My ink is a tribute to my self-discovery—each piece from artists around the world, marking people, places, and memories that shaped me.
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As a South African-American living in the USA, I’ve been finding ways to stay connected to my roots—especially through language. I’ve chosen to showcase the bold, quirky, and even controversial words of Afrikaans by wearing them across my body. It’s my way of celebrating the good, the bad, the funny, and the raw beauty of my mother tongue—while also reclaiming and owning words that were once used to hurt, turning them into symbols of pride and identity.
If your ink could speak, what would it say?My ink would have an over-the-top, dramatic voice shouting: “Woohoo! Congrats on your 4-year tattoo anniversary! You faced your fears, broke through barriers, and started this journey by memorialising your brother with your first piece. What a beautiful way to grieve and honour him! Now you're hooked—aaaaaah! We're here for the ride, cheering you on and providing epic conversation starters. Let’s keep this ink journey wild, bold, and filled with meaningful stories!”
What would you do with the $25,000?I recently visited my birth country, bringing my partner for the first time. The experience reignited my love for the warmth, care, and community that make South Africa the Rainbow Nation. I plan to invest the $25,000 into the local economy, creating opportunities to serve the community. This will also allow me to visit more often and spend quality time with my family.
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Body art deserves to be shown off.
