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Here’s the story behind Bobo, my octopus tattoo.

From 2000 to 2005 I had chronic abdominal pain caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. Anyone who’s had chronic pain knows that it’s hard to talk about, hard to describe. You don’t want to be complaining all the time, and you don’t want people to feel sorry for you, but it’s also important to express what you’re feeling. It’s important to communicate your state of pain to other people so you don’t feel isolated and alone in your distress.

In 2002 I started characterizing my uterus as an octopus in my abdomen — a strong force of nature who was sometimes very angry and swollen, sometimes mildly stirring, sometimes blissfully asleep or gone. I named my octopus Bobo, and it was easy to talk about her. “Bobo’s very angry today,” I’d say. Or, “Bobo’s good, she’s off somewhere else and I’m so happy for her.” People could ask me, “How’s Bobo today?” and I didn’t have to feel like they were feeling sorry for me or judging me.

Talking about Bobo was an effective way for me to talk about my pain disassociated from emotions, lighthearted, playful and irreverent. The octopus was also an effective metaphor for the types of pain I was experiencing — whether she was squeezing, spikey, radiating or whatever. Bobo the octopus wasn’t bad or mean, she was simply a strong force of nature, doing what she had to do.

In February of 2005 I had a hysterectomy — a blissful, wonderful, freeing hysterectomy. I have been pain-free since my surgery and I am so thankful for no longer living with pain and pain medications. Bobo has been free in the world, set free, and I have been given my life back.

The octopus is still a powerful symbol for me. In May 2006 I got my octopus tattoo from Sasha at Electro Lady Lux in Vancouver, BC. Sasha created the custom design, and I’m so happy with it — it’s exactly what I wanted, like Sasha was reading my mind.

-Kelly

Tattoo by Sasha at Electro Lady Lux in Vancouver, BC
www.electroladylux.com

More Octopus Tattoos

Over the last year or so I have been thinking of getting a back piece that would be unique, yet beautiful in its own way. I started looking more and more and came across the amazing color and captivation of the peacock.

I started looking online and in books but never quite saw the quality or likeness that I thought I would want. When it came down to it, I purchased an actual peocock feather and took it to Tattoo Artist Chris Brusby from Studio M Tattoo. From the feather he drew what I believe to be a very real and natural image of the feather. I didn’t want anything that was cartoony or abstract. So his idea and drawing was perfect.

The piece is mainly a ton of outlining and lines that make up the upper part and stem of the feather. Painful, but the outcome exceeded my expectations. I knew that when I asked Chris what colors he used and he said “ask me what colors I didn’t use!” that I was going to be amazed! His wife even mentioned that you can really tell when he gets into a tattoo, the end result reflects his interest in the piece.

I am completely happy with my tattoo and the beauty that it shows. Although it may not represent a person or a individual meaning, it reflects me in its own way.

- Michelle R

Tattoo Artist: Chris Brusby - Studio M Tattoo

More Back Tattoos

I’m not one to shave my legs or pubic area so I got this tat because whenever someone complains I can tell them I have my little dog working on it.

I’m a big fan of Dr. Seuss and have a partial sleeve on my right arm of One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. The reason I went with this dog from another one of his books.

Bottom line, someone has to do the job.

-Tami

Tattoo by: Lea Smith - Lucky Lady Tattoo in Greensboro, NC
(she also did my Mama Bear and Mud Flap Girls tattoos)

Alberto’s Phoenix Tattoo Story

The story goes that when a phoenix dies, it falls into ashes, and from the ashes it is reborn. The reason why i got my phoenix tattoo was because i always was someone else, and not being my true self. Well my previous life has died, that chapter of me no longer exists, and the new me (the pheonix) is the new chapter of my life.

-Alberto

More Phoenix Tattoos
More Tattoos on Shoulders

I got this octopus tattoo to even out my half sleeve on my right arm. I saw a different octopus tat that Joe (joedrachekicksass.com) did and asked if he would do a modified version for me. So, there it is in a nutshell. The more tattoos I have,the more beautiful I feel!

-Erin

More Octopus Tattoos

i wanted a tattoo between my breasts that was feminine yet fierce. i was thinking cats, but i think panthers are better. i got two panthers to balance the tat out. i even made the cut in my artist’s portfolio.

-cathleen

Phoenix Tattoo

When my ex-boyfriend mumbled something about not been surprised from me anymore, i just had to go and do something about it, say…. like another tattoo (the 4th one).

The phoenix stands as a reminder, that no matter how hard i fall into depression, or what sort of crisis come my way - i can be reborn from the ashes, and come back stronger and more beautiful than ever.

-shira

More Phoenix Tattoos
More Hip Tattoos

Red Eyed Tree Frog Tattoo

I guess I’m a bit of a tree hugger. I’m worried about the destruction of the rain forest and wanted to show my concern and raise awareness of the problem. Maybe it sounds a little corny but that’s my story.

-Jess