A friend commented to me that other day, that just like brands show the ownership of cattle, getting a tattoo can show that a person feels they own themselves. This idea made a lot of sense to me. It also made me realise that is probably why so many people have issues with women getting tattoo’s beyond any distaste they may have for tattoo’s on men. Society hasn’t quite come to grips with women owning themselves yet.

I have been thinking of getting a tattoo for quite some time now. The day when I actually get it done is moving closer and closer.I have finished the design for my first tatt. It’s below the fold.

I chose the Australian Brushtail Possum as the subject for this design for a couple of reasons. The Brushtail Possum is a furry marsupial, but it is also brave, mischievous, and curious. They are not dreadfully popular around here, as cute as they are. They eat people’s roses, cause house fires by nesting in roofs, make loud possum-love-making noises, and generally remind people that we are invading their natural habitat, and if they can’t nest in a tree, they will nest in a house, and keep us awake all night long.

I feel like I am metamorphosing into a new person… a person somewhat more like the possum. It’s not making me very popular, but its certainly a lot more fun.The design is deliberately abstract and tribal, mostly because I like that style of tattoo, but also because my love of possums has more to do with what they symbolise for me, than the actual marsupial.

I want to get a bogone moth design as well. I am still working on that one. The bogone moth is a large native Australian moth. They migrate in big swarms every few years. They can grow as big as the palm of my hand. I love them, because they are soft and grey and beautiful.
Most people don’t see eye to eye with me on that one. Lots of people are afraid of them, and the rest tend to see them as an annoyance.

I really identify with moths, even more so than possums. Like a moth emerging from my cocoon I have changed so much this past year. Moths fly for the light, even though it may get them burned or killed, which on a symbolic level is what I would like to do. Also, like the moths that are feared in spite of their harmlessness, and beneficial impact on the ecosystem, feminists are also feared and despised.

I drew a goanna tattoo design as well, but the goanna isn’t really that symbolic for me. I just like lizard shapes.