Tattoos of Toronto
Monday, August 17, 2020
By: Zeba Tayabee

Each Tattoo is as Unique as the Person and the Story

 
Everyone has a story. As a childhood cancer survivor, my life story took a turn at 14 when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Life became hospital visits, finger pokes, scans, chemotherapy, radiation, bloodwork and isolation. Cancer in many ways was a double-edged sword—it forced me to grow up and face a troubled reality, yet it also opened up many positive opportunities that I have embraced in my post-cancer journey.

This story is one of many that I share from my life and it plays a huge role in the person that I am today and the perspective with which I view the world around me. As a social worker, stories like these are what drive my curiosity to learn more about people’s experiences. This, combined with my fascination with tattoos, led me to launch my passion project earlier this year—an Instagram profile that shares tattoos, their wearers, and the stories behind them.

I’ve found that each tattoo is as unique as the person and the story embedded in the lines, shading, patterns and colours of the artwork. By talking with participants for this project, it is clear that tattoos offer intimate insights into the past, present and future of one’s life.

Tattoos date back thousands of years and have gone through many transformations around the world, yet the connection between the mind, body and art remains. Tattoos are a form of self-expression and hold such great meaning to the person who has undergone the process of being inked. Each tattoo offers a glimpse into the life of the individual and an opportunity to share experiences through art.

From my experience talking to people for this project, tattoos are a way to (re)define and (re)claim one’s body. This holds true for many, if not all cancer patients and survivors who have graciously shared their stories of cancer for this project.

For some adult and childhood cancer patients and survivors, their tattoo(s) marks a transition, moment, coping strategy, a way to celebrate, grieve loss, cover up a scar or procedure. Their tattoo is a way to remember and mark important stages of their cancer journey.

You can find Tattoos of Toronto at: instagram.com/tattoos.of.torontoTransitions Newsletter - tattoos of toronto

About the Author 

Zeba Tayabee is a Registered Social Worker and has been working in the social sectors for over 5 years in different roles. She is also a childhood cancer survivor after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 14 years old. Combining her life experiences with her professional background, Zeba is interested in ways to share stories that are often untold.

Zeba Tayabee
POGO eNews contributor