Ep 020 Tattoos as Testimony: The Cultural and Personal Imprint of Annabelle DeLorme

When Annabelle DeLorme, a Cree, Métis tattoo artist, began transforming skin into a canvas for storytelling, little did she know that her intricate designs would weave together the threads of her personal identity with her varied interests. As she discusses transitioning from the curiosity of a tattoo-laden childhood to mastering the buzz of the tattoo machine, we are reminded that the path of an artist is both deeply individual and interwoven with the collective narrative of community and our life stories.

The artistry of tattooing extends far beyond the visible design; it's a dance of respect, authenticity, and collaboration. In this episode, I'm honored to share the airwaves with Annabelle, as we reflect on the delicate balance between celebrating indigenous designs and the responsibility entailed in representing cultural artwork. The conversation flows from the evolution of our craft with the aid of modern technology to curating exhibitions that honor our ancestry, creating a space where the past resonates powerfully in the present. Listeners will appreciate the vibrant depiction of indigenous tattooing not as a mere trend, but as a testament to resilience and identity.

As two artists navigating the intersecting worlds of creation and connection, Annabelle and I delve into the human aspect of our profession—how tattoos act as vessels for healing, transformation, and even confrontation of societal traumas. Through personal anecdotes and collective insights, we uncover the significance of interpersonal skills in crafting a safe space for our clients' stories to unfold. Whether it's through the needles we wield, the conventions we anticipate, or the emotional bonds we foster, our episode is an homage to the indelible impact of indigenous tattooing, celebrating the profound marks we leave on both skin and soul.

I hope you have enjoyed this episode, and I am excited to travel the world of Indigenous tattooing with you as we visit with friends and colleagues from across the globe doing the work.

You can find Annabelle at:
Instagram @creative.annabelle

Check out my tattoo work at:
https://www.consumedbyink.com
Instagram @dionkaszas

Buy me a Coffee at:
https://ko-fi.com/transformativemarks

I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts