.

"I have seven tattoos," said Salina Smith, 27. "And I'm still not done."

According to an article from Contemporary Pediatrics, in one study, teenagers obtain tattoos to relate to a group. Roland Smith's first tattoo represents his connection to a Native American tribe known as the Miwok.

As he began to describe his first tattoo experience at the age of 16, Smith shrugged his shoulders and closed his eyes, as if to relive the moment. Smith said what he remembered feeling the most was "ow." The tattoo has "Smith" in large letters running from shoulder blade to shoulder blade. Underneath it is a large dream catcher.

Nursing major Rachel McCartney's tattoo also has a deep meaning to her.

"To me it's more of a permanent reminder of who I am, where I came from and where I want to go," said the 23-year-old.

McCartney said she looks for certain things when she goes in for a tattoo.

"I look for guns in sterile packaging and I make sure everything they use is new," McCartney said.

Body art has its risks which could be a permanent reminder of an infection or disease.

A recent study showed that people with tattoos are nine times more likely to be infected with Hepatitis C than those who don't have tattoos, according to Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader publication.

"I don't open any of the sterile packages until I start to tattoo the customer," Watkins said. "That's how I show them that it's a sterile environment."

Miguel Phimmasane also contributed to this article.

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