Ink and Ivy

An analysis of my latest tattoo addition

So… I got a new tattoo! I had it done the week after finishing my first official year of a Bachelor of Creative Writing as a reward for myself, and I guess (unintentionally) a-not-so subtle nod to that chosen career path. I’ve wanted tattoos for as long as I can remember and have had a plan for many since I was about 10. This one hasn’t been one I’ve planned for ages, but I’ve always wanted elements of it, that I eventually narrowed down into this design (thanks to Kaleb at Skinks Tattoos). Essentially it’s an open book on my left forearm with ivy and kowhai vines growing out of the ‘words’ (lines).

People have been asking me if it has any meaning or significance to it… to which I’ve been saying that I simply like books and vines… but that isn’t exactly true. So today I thought I’d unpack a little of it’s meaning/symbolism.