I was told recently that my life is full of contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction. I was at first surprised to hear this, but when I gave the comment some consideration I realized that there was some truth to the statement. I believe that we need to live life as fully as possible.

So it should not have surprised me that roughly six years ago I marched into a Tattoo parlour in Prince Edward Island, Ontario and selected the first in what would be a long process of adding Tattoo body art to my skin.

I spent an hour wandering around selecting the design. Once my design was picked I selected the artist that I felt most comfortable with and began the four-hour process of having the design artistically applied.

Now I realize that this is not the most scientific method of getting a tattoo and looking back on the experience I am happy that it worked out as well as it did. I was quite happy with both the artist and the design and gladly sported it solely for the next few months.

However the second I walked out the door of that Tattoo studio I was hooked. My first thought was, what am I going to get next? I was in love with the whole tattoo process. The selection of the art, the buzz of the tattoo gun, and the look of the finalized piece of art emblazoned on your flesh for eternity.

It should also now be no surprise that when I arrived back in Ontario that I began the systematic process of selecting a long-term tattoo artist. When I select an artist I look for not only skill, but rather a skilled practitioner that can translate my vision into reality. I found that person in Jim Jones of Jonzie's Tattoos in Trenton, Ontario.

As I sat and discussed my vision of the ultimate piece, he would add subtle nuances and changes that would improve the piece. I rarely turned one of his alterations down, and he was always supportive of my own vision of the final piece. After extensive discussions and revision the final shape of the piece was established. A gargoyle would be at the center of the piece. Two tribal pieces would flow down my left and right side accenting the shape of my back. Finally a gossipmonger would frame my lower back.

So with anticipation I awaited the first session of the fourteen-month journey to completing my Tattoo.

The first day of tattooing created a new sensation. I was going threw a difficult section of my life and I discovered that the process of having my body art completed allowed me to feel more centered and at ease with myself. The process allowed me to meditate on my situation, aided by the rhythms of the tattoo gun as we applied the outline the first day.

The buzz of the gun the gentle irritation of the needles applying colour, caused me to drift into a space I had never before experienced. It was a place that allowed me to make decision and comprehend the intricacies of life. Now this may not be a typical reaction but I have found that I leave the studio after every tattoo feeling a sense of inner piece.

The overall process of having a tattoo completed after the initial design is established is rather simple. The artistry that is required to make the piece look good after that initial design work is in my opinion a monumental task.

The soft gentle buzz of the gun is a welcome friend, every two weeks for two hours. Each sitting brings the final piece one step closer to fruition. The gargoyle slowly evolves becoming a natural stone looking creature that adorns the center of my back.

This is followed by the addition of the shading work for the gossipmonger, which took place over a couple weeks. Each visit adds new vitality and an original element to the piece. The process was seemingly smooth and uneventful.

What I didn't realize however that getting the black of a tribal tattoo consistent is a work in futility. Booth tribal pieces had to have the black done a minimum of three times. Each time that the ink had to be applied, my black became a little tenderer. With each application the black looked bolder and more even and I began to appreciate the work that went into the process.

The final shading was probably the most difficult portion of the tattoo. With each session I was closer to the end of the process. I loved the progress and was passionate about the finalization of the piece. But I knew that I was going to miss the regularity of the work and the serene mental state that I felt after leaving the session.

In the end I continue to get tattoos and I will likely never stop. I have since started the process of having a chest piece completed and have plans for partial sleeves on both arms. Through this process I fell in love with the beauty and simplicity of tattoo artistry.

This material was originally published at Suite101.com