Susans Geisha Tattoo - Japanese Mural

Susan – Denver, Colorado, USA

A lot of people know Susan. Many recognize her as the actress who played Liberty on the 1990’s TV series POWW (Powerful Women of Wrestling). Or as the bassist with the rock band Rexway, or guitarist and front woman for a “chick band” called The Rug Burns.” Or, even if they don’t know her face, they recognize her voice as the current Clearchannel traffic reporter on several Denver radio stations.

That, or maybe you know Susan because of her tattoos. An ardent fan of tattoo conventions, and a weekly regular in the tattoo chair as she completes her designs, Susan already has a memorable tattoo collection. Though she got her first tattoo – an astrological sign - at age 23, she waited until her early 30’s to really take it seriously. Her upper body, all original art, is a Japanese mural. Susan describes the scene: “The first large piece is inspired by the book Memoirs of a Geisha – intrigued and inspired by these strong, amazing women, I decided I wanted a Geisha tattoo. The fastest way to sleeve my arm was to have my artist create a giant piece filling up that entire length – the background work is still underway. My other arm is also a geisha-inspired lady, but a little sexier and a tad risqué. I have Kanji that is personal to me – astrological references, words of encouragement and strength – also a tribute to my favorite cat, and to my father who recently passed away.”

“My chest piece was created to bring my arms together – fantasy cranes designed by my artist – to me they represent freedom, strength and beauty. My back piece has just been outlined. It’s also Japanese style with a male samurai-type warrior fighting a lion (again, an astrological reference and infusion of male energy to balance out the ladies on my arms). On my right calf, I have a portrait of my bass playing father – since he died, this has become a way for me to come to peace with that loss and have a permanent reminder of the man that has so inspired my life. My feet are inked to look like henna designs with ‘Mom’ and ‘time is precious’ in kanji style. All of my tattoos to me convey strength, femininity, confidence, and beauty.”

Susan has no regrets about any of her tattoos, and is hard pressed to pick a favorite. “I enjoy seeing my skin more with tattoos than without – old pictures without my ink kinda freak me out and make me feel naked.” Her future plans include adding a portrait of her mother and other pieces dedicated to her family. Overall, people respond very positively to her ink. She is delighted by the young kids and senior citizens who want to touch her skin, thinking it will somehow feel different or have a texture. She has only ever received a few negative reactions, and chooses to ignore those.

Her future tattoo plans do not include her face, or the front and sides of her neck. The hands are also off-limits at the moment. “Unless I get a record contract. At that point then everything changes. If I’m able to make a living playing my music, I thought the first thing I’d do is probably to tattoo my knuckles.”

“People still have hang-ups and judgments about ink,” Susan observes, “I must be a criminal, cheap, or some kinda chick with no morals. I’ve heard that kind of talk before, but I don’t care. My mom thinks my art is beautiful, and that’s all that matters to me.” For Susan, it’s all about the art. “Tattooing is a beautiful form of expression and for me a permanent way to mark milestones in my life. It’s about making my body into a canvas. I guess I don’t compare myself to people that just have a little butterfly on their back. To me, it’s become a lifestyle. To me it’s pretty much a lifelong thing.”

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