Melissa

Inspired by the snake’s unhinged jaw—linked to the throat chakra and communication—I chose a human jaw with a heart-shaped tooth, symbolizing the power of kindness as a transformative force. Next in the series is the Rose of Venus, still in progress. Based on Venus’s 8-year celestial cycle, it forms a pentagram symbolizing the infinite, sacred nature of love’s evolution. Together, these works explore power, beauty, and the cycles of connection.

"She transmutes pain into power, and every mark tells the story." It would whisper of sacred love, silent battles, and the fire it took to rise. It would say I’m not here to be quiet or cute — I’m here to be real, raw, and rooted. My tattoos aren’t decoration. They’re devotion. A map of movement, memory, and transformation.

If I win, the prize money will go toward a long-overdue jaw reconstruction surgery — something I’ve needed for 30 years. It will support my ability to eat, speak, and show up fully in my body and my work. This isn't just about my health — it's about reclaiming my voice so I can continue building healing spaces where movement, ritual, and community thrive.