BODIES RE-INSCRIBED

This project is an exploration of tattooing as  relational art. The participants told me of their memories of the first time that they experienced loss of control over their bodies, and to now, how they have found safety and comfort.
While they spoke, rather than respond with words, I responded with drawing on a large 24 x 36 in paper . 

Through collaboration, we create a finished tattoo design, and then go through the consensual and self initiated tattooing process, working without a machine, handpoking each dot to create the designs. 

When one first “senses” something, they get an impression. That feeling, or sensation on the body signals where and how the body is situated in that place. One can sense discomfort, pleasure, pain, constraint, and can sense when it is invited or is an invasion.

What happens when bodily sensation is paired with a site and memory specific image?
What are the first memories you may have experienced that informed you that you were in control of your body?
What about the first time you felt out of control of your body?