Constance & Alex's Story
(24x36) Black and Grey Tattoo, Mixed Media on Metal ​I had two separate tattoo consultations for the She Warrior project, and during one of them, I discovered that the participants were mother and daughter. I had no idea when I chose them! It felt like a wonderful, serendipitous moment. Their tattoos needed to reflect this mother-daughter bond, so I decided they would have the same sculpture with different birds, symbolizing the family connection in their stories. ​
Quote (from She Warrior submission): Alex said, “My mom has always been a warrior to me, even when I was young. She has gone through so much loss, trauma, and hardship, yet she never fails to light up a room. We lost my grandma to breast cancer in 2011. As hard as it was (and still is) on her, she always amazes me with her strength and resilience every day. She’s a constant inspiration to me and so many others around her.”
Bird: Roitelet à triple bandeau (Common Firecrest) I didn’t have a specific bird for Alex right away, but I knew I wanted a small but mighty bird. Alex has a sweetness about her that you instantly feel when you are with her; she is bright and illuminating. The Common Firecrest is much like Alex with its white belly, bronze collar, and yellow or orange coloring. ​
Quote (from She Warrior submission): Constance said, “My mother was such a Warrior! She fought hard day in and day out. She never let people see her pain or weakness when she knew they needed her to be strong. Even during her time in Hospice, she still wanted to make sure we were okay. One of the last things she told me was, ‘I promise you will be okay, Missy. It just might take time, but don’t worry about me. I know where I am headed!’ She was and always will be my SHE WARRIOR! I just hope and pray that I can be half the Warrior she was for my daughter and family. ​
Bird: Red, Red-breasted nuthatch I was drawn to the look of this little bird more than anything for Constance. The nuthatch is strong and dynamic, familiar and comfortable, the kind of comfortable that makes you feel safe and held in that space. That is truly a special place to be.