Mommy Has Tattoos Mondays! (version 9!!)

So last week I featured my friend Miya Bailey,and low and behold this weeks BEAUTIFUL mama has a piece of art by him (small world?) I met Shawnta through a friend on twitter:) She has been so patient with me and my constant nagging to do this feature! (thanks!!!) I am in LOVE with her work and I'm sure you will enjoy it too!! Now onto this weeks:


Name:(first name is fine) Shawnta
# of children: 2 daughters
blog : click here for Shawnta's Blog!
twitter: Shawnta's Tweets!
youtube: Shawnta's YouTube Channel!


Here's Shawnta's interview...
1. What do your children have to say about your tattoos?
My girls love my tattoos, especially the ones that represent them. They love my tattoo artist and enjoy their visits to the tattoo shop. All their little friends come up to me to see my tattoos and comment how cool they are, so I think they are proud to get to go home with the 'cool momma' everyday. They are my little helpers and put lotion and rub them to keep me from scratching when they are healing lol.

2. Since we're on the subject of moms and tattoos,what does your mom have to say about your tattoos?
My mom passed away long before any of these tattoos came to be, but I have got my fair share of motherly "what the hell you go and do that for" from my auntie. At 71 I don't think she will ever understand my motivation and has the usual concerns of me not being able to support myself because of my artwork.

3. How do other un tattooed moms or parents react to your tattoos?
In Maryland I got a lot of positive feedback on my tattoos and questions about where I got them done, if that hurt, things like that, but in Texas....whole different ball game. I get a lot of stares here, and sometimes they compliment me on something that I am wearing like a plain ole white t-shirt to justify why they were looking at me for so long.

4.Do you ever try to hide your tattoos from your child's teachers,friends parents, etc?
No. I actually show them to feel people out , because if I'm not accepted then how can I expect you to accept my wonderfully unique little girls.

5.Do you have any tattoos dedicated to your children?If not do you plan on getting any?
Yes, I have both their zodiac signs and two koi fish within my sleeve for them.

6. How will you react if and when your children start getting tattoos?
What!!! I so want to be there! I hope they still think I'm cool enough to tag along with them lol! I will only stress for them to take care of them properly when they are healing so that they will be 100% happy with it in the end, and think twice about a name.....especially a guys name :)

7.How did you feel about your tattoos during and after pregnancy?(I have stomach tattoos so that was interesting to say the least!)
I have a small bumble bee on stomach that I got before the pregnancies. She has weathered them pretty well actually, just a little dull, but it is 12 years old. Now the fat rolls are a different story! She would probably get more sunlight if it wasn't for them!

8. Do you think your tattoos effect your child's social schedule (for instance Sam's mom doesn't really want Sam to play with your child because of your tattoos) Have you ever faced this type of challenge as a tattooed mom?
I have not and I have my children and them being so close in age to thank for that. They never express interest in playing with other kids outside of school as they are very content with each other and our various adventures.

9. Is there anything you would like to let those un tattooed parents that may judge you as a tattooed mom?
I would want them to judge me by how smart and respectful my children are and not what I have decided to put on my skin.

10. Do you plan on getting more tattoos?
I probably will. I'm thinking about getting some pieces done in color since I have so much in black and grey. Tattoos are almost an obsession for me. Not a day doesn't go by that I don't look at a tattoo blog or look up my favorite artist to see the new stuff in their portfolio.

Links:
Sleeve and crab work done by Imani K. Brown of Pinz and Needlez Tattoo in Washington, DCwebsite
Ganesha done by Miya Bailey of City of Ink in Atlanta, GA Miya Bailey's Blog

Thank You SO much Shawnta! All of your work is so very beautiful! And I am truly loving that all the moms thus far are not hiding all their beautiful work, even if some people don't get it.That just goes to show that they are all setting great examples for their kiddos! ("just be yourself")
As always email me if you are interested in doing this super fun feature,or if you know of a mom that you think would be a great feature! Thank you again SO much to all my moms thus far, you all are SO patient with me LOVE ya!!
xoxo

Super Chill Park Dwellers

As most of you know I got to an art school and hour away from where we live! (yikes) Gas prices and money for materials are killing this one income family right now. This can be pretty hard on a mama that loves to go,go,go and do tons of stuff,and yes,spend money like water.So,in an effort to feed my wanderlust and cabin fever, I am constantly thinking of stuff to do for the low low,or better yet,for free.

Saturday, I was in no mood to be stuck in the house (which was pretty hot because it was even hotter outside) So I decided while Kevin was taking a nap,I would take the girls to our favorite park,for some super chill out time.

I packed up any and everything I could think of that would be fun (and quiet) to do in a some what chilled park. With nearly all the neat stuff we owned packed into an over sized hello kitty nautical tote,off we went!
Once we got there I was super excited to see that not that many people had the same idea as we did, so we got to sit under the prettiest shade tree in the park.

