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![1. Name: Dana
2. Age: 19
3. School: Northern Arizona University
4. Area of Study: Biology and Indigenous Health Studies
5. Tattoo and Location: [1] Ivory Billed Woodpecker on left lower back [2] Inukshuk on back of head
6. Artist and Shop: The woodpecker was done by Byran in Fayetteville Arkansas at Clockworks Tattoo and the Inushuk was done by Joe in Sault Saint Marie Michigan at Dragon’s Eye Tattoo
7. The Story: The woodpecker (so lovingly named, Bernard) is from the cover of my favorite book “Still Life with Woodpecker” by Tom Robbins. It is meant to commemorate my love and appreciation for Robbins but also to signify the time in my life where I grew an appreciation for my education and my ability to influence the world. Additionally, the match and stick of dynamite act to remind me that the walls that surround and inhibit us are only a small bit of explosives away from freedom. The inushuk is to commemorate the many years I have spent (and the many to come) canoe tripping in Northern Canada in the traditional Ojibwa and Chippewa style as well as to act as a constant reminder to follow my head.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m285x8Moh31rsmaj9o1_500.jpg)
1. Name: Dana2. Age: 193. School: Northern Arizona University4. Area of Study: Biology and Indigenous Health Studies5. Tattoo and Location: [1] Ivory Billed Woodpecker on left lower back [2] Inukshuk on back of head6. Artist and Shop: The woodpecker was done by Byran in Fayetteville Arkansas at Clockworks Tattoo and the Inushuk was done by Joe in Sault Saint Marie Michigan at Dragon’s Eye Tattoo7. The Story: The woodpecker (so lovingly named, Bernard) is from the cover of my favorite book “Still Life with Woodpecker” by Tom Robbins. It is meant to commemorate my love and appreciation for Robbins but also to signify the time in my life where I grew an appreciation for my education and my ability to influence the world. Additionally, the match and stick of dynamite act to remind me that the walls that surround and inhibit us are only a small bit of explosives away from freedom.
The inushuk is to commemorate the many years I have spent (and the many to come) canoe tripping in Northern Canada in the traditional Ojibwa and Chippewa style as well as to act as a constant reminder to follow my head. -
Name: Jon
Age: 24
School: Northern Arizona University
Area of Study: Philosophy
Tattoo and Location: Celtic tree of life adaptation on my inner left wrist
Artist: Kevin at Holepunch in Flagstaff, AZ
The Story: A few years ago, I suffered a traumatic head injury that had a large impact on my life. For some reason, I kept the hospital bracelet on my wrist for years after. I felt that it was a daily reminder as to how lucky I was to be alive but it had a very negative feeling associated with it. I decided to replace the tattered piece of plastic with something a little more permanent, beautiful, and meaningful. I altered the tattoo a bit so that was a little more personal and symbolic. This was my first tattoo and a very cathartic experience. Even a few years later, I still look at it everyday and am constantly reminded at how lucky I truly was.
An exploration of tattoos found within higher education.
