My Mermaid Tattoo

Photo by Monika Berry - MB Captured

My Mermaid Tattoo 

I love this photo shot by Monika Berry at MB Captured at last years Geelong Creatives collaborative photoshoot. Such a simple photo, yet it captures so much. I thought it would be the perfect excuse to talk about my mermaid tattoo. 

Often people will ask me about the meaning behind it, and more often than not I'll shrug it off and just say, 'I like mermaids.'

The truth is a little more personal. To me, this tattoo is about consistency, creativity and just being connected with the world. 

Just like everyone, my life has been full of ups and downs. We moved around a lot as a kid, I went to 6 different primary schools and lived in more houses than I can remember.

My Dad was the only thing that consistently remained there for me. Like the waves in the ocean that continuously break against the shoreline 

Dad is covered in tattoos. My favourite being Casper the Ghost inked just above his belly button. He says he paid 50 cents for it. He had really old school tattoos. Pin-up girls, mermaids, sparrows and vikings but after time the ink fades and the skins wrinkles making the tattoos not so cute anymore. 

In early high school, I remember Dad had all his tattoos covered with updated pieces. A Dragon, a Koi fish, too many to mention, both arms and his back re-inked. 

The only thing he kept (in part) was a tattoo of a classic 70's mermaid right in the middle of his back. He had a time capsule tattooed around it, with this cool green ink wash over the top to make her look like she was floating in the capsule. Finished off with a little squirrel tightening the bolts for all time. I absolutely loved it. It's clever, funny and still hold a piece of the past for my dad.

I thought about getting this tattoo for years, and finally at 22 I sat 2 sessions, a total of 5 hours to get this beauty completed, finished off with Dad's initials 'ADF' along the tail. 

Not only is a special connection to my Dad, it also just inspires me. The ocean is such a calming and beautiful place and being lucky enough to connect with it as often as I do just keeps me so inspired. 

It also just reminds me to just be grateful and happy for the life I have now as an adult.

Lots of love, Meg

Photo from GC Photoshoot Nov 2016
Styled by Eyota Clothing