We set up all our stuff on our sheet (yeah ghetto I know lol) But like I said,not many people were around so it wasn't too embarrassing!

To my surprise, the girls weren't too bad (yay) no fighting or yelling, and I actually got to lay in the grass relax and paint a bit! (woot!)


ps (I'm totally not painting major at the before mention art school lol)
It had been way too hot earlier in the day, but we kept getting nice breezes which made it bearable.I'm happy Zoe and Amelie got to spend some time outside,and I was able to get out of the house (I HATE being cooped up) and it was all for free! WOOT! Going to this park I swear is like a mini vacation it's so quiet! I'm not one fpor loud annoying playgrounds (we have a swing set in our back yard so I avoid those germy fests all costs...lame? ) I dunno I guess I'm just weird and phobia ridden like that?!
But I don't think Zoe and Amelie mind,they're pretty chill in they're own rite.


xoxo

color outside the lines....

If you've been following me for awhile now you know that the art of tattooing is something that truly means something very special to me,I don't take it lightly and my tattoo family is just that...my family. I have formed so many amazing friendships through the grapevine of QUALITY tattoo artists I have met. Last summer I was able to work for my dear friend and tattoo artist Jonathan Burdine of Flatline Tattoo in Corinth Mississippi, I learned shop basics of how to run a clean, respectful,quality tattoo shop;through working and learning each day with "JBurd" I was able to learn about a truly amazing living legend in the tattoo and fine art world, Miya Bailey.

(photo from flywiditcustoms.com/
Miya Bailey is the owner of City of Ink Tattoos in Atlanta,Ga. When I was first introduced to his fluid,free,soulful,truly beautiful style of freehand tattooing I was in AWE. (all images are from The Miya Bailey Blog/



After a few months of silently following him on twitter, I finally decided to attempt to speak to this amazing painter,tattoo artist,and true visionary. To my shock he was very nice,and we have since then continued a friendly online kinship. Miya inspires me so much because he truly lives his art, he paints, tattoos,inspires,and now he is making a documentary called "Color Outside The Lines"

While I was very thrilled to tell you all last summer about working for JBurd, I did however leave out my BRIEF stint working for another shop at a later date which I will not name. This shop was not run in the quality manner in which I was used to seeing since the age of 18. In the African Ameican tattoo community (and beyond) shitty tattoo artists are called "scratchers" I sadly worked a few weeks at a scratch shop and I was very upset that the ART of tattooing was not taken seriously by everyone who entered into this world. However, the money can come fast and easy and some people don't see art when they "tattoo" they only see dollar signs.

Miya Bailey is not one of those people, yes he is concerned about making money in order to provide for his children and move forward in life...I don't think anyone wants to be a "starving artist" but Miya, has a love for art I actually can't truly grasp in my early stages of being an artist. But it is a passion and love of art and creativity and educating those around him that has led him to create this truly inspiring documentary. It is a tool to spotlight various artists of color as well as a tool to teach people of all races about the art of tattooing that Miya has grown to be a leader in, the stories of truly amazing artists we may never have learned about.

One day hopefuly soon (the feeling is growing and growing) I will have the honor to let him tattoo my entire right arm(yes I love his art THAT much) until then, I will have to find daily inspiration from him and his TRUE love of art and the world of tattooing.

So,if you would,take a moment to watch the trailer for my friend Miya Bailey's documentary "Color Outside the Lines"


and if you would like to learn more about Miya and his City of Ink Family check out his blog :
The Miya Bailey Blog/
xoxo

Mommy Has Tattoos Mondays! (version 8!!)

Yay! It's that time again:

Today's awesome artful mama is Jessica of Viva La Fam!


I met Jessica via tumblr. Her pretty camera tattoo caught my eye

(Isn't it the cutest?!) So without further babble from me, here's Jessica's interview!

Bio: Mommy, Wife, Career Woman. Mother of 2, So Cal photographer
Blog: Viva La Fam!
Photography: click here !

1. What do your children have to say about your tattoos?
. My oldest son likes my tattoos. Most of the time he is the first one to notice when I get a new one. My youngest son doesn't say too much only when they are fresh he says "ouwie?" lol


2. Since we're on the subject of moms and tattoos,what does your mom have to say about your tattoos?
My mom likes them actually. She thinks they are pretty. She wasn't too fond of me getting them anywhere visible but now that I have more on my arm, she doesn't mind it.

3. How do other un tattooed moms or parents react to your tattoos?
I don't get too much reaction from other parents. Hopefully no one is offended by my artwork, and if they are, then to each their own. I am blessed enough to have open minded family and friends who have kids my sons ages and were all really accepting of each other whether a mom has tattoos or not.

4.Do you ever try to hide your tattoos from your child's teachers,friends parents, etc?
No not really. They're a little hard to hide anyways. Especially when its hot lol.

