Who Did Your Ink?: Auberon Wolf's tattoo is powerful sign of healing

Who Did Your Ink? is the Straight’s weekly feature, where we ask badass Vancouverites about the talented artists, indelible stories, and, at times, questionable antics behind their most treasured tattoos.

What’s your name? Auberon Wolf.

What do you do?  I'm a tattoo artist.

Who did your ink? Dave Seguyn did the linework, and Jude Le Tronik did most of the colouring.

Why did you choose these artists to do your tattoo? Two artists worked on this piece! Dave Seguyn did the linework for this, and he managed to capture something way more lovely than what I envisioned all the elements to be. Jude Le Tronik did most of the colouring on it before they moved to Seattle.

I chose Dave because I had witnessed his work ethic and artistic skill at a tattoo shop I was learning some things at in 2012. He really inspired me, and he made me feel comfortable and accepted as I unpacked pieces of my gender and art and identity.

I chose Jude because they became my friend. (I like to feel connected to the person design or applying my tattoos!) Beyond that, Jude is talented, gentle, and kind when you're toughing out the hard parts, and I trusted them.  

Is there any meaning behind them? Layers and layers of meaning! I will share some aspects; some I will keep just for myself.

One layer of meaning behind this design relates to the deep sadness and cauterized feeling I had after I had an abortion in my early twenties. I struggled deeply with mental health challenges in my youth, and didn't have the tools to be a parent, and also didn't have the tools to deal with those choices and feelings. I swore off the concept of parenthood for much of my adult life.

The day when I suddenly felt that sore place in my heart heal—the day I knew I was ready to invite possibility back into my life and my body—I began to envision this tattoo. The girl depicted is a representation of my potential future child's spirit.

Who’s your favourite local tattoo artist? I'm so glad I can pick more than one, as I couldn't possibly narrow that down to one. Katie Shocrylas's colour-work makes me weep with envy and joy; Kay Abbott blows my mind; Nomi Chi's art is so beautiful. I think those are my top favorites right now.

What’s next on your ink list? Next piece? I have one in mind I'd really love for Shocrylas to do, but I don't believe her books are open currently. I'm definitely eager to finish off my sleeve, too, but I'm procrastinating on getting the elbow done!