Daniel Garcia

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I got a candle in my sleeve piece, after Our Lady of Candelaria. The version of Mary the Virgin associated with February 2 (my birthday). I also got my mother’s, father’s and mine own constellation in some of the white space between spaces. Altogether with that I got some small Roman symbols that followed the macro minimalism style I wanted and filled up some of the white space so that the sleeve would seem more cohesive.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My ink wouldn’t speak. It would scream. Most of it was born out of grief. I got my first tattoo after losing my grandmother and kept adding the dates when I lost loved ones to it. My calf piece would talk about the importance of family, how it guides me and keeps me grounded in the best and worst times. My sleeve would softly talk about my beliefs. The interfaith that has allowed me to connect with people with radically different backgrounds. My ink is all different, yet, all me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First and foremost, I would take my mom to Tuscany. It has been her dream since she’s little and she’s never had the opportunity to visit Europe. I would get us a cabin in the country side for a couple of weeks and recharge batteries. Then, I would donate some to Angeles custodios, a non-for profit in Colombia that helps homeless elderly people. Lastly, I would save some money (after all I’m just a broke pre medical student)