Tattoos With Intention Podcast Mark Nara

In this episode, Moko-nui-a-rangi Smith, shares his deep insights into the cultural significance of Māori tattooing and its connection to cultural identity. He discusses the importance of events at marae, such as wānanga (intense cultural seminars) in grounding Māori identity and sparking a desire to return to traditional arts. Smith recounts his journey from theatre to moko, the mentorship and the intricate process of making traditional tattooing tools. 



The episode also highlights the challenges and responsibilities of tattooing within and outside Māori culture, emphasising the importance of authenticity, cultural context, and personal growth. 



Finally, the discussion touches on ideas for maintaining a healthy tattooing process and the profound impact of traditional practices on individual and community identity.



00:00 Introduction

00:35 Geographical and Cultural Roots

01:16 Life in Auckland and Connection to Rotorua

01:47 The Importance of Family and Cultural Events

02:53 Moko Wānanga: Cultural Seminars and Tattooing Practices

04:26 The Evolution of Moko and Addressing Modern Challenges

06:11 Personal Journey into Tattooing and Cultural Identity

20:18 Learning and Crafting Traditional Tools

25:24 Theatre Background and Transition to Tattooing

26:30 Mentorship and Learning the Craft

28:03 The Rise of Moko in the 80s and 90s

28:50 Learning and Evolution of Tattooing Techniques

29:27 The Cultural Significance and Revival of Tā Moko

31:54 Adapting Traditional Tools for Modern Tattooing

33:32 The Importance of Process in Tattooing

35:12 Intergenerational Transmission and Cultural Identity

43:24 Guidance for a Healthy Tattoo Process

48:33 Balancing Work, Training, and Community

52:45 Support and Collaboration Among Artists



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This episode of the 'Tattoos with Intention' podcast features a conversation with veteran tattoo artist Phillip Millich, exploring the cultural shift in the tattoo industry from its roots in rebellion and community to a more commercial and individualistic present. Throughout the discussion, Phillip shares his journey into tattooing, the impact of societal changes on the craft, and the importance of maintaining the sacredness and spiritual significance of tattoos.

As a craftsman, Phillip reflects on the changes in the industry, including the impact of technology and social media, while advocating for preserving the traditional aspects of tattooing. The talk also delves into Phillip's personal beliefs and values formed during his early years in the punk scene, touching on the importance of struggle and authenticity within the tattooing profession.




00:39 Exploring Intentional Tattooing with Phillip Millich
02:15 Phillip's Tattoo Journey: Beginnings and Beliefs
05:21 The Evolution of Tattoo Culture and Personal Values
06:20 Tattooing as a Reflection of Societal Changes
10:22 The Art and Ethics of Tattooing
24:30 Tattoo Shops: From Speakeasies to Modern Studios
29:09 Reflecting on the Tattoo Industry's Transformation
32:23 Navigating Offense and Resilience in Tattoo Culture
33:36 The Lost Art of Tattooing and Its Cultural Significance
36:51 Challenging Modern Tattoo Practices and Spirituality
37:54 Personal Approach to Tattooing: Rituals, Realness, and Relationships
45:29 Reflecting on the Evolution of Tattoo Equipment and Techniques
47:39 The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Tattooing
51:39 Navigating Life's Material and Spiritual Dilemmas
01:01:02 Concluding Thoughts on Tattooing, Materialism, and Seeking Happiness



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On today’s episode of Tattoos with Intention, I have the pleasure of speaking with Lee. Lee is not only a client of mine but also a guide and therapist. Lee discusses his experience of getting a tattoo, and how the tattoo has helped him to grow and change.



Key Points Discussed:


Finding the right tattoo artist: Lee discusses the importance of finding a tattoo artist who is a good fit for you, someone who can create a tattoo that has meaning for you.
The importance of intention: Lee talks about how he knew he wanted an intentional tattoo, rather than just a cool tattoo. He describes the moment he felt a “yes” and knew that getting tattooed was the right path for him.
The tattoo as a journey: Lee discusses his experience of getting tattooed as a journey of self-discovery. He talks about how the tattoo helped him to connect with his own inner wisdom and purpose.
The therapeutic aspects of tattooing: Lee, who is a therapist himself, discusses the therapeutic aspects of getting tattooed. He talks about how the tattooing process can be a way of working through past trauma and experiences.
Living a meaningful life: Lee talks about the importance of living a meaningful life in order to get a meaningful tattoo. He says that if you’re not living a meaningful life, then the tattoo won’t have the same impact.
The archetypes of tattoos: Mark mentions that he has been thinking about the archetypes of tattoos, and that Lee’s tattoo can be seen as representing the “more mature stage” of comprehension and participation in intentional living.



