What do your tattoos mean to you?
Rhys: Tattoos for me are an expression of your personality, with a personal meaning or belief expressed through the art. Peter: My tattoos are just another way of me expressing my artistic side. Neil: For me they represent love, loss, friendship and remembrance. Tess: To be honest, I just like girls and boobs.
When did you get your first tattoo, what was it like?
Neil: I started my sleeve last year. I was scared of the pain but in all honesty it wasn’t that bad. Peter: I got my first taste of ink at 16 it was scary but exciting at the same time. Rhys: My first tattoo was a piece on my ribs back in 2010, it took 28 hours to complete, the pain you do not get used to, it’s hard to describe what it is like, your body is prepared but there are certain spots that are more painful than others. Tess: I got my first one when I was 14. My mum came with me and held my hand.
How many do you have? Where are they?
Tess: I have lots of them and they’re all over the place. Rhys: I have three, a stag on my ribs, and two crosses, one on each ankle. Neil: I have three, a sleeve on my right arm, and a symbol on my left wrist and another symbol on my right hip. Peter: I have two sleeves, my hands, plus my back and a small one on my hip.
Which is your favourite?
Peter: Probably the boom-box on the inside of my arm. I love music and the detail just blows me away. Tess: My favorites are probably my knuckles. They’re just really small and detailed. Rhys: The stag on my ribs is my favourite, it resembles the white stag, a symbol of purity and of divinity. I put a lot of thought into this tattoo. Neil: My sleeve as it reminds me of my grandfather and aunty who have both passed away.
If you get another tattoo, where and what will you get next?
Tess: My next tattoo I want a chest piece. Knowing me, it’ll probably be of a girl with boobs. Neil: I would like to get a tattoo with my twin. Maybe on my ribs, haven’t decided of what yet. Rhys: I do have desires to get more tattoos, but I’m not sure when as yet, but I do have thoughts of getting a creature in flight whether it’s a bird or a mythical one, to resemble freedom. Peter: I will most definitely be getting more, no clue what I want just yet but I plan to have a chest piece before the end of the year
Is there a celebrity tattoo you admire?
Rhys: I admire Lady Gaga’s quote on her arm, it is well done with a beautiful meaning by Rainer Maria Rilke, a poet and romantic philosopher, in German he writes, ‘Confess to yourself in the deepest hour of the night whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. Dig deep into your heart, where the answer spreads its roots in your being, and ask yourself solemnly, must I write?’, It’s Gaga all over. Tess: Pamela Anderson’s barbed wire ha ha ewwww! Peter: All of David Beckhams make me cringe with jealousy. Neil: I agree with Peter. Beckham’s tattoos are amazing.
Words and Pictures Angelo Di-Benedetto
Check out Angelo’s amazing photography work at his website.