5.Do you have any tattoos dedicated to your children?If not do you plan on getting any?
I have 3 dedicated to my children. I have a Yo Gabba Gabba Plex robot for my son Logan, and a dirt bike rider for my son Trevor. I recently just got a new one of a mama owl with two baby owls. I'm sure I will get a few more for them also.



6. How will you react if and when your children start getting tattoos?
I'm sure I will be right there next to them when they get their first tattoo. I will defenitly have a talk with them first though, and let them know the consequences of getting tattooed (I.E.- they're permanent, they're addicting lol, get something you will NEVER regret, and get something tasteful and not tacky). Once they get the lecture, then I'm all for them getting tattooed.

7.How did you feel about your tattoos during and after pregnancy?(I have stomach tattoos so that was interesting to say the least!)
Thankfully, I didn't have any tattoos change during my pregnancy, I'm sure mine would have been maimed considering I was as big as a house during my pregnancy lol.

8. Do you think your tattoos effect your child's social schedule (for instance Sam's mom doesn't really want Sam to play with your child because of your tattoos) Have you ever faced this type of challenge as a tattooed mom?
I have been blessed with amazing friends who are all very accepting. As far as new moms/dads go, for a person to not look beyond the art I have tattooed on me, they are missing out, because me and my kids are awesome! LOL. All kidding aside, It would be pretty sad though if someone didn't want their kid to play with mine because of my tattoos. But as I said before, to each their own.

9. Is there anything you would like to let those un tattooed parents that may judge you as a tattooed mom?
Don't judge someone by their outside appearance, chances are they are way more awesome then most parents lol.

10. Do you plan on getting more tattoos?
I defenitly plan on getting more tattoos. When money and time permits lol.

Jessica's art is truly beautiful!I don't know how anyone couldn't just adore her cute family and all her colorful pieces! Thank you SO much Jessica for letting me interview you and for sharing all your beautiful work with the readers!

As always, send an email my way,if you are interested in or know of an awesome mommy with tattoos who would like to be featured!! akornelson@gmail.com
xoxo

oh HAAAAI Mr. SUN!!!

Friday I was in a FOUL mood, I mean seriously BAD. I was mainly pissed because our accounts are getting depleted because of my constant zooming up and down the highway for art school (an HOUR away) so yeah gas prices were pissing me off( I won't even tell you how much we spend a week on gas....),Kevin and I were bitching at each other and it was getting HOT outside, oh and let's not forget my allergies were freaking out like whoa....hmmm is that all...yeah I think that about covers....wait no, Zoe and Amelie decided that nothing I did was going to make them remotely happy,so they decided to scream ,yell, fight, bite, kick, and act...INSANE...until I had to say a quick prayer "dear God please help me to figure out something so I don't loose my mind...amen" I went rummaging through some cabinets looking for something...anything to do outside (I really despise being indoors when it's warm or hot, I just like fresh air I guess?) Then, there they were, little gifts from heaven....

Water balloons....PERFECT!! Zoe and Amelie could have a perfectly fair fight...a water balloon fight!!
Like most things involving a 3 and 5 year old it started out pretty fun

But by the last few balloons, it was kinda like this:

hmmmm..... So, we decided to fill up the old inflatable pool

and Zoe and Amelie had a great messy time,and we were all finally happy....thank you sun for shining on us that day!!!
xoxo

record shopping and antiquing with my bff

Ok I know I've been a lousy blogger as of late, but I've been having fun in the sun doing this and that and much more. So here in a whirlwind of blog updates I'll fill you in on our world as of late....
So my best friend Conchata,

has been my best buddy since about fourth grade. She's a truly lovely dear, who has a heart of goal and a stomach of steel.....(anyone who can put up with me for that long has to be some sort of bionic babe so yeah...) We have been trying to make it a weekly thing to get together at least once a week to do something so a few days ago we went to the antique store our friend Tim has his record booth in and we treasure hunted like pros.


Since Tim has set up his record booth in one of our favorite antique stores , we can kill two birds with one pretty shiny stone and hunt for rare junk and add to our ridiculous collections of records.

My love for old junk has been expressed at various times here on the ol' blog,most of the things I drool over I usually bring home with me,but sometimes there are just a few things I must leave behind,so that I have things to add to long lists of wishes...




At the end of our trip I ended up with some records...



I'm actually very happy that she isn't one for clubs and loud places (unless GOOD live bands are involved) and she doesn't really drink,so that's good for my liver too. It's simple, innocent, time that we get to forget all the drama and responsibilities we have for an hour or two,be best friends,tell secrets,talk major shit,laugh like hyenas at inside jokes no one knows or could ever comprehend if we told them,sing random songs,and be ourselves....
I truly adore getting to spend time with Conchata lately,even if I come home empty handed,having a little time away from the house is always a treat.(and kinda makes me feel like this):

Now,quick go text your best friend and set up a day for doing absolutely nothing and everything together:)
xoxo