I have been toying with the idea of scarification for a a very long time now. I have come up with a few ideas, but for one reason or another, I changed my mind.

I recently thought of having a tribal fish on the top of my foot. After a brief talk with Mr JLo, I decided against it. He didn't think it would come out too great, what with all the shoe and sock movement.
Back to the drawing board.....

I decided I still wanted something from within the ocean, but it would need to be elsewhere. I thought the fish was kinda little, and wasn't sire whether it would work elsewhere. Well after much thought, I decided upon having a shark down my side. It would obviously be a much larger piece which I'm OK (actually quite happy) with. The more I thought about it, the more meaning this seemed to have, too. Sure I love the ocean, so a fish would be a permanent reminded, and tribute, to one of the most important things too me.
The shark however, it would mean so much more!

Sharks are one of the most misunderstood creatures on the planet! They're not only feared, but they're killed! Why? Because people think they're man eaters! Considering they're the most effective killing machine in the ocean, an annual killing tally of about 5 humans, is pretty lame! They aren't after us, that's all!

We're the real killers here! Humans slaughter thousands upon thousands of sharks each year, and for what? Their fins! Fishermen are cutting off their fins then throwing them back into the water to die - drown or bleed to death, which ever comes first.

I feel, like sharks, we the modded community, are often misunderstood. People stereotype us. They think we're just some another up! They judge us, and think they know us! They think we 'hide' behind our modifications.
I think this scarification will be symbolic of just that!

I also believe that, although it won't save any sharks, or lessen their pain, that willingfully going through this pain will bring me closer to them, spiritually.

After decided on this, I proposed the idea to Mr Lopez and asked him if he would design something for me. I gave him a rough idea of what I wanted, and after some exchange of body photos and ideas, he got to work. Not having me there in person obviously makes it very difficult for him, but with the help of the body shots, he did an awesome job nonetheless. I'm very grateful.

I seriously love the design, and I'm eager to go ahead with the next stages.
I got in contact with Holier Than Thou - Manchester, and asked them about experience and such. They want me to go in and view their portfolios for an artist as the next step. I hope to do this at the next Tribe meet, if not before.

Having started this project is very exciting, and I'll be sure to keep my progress updated.