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This transcript is of a conversation between Mark Nara and James, a client of Mark's who has been getting tattooed by him for several years. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including James's early tattoos, his experiences with addiction and mental health, and the role that tattooing has played in his life.

Key Points


Intentional tattooing: The importance of approaching tattoos with intention and awareness, rather than focusing solely on the aesthetic or artistic aspects.


The impact of tattoos: How tattoos can influence the wearer's life and identity, both positively and negatively.


Unconscious intentions: The potential for tattoos to embody unconscious beliefs, patterns, and stories that can impact the wearer's life.


The role of the tattoo artist: Choosing a tattoo artist who aligns with your values and can guide you through the intentional tattooing process.


James's tattoo journey: James shares his personal experience of getting tattooed, from his early, impulsive choices to his later, more intentional approach.


Cover-ups and transformation: The process of covering up old tattoos that no longer resonate with the wearer and using tattoos to facilitate personal transformation.


Discerning ego from integrity: How to distinguish between getting tattooed for personal validation (ego) and getting tattooed for reasons that align with your deeper values and integrity.


The power of intentional tattooing: The potential for tattoos to serve as powerful tools for self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.


The conversation also touches on a number of other topics, including the role of men's work in James's life, his experiences with breathwork, and his views on ceremonial tattooing.



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In this episode of the Tattoos with Intention podcast, Mark interviews a recent client, Corey, where they delve into his personal journey in tattoos, the intentional process, the waiting period before getting tattoos, and how tattoos provide insight into life experiences. They also touch on aspects of tattoo finances, trust in the artist, and the impact of getting tattoos at the right time.



00:03 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:20 The Importance of Intention in Tattooing

00:36 Announcement: Tattoo Pathway Coursework

01:22 Interview with Corey: A Client's Perspective

02:18 The Tattoo Process: A Personal Journey

02:41 The Decision to Get Tattooed: A Long Consideration

04:43 The Meaning Behind the Tattoos

09:21 The Tattooing Experience: A Balance of Energies

12:21 Reflecting on the Tattoo Journey

16:37 The Impact of Tattoos on Personal Identity

21:13 The Psychological Impact of Tattoos

22:14 The Importance of Patience in Tattooing

22:56 The Tattooing Process: From Arrival to Departure

23:28 The Significance of Time and Distance in Tattooing

24:13 The Deep Conversations During Tattoo Sessions

25:08 The Influence of Life Experiences on Tattoo Designs

26:36 The Role of Trust and Comfort in Tattooing

29:32 The Financial Aspect of Tattooing

35:38 The Artist's Perspective on Tattooing

38:17 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

This week, we're continuing with our client interview series. I'll be talking to a good friend and dedicated client, Dave, who will share his tattoo journey and how it plays a significant role in his life. 


Dave's Tattoo Journey: Dave opens the discussion by sharing his personal journey with tattoos. From initially believing that tattoos weren't for him to now considering them as integral parts of himself. His first tattoo was at the age of 26 and he's now three quarters through a large-scale tattoo that covers from his mid-back, over his hips, down to just below his knees. 
Tattoos as Significant Markings: Mark and Dave delve into the importance and significance of tattoos in their lives. They discuss how these markings bear immense personal significance and are often tied to pivotal events or transformations in their lives.
The Evolution from Banker to Farmer: Dave shares his transition from working in a bank to farming medical cannabis, drawing parallels between this transition and his tattoo journey.
The Tattoo Pathway Course: Dave talks about his experience with the Tattoo Pathway coursework in 2020. He reflects on how it provided him with a solid framework for understanding many aspects of his tattoos.
Tattoos as a Rite of Passage: Dave discusses how getting a tattoo can be seen as a rite of passage - a significant event marking important changes in life.
Understanding Boundaries in Tattoo Space: The conversation covers the importance of understanding one's needs and boundaries when getting tattooed. It also touches on how different approaches or levels of preparedness can impact the tattoo experience. - 
Witnessing the Transformation: Both Mark and Dave emphasize the importance of having someone witness your transformation through tattoos. They discuss how having someone understand what has transpired during the tattoo process can be an integral part of the experience.



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