If youโre looking to get some body art this year, read this.
Singer Mikaela Attard and weightlifter Yazmin Zammit Stevens may work in different industries, but they are united by their love for tattoos. Both women got their first inkings at 18 and their fascination with body art has continued to multiply over the years. “I’ve always been obsessed with body art,” admits Yazmin, as Mikaela voices similar sentiments: “I got a rock and roll tattoo when I was around 18,” she says. “I’m all about that – no point singing it without preaching it.”
Granted, Malta has been shedding its conservative skin at a rapid rate, but has public perception of body art, especially on women, changed at all?
Two different women, two real experiences
Mikaela’s body acts as a canvas to several beautiful pieces, but she admits doesn't keep count: “I don’t really see them as a number, I see it all as one expanding piece,” she explains. “They are all connected - they either intertwine in design, concept, mood or placement all over my body.” Public perception to her artistic expressions hasn't always been warm but it’s at its friendliest when she’s performing or on tour, with fans often asking to check out her artwork.
“As a nation, I feel that sometimes we get a little bit judgemental,” Mikaela says. “Confidence is often misinterpreted as attention seeking by the insecure,” she states, as she narrates some previous experiences: “I did see a lot of nasty things written about me but I won’t let anyone dim my brights, cos I like to shine and encourage other people to do that too!”
Yazmin boasts five minimalistic artworks and one larger inking but the six pieces haven’t ever gotten in the way of her success: “I was never denied an opportunity because of them,” she declares. Despite being well aware of the past stigma related to tattoos, the wieghtlifter has remained largely unaffected: “I really don't feel this myself,” she explains. “I’ve never been judged for my tattoos and I definitely plan on getting more!” Yazmin quips.
I want a tattoo. How do I start?
There are different ways in which you can approach getting a tattoo and Yazmin and Mikaela have their own methods of going about things. Yazmin has one main rule for herself: "When I find or sketch up a piece of art I want, I'll save it and wait six months," she explains: "If after the six months I'm still obsessed , then I'll go ahead and get it tattooed, but if the hype about it is gone- I know it was just in the moment at the time."
For Mikaela, a tattoo veteran, the situation is less restrictive: "my tattoo artist knows me so well by now, that I turn up with some ideas, we work on them together and bang, at the end of the day, he does what I imagined and more." Pretty impulsive, but stellar results all the same!
Tattoos are a creative form of self expression, but are there social consequences?
A common hurdle to overcome when getting a first tattoo is fearing loved ones' reactions. Both women faced some scrutiny from immediate family members, but both sets eventually overcame them. "I'm the first from my immediate family to get tattooed so yes, you name it, shock and surprise" says Mikaela. The initial reaction eventually morphed into a warmer response and the singer confirms that her parents now love her body art!
Yazmin's story runs parallel to Mikaela's: "My parents always suggested against getting one when I was growing up, but once I did they eventually accepted the fact I like them and life went on," she says, adding that her mother ended up getting a small tattoo herself in memory of her sister. "Ultimately, it's your body, it's your choice - find a piece of art and go for it!" Yazmin says.