Lena Binley

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo was one I collected while traveling in Italy! My friend suggested the artist when she heard I was visiting Milan. He only tattoos snakes, so it was so inspiring to hear how he explained himself as “having a serpent’s energy,” and the exclusivity of the design spoke to me as an artist. My back is covered with snakes, because they represent rebirth. Just like a snake, we have the opportunity to shed our skin and be reborn into ourselves over and over. This b

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My ink would share the stories of my triumphs and hardships. Each piece is a reflection of phases of my life, and how much I’ve evolved as a person over time. It’s been fun to connect with different artists through tattooing. Each session expands my knowledge of the world, and inspires my own creativity. I have tattoos from artists in LA, NYC, Korea, Milan, and everywhere in between. I love how the practice of tattooing brings like-minded individuals together through art. How special

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’m two years out from an abusive relationship, and still cleaning up the mess I made by allowing myself to be taken advantage of. I’m in debt, because of mistakes I made while with him, including being our financial provider for 3.5 years and making decisions from a toxic head space. I have been trying to wipe the slate clean for a while. $25k would help me move on from my past and inspire others to do the same. I want to help give other abused people hope and confidence that it get