Would you like to know how a Black & Grey sleeve comes to life on an international level? From the classic Baroque influences of Bernini to her own Mexican roots: this is the story of a special tattoo project that spans continents. We asked Norma to share her personal tattoo project in her own words. In this story, we dive into a unique project that defied distances and even the years of a global pandemic.
more about the story behind this special custom sleeve and the dedication required for a world-class result.
Norma’s tattoo journey in her own words: what do you want to tell the readers about yourself?
Hello. I am Norma. I am a lover of Black & Grey tattoos and the Baroque art of Bernini. I fell in love with Bernini’s work after my visit to Rome. My right tattoo sleeve consists mainly of pieces inspired by Bernini’s works. Except for one piece: the keyhole.
How did you get started with your Single Needle tattoo sleeve?
Sometimes you find things (in this case, people) when you are not looking for them. I was stationed in Hawaii in the summer of 2014 and was at a tattoo shop with one of my best friends. Maarten Emily happened to be working on his art there. I looked through his portfolio and fell completely in love with his work.
I asked if he had time to make a keyhole piece on my then-tattooless arm, and this became the beginning of my Bernini-inspired tattoo sleeve. I was able to book several sessions for my sleeve at the shop in with him in 2019, before the pandemic.
How did you experience the process after the long pause caused by the pandemic?
In 2023, I had the opportunity to fly to the Netherlands to Maarten’s tattoo shop in Katwijk aan Zee to work some more on my sleeve. It was both exciting and actually very easy. Emily was very helpful in helping me figure out where I could book transportation to and from the airport, and was so hospitable with drinks, food, and snacks; everything was just so well taken care of. Maarten is always very professional and hard-working.
My time in Katwijk aan Zee was such an amazing experience, certainly also because Maarten put a tattoo on my left ankle. It is a compass with the year my best friend came into my life; she chose the compass. We have endured highs and lows in our lives together, and she flew from her hometown in the USA to Katwijk to get this matching tattoo with me. It is a simple design, but so meaningful, and I find the subtle details beautiful. I hope to come back soon to finish my Día de los Muertos sleeve.
What can you tell me about the symbolism of the Day of the Dead sleeve we started, and what it means to you?
My left arm sleeve, which we started during my last visit, is still in progress because I live in the US. I love my Mexican background and culture, and specifically that of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). That is why I asked Maarten Emily to create a tattoo design for me that features La Calavera Catrina. Other subjects for my sleeve include candles, cacti, butterflies, and the cempasúchil (marigold). I am grateful to Maarten Emily for taking on this project. Thank you for being a part of my life and filling my soul with your ink art.
“As a tattoo artist, it is always a grateful experience for me to be a part of someone’s tattoo journey. It takes a hefty dose of dedication to keep a project alive over several years and across such great distances. From the personal story and classic subjects inspired by Bernini’s sculptures in one sleeve, to the rich cultural traditions such as the Mexican Día de los Muertos in the other sleeve; this contrast makes this project very special to me.
Norma, thank you for your endless trust and the beautiful, inspiring ideas you bring to our studio every time. On to the next chapter!“
