Chris Iteen

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

“Learn to swim” are lyrics from the song Ænema by Tool. I had 2 friends (bro & sis) and they both died on separate occasions. We all listened and bonded over the band, and the lyrics. His sister got “Learn to swim” tattooed on her neck, and when she died her brother did the same. I always wanted the tattoo since we talked about it. But this is a tribute to them.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

To me “learn to swim” means to be self reliant. To understand that this system or humanity itself is unsustainable and headed for armageddon. I have two on my hands “Don’t worry, be happy” “All you need is love, love is all you need” As reminders to keep my head above water every time I look at my hands.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would give half of it to the mother of my child for a ridiculously expensive surgery for my 9 year old daughter. She has a VERY rare condition involving unfused bones, and brittle bone disease. Keep the other half in hopes to get on my feet for once in my life. I’m self employed and reliant on my car to do anything and it’s a POS. I’d get a decent used car and pay rent in advance so I could save more money.