Ariton Sefedini

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo was inspired by two things — my second home, and my father’s passing. I always wanted a cherry blossom tattoo as a symbol of my love for my cousins, who live in an area with lots of cherry blossom trees. I finally get the tattoo after my father’s passing, on my right hand, to also honor him and have him as my guiding hand.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

If my ink could speak, I don’t think it would stop talking (much like me). It would say everything. Every piece holds my entire life leading up to getting the piece done, and has been with me to see every part of my life since. I think of my ink as checkpoints. While each piece has its own significance, a different message it would say, they’re also part of a collective. I think my ink would say, we were brought to life individually but we never stand alone.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First and foremost, the $25,000 would be used to support my household. When my father passed away, I became “the man of the house,” and that’s no small weight to carry. Sometimes I feel like I’m not carrying it well. So this would be for my mother and my sisters. Second, after I do what’s necessary, I’d use the rest to self-publish my novel (once it’s complete, it’s still in the works). I love the story I’m telling, and want to tell it on my