Transformative Marks Podcast Dion Kaszas

#025 When Kanenhariyo, a Mohawk Bear Clan member, speaks of tattooing, it's an evocation of lost traditions, a healing touch on past traumas, and a bold declaration of identity. Our latest episode stitches together the threads of his story, as he shares his personal sacrifices and the profound impact of ancestral tattoo practices rekindled within his community. The conversation traverses the cultural landscape, from the intimate connection of the tattoo needle to the broad swathes of communal...

#024 Embark on a profound journey with me, Dion Kazas, as I sit down with the multi-talented Sarah Kane, whose artistry in tattooing weaves together the rich tapestry of her Filipino heritage with the influential culture of Te Reo Māori. Together, we trace the contours of identity and expression through the indelible ink of tradition and modernity. Sarah opens up about the intricate dance of balancing her roles as an artist, personal trainer, and devoted single mother, all while pioneering a ...

#023 When Romeo Reyes first gripped a tattoo machine, gifted to him one Christmas, little did he know it would be the catalyst that transformed his life and those of countless others. Join us as Romeo shares his enthralling journey from sex shows to opening a tattoo shop, and how ink has become a profound medium for storytelling and heritage connection. Together with Romeo, we unravel the tapestry of cultural significance that tattoos hold, celebrating the vibrant history and resilience of an...

#022 Embark on a journey with the multitalented Naomi King, as they unfold their story of entering the tattoo world through an unconventional apprenticeship and the touch of sacred batok on their skin. Our conversation stitches together the intimate narratives inked into every tattoo and the cultural tapestries they represent. Discover how King's passions for music, acting, and writing weave harmoniously with their tattoo artistry, creating an audacious symphony of self-expression and heritag...

#021 As the buzz of the tattoo machine hums in the background, our studio comes alive with the incredible story of Paul McKenzie, a Wet'suwet'en tattoo artist whose skills tell a tale as rich as his heritage. The artistry of ink and skin runs deep for Paul, from the influence of his father's passion for tattoos to his own self-taught mastery of the craft. We journey through his transformative experiences, from sketching designs inspired by old flash catalogs to buying his first tattoo kit and...

#020 When Annabelle DeLorme, a Cree, Métis tattoo artist, began transforming skin into a canvas for storytelling, little did she know that her intricate designs would weave together the threads of her personal identity with her varied interests. As she discusses transitioning from the curiosity of a tattoo-laden childhood to mastering the buzz of the tattoo machine, we are reminded that the path of an artist is both deeply individual and interwoven with the collective narrative of commu...