"Make your mark."

"Countless times I've been asked how I could do something "so permanent" to my body. For me, permanence is the point. Our society is suffering from a decided lack of tradition and commitment. We are living in a world where the personal is becoming obsolete. Communication is becoming anonymous. Constraints of time limit our ability to connect in a meaningful way with ourselves and those around us. Tattoos are a commitment to yourself. I think of tattoos as "bookmarks" in life. A well thought out tattoo serves as a reminder of where we each once were in our lives. Granted there will be lessons learned in our lives that we may not wish to be reminded of, in which case, the time may come when the tattoo needs to be elaborated upon, or even covered with an entirely new design in order to honor our own evolution. I believe that tattooing is a means through which we are able to celebrate connection with our interior selves. To touch base with the person we are and the being we are becoming."

I wrote that introduction for this web site four years ago, and it remains the best explanation I have to offer for my love of tattooing as an art, a ritual and a means of self-expression. To me, tattooing is a deeply personal process worthy of much consideration and reflection.

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of designs; and I also specialize in Celtic art. I find that I am perpetually homesick for Irelands' shores and for the daily recognition of the interconnectedness of all living things that is so apparent in the west of Ireland. The knotwork designs were originally created as illumination for ancient texts such as the Book of Kells and for decoration upon standing stones (which were later transformed into what we now know as High Crosses). Celtic knots do not traditionally hold individual meanings, rather they symbolize the interconnectedness of all living things as Celtic knots have no beginning and no end. They are a meditation on living... a path with an origination, a journey and a return to the source.

Art With a Point offers custom tattoo artwork by appointment only in a small, personal and respectful atmosphere. If you have any questions or concerns as you consider getting a tattoo, I invite you to call or email me. I view tattooing as collaboration between the client and the artist. It is a language that we speak in order to express ourselves. To touch base with the person we are and the being we are becoming. Make your mark.

Awen Briem
Art With a Point Custom Tattoo Studio