Ashley Patoni

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo is two hands shaking with an olive branch wreath. This was to fill space beneath a previous “1984” tattoo— an homage to the novel by George Orwell about media surveillance and the government oversight of history. The hands shaking underneath is symbolic of people agreeing to be aware of the themes portrayed in the book, as well as in the reality of recent times.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

Don’t approach me at the bar (unless it is with the kindness in your heart)

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would open my own art studio in the lovely San Francisco. This would be open to other artists to use the space and collaborate on ideas and projects; I have a degree and passion in welding, unfortunately I don’t know anyone with a backyard or proper ventilation to set up any sort welder. The $25,000 wouldn’t only go to my personal artists passions, but would help me build a community of artists, and a cool and safe space for us to learn from each other and create!