Ep 039 Celebrating Ancestry Through Tattoo Art: Joseph Houia's Path

What if the art on your skin could reconnect you with your heritage and tell a centuries-old story? Join us as we explore the powerful journey of Joseph Houia, an Indigenous tattoo artist from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Joseph's tale is one of passion, resilience, and cultural revival—starting from a simple school art project to becoming moko practitioner. He shares how Māori wood carving has deeply influenced his tattoo designs and reflects on the profound significance of moko in celebrating and preserving his heritage.

Ever wondered how traditional coil tattoo machines stack up against the sleek rotary devices of today? We dive deep into the evolution of tattoo machines, with personal stories highlighting the connection and spirit behind each piece of ink. From honoring one's lineage to reconnecting with genealogy, these tattoos are much more than skin deep—they're powerful symbols of identity. Additionally, we uncover surprising cultural similarities between Indigenous tattoo artists from around the Pacific and First Nations communities, showing how these timeless patterns and meanings transcend continents.

The episode also delves into the importance of preserving and passing on cultural traditions through moko artistry. Joseph, along with other Indigenous artists, emphasizes the need to create an archive of work to inspire future generations and help them connect with their heritage. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion on the role of care, compassion, and humility in tattooing, and the deep fulfillment that comes from mentoring new artists and contributing to the continuation of these beautiful traditions. Don't miss this episode—it's a testament to the power of cultural storytelling through art.

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 Joe at:
Instagram @poutereinaarts

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

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