Recently I was on an airplane and the person sitting next to me had a large number of tattoos covering most of her body. Tattoos across the years in the United States have definitely expressed and invoked a variety of reactions and interpretations. For many people tattoos have been seen as an expression of rebellion and non-conformity. Over the years tattoos have crossed over into all aspects of society. However our reaction to them is still guarded and in many instances unacceptable 

As our flight took off, I felt compelled to view the exquisite artwork that the person next to me was sporting. I struck up a conversation with  the young woman and it proved to be extremely informative. She said I was one of the few people she met who actually inquired about the artwork and expressed a genuine interest in the choices she had made to inscribe on her body.

Years ago, I would have been like many people, too inhibited to look at and admire artwork such as this. I wonder how many amazing opportunities I missed to find out about the person who was wearing the artwork but also the creator of the artwork.

The young woman sitting next to me had the most exquisite lion tattooed on her hand. It’s eyes drew me into it’s very soul. As our flight progressed she begin to tell me more and more about the meaning of each of the tattoos she had chosen. The artwork expressed such a beautiful, and in some instances tragic, story of her life, of the death of people that mattered to her and certainly of the artist who transitioned her story into artwork.

Over the many weeks since meeting this young woman I have thought how unfortunate it is that so many of us are too inhibited to reach out and enjoy honest conversations with each other. The story the woman told me and the artwork that expressed her life touched my soul in a very meaningful way.

The truth is we all have a story to tell, something we wish to express to others, something we wish to validate, and a hope that others will see our form of expression in an open, appreciative and generative manner.

Expressing a genuine interest in someone else opens a doorway to avenues we would never explore should our heart remain closed to differences in others. In the span of several hours I made a new friend (connected on Instagram), learned about many intimate things in her life, and found a tattoo artist who is also someone who sells their artwork.

I am grateful that someone so interesting sat next to me. I’m grateful that I learned that her tattoo artist is a local artist here in Phoenix. I am grateful someone felt comfortable enough with me to share the intimacy’s of their life. I am grateful that my story encompasses hers.

In the end we can choose to put our headsets on and see no one and nothing around us. This however makes the world a much smaller place. I’m grateful that the world became much larger than what it was when I sat down next to this woman.

If you’re interested the artists name is Scotty Mac. You will find him at Double Down Tattoo in Glendale, AZ. He’s on Facebook & Instagram. I’m including a photo of the beautiful lion responsible for some fabulous conversation. Also, look for a 1:1 interview with him in an upcoming blog.