Since starting to study counselling in 2020 I have wanted to collaborate the skills I have required in counselling and my art. In 2021 I came up with the idea of tattooing people’s ‘stories’ or ‘experiences’. Tattoos can be healing or help with a healing process. They can make us love our bodies and can be such a significant part of our lives. We get tattoos for ourselves, to remember others, our pets and even to remember certain events.

I opened up this project on the 26th of November 2021. I tattooed a close friend to start as I wanted to see how they felt during the experience and if they had any feedback to give. I got a lovely response from followers and a handful of people who were interested in taking part.

I would like to hold an exhibition when I have collected enough people’s stories and experiences. I think this would be important to do. I want to bring the project to life and create awareness around the experiences of others, many issues include, trauma, mental health, abuse and other experiences that we don’t talk enough about. I also hope to create a book that showcases the tattoos and stories to give to each individual who took part as well as to sell to the general public.

(2023 update: I would still like to continue this way of tattooing however due to my own mental ill health I have taken a step back from tattooing. I hope to rekindle this idea with a slightly different perspective when I am ready to return)

If you are interested in taking part please contact me at dena.rocca@googlemail.com