38 years old, Mexican, French teacher, yoga enthusiast, and passionate lover of tattoos and the many artists she has met—or dreams of meeting one day. Here are Ana’s thoughts:
Ana, I would like to start with the recent ‘Gods of Ink’ tattoo convention in Frankfurt. What was that experience like for you? Was it your first time attending?
‘Gods of Ink’ (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention) was an amazing experience. Being there, living and sharing moments with artists I admire so much—it truly felt like a dream come true.. After this time I’m still processing everything and I’m still amazed by all the good vibes that I felt during those days. I had been wanting to attend for a long time, and I finally made it happen. Deciding to go alone was actually one of the best choices I’ve made.
All I know about you is that you’re Mexican, you practice yoga (I’ve seen several of your photos on Instagram) and that you’re heavily tattooed. Can you tell me more about yourself?
Of course, I’m Mexican, I’m 38 years old, I’m from Tepoztlán Morelos, a beautiful little town. I’m a French teacher and I really like languages, I’ve studied Italian (though I definitely need more practice) and I would love to learn German. Yes, I really enjoy yoga, although to be honest, I haven’t had much time to practice it lately…, you know, teacher’s life… (smiles) I also love the sea and the mountains.
And what about tattoos?
I do have tattoos, though not as many as I would like. I think I had my first tattoo in my 20’s. I started taking tattoos seriously and with respect about 13 years ago. That’s when I’d say my real relationship with tattooing began.
What does the concept of “tattoo art” mean to you and how did you approach this world made of ink and fantasy?
Interesting question! Like many people, I started out of curiosity. For me, it was also about challenging what was considered “acceptable”as I come from a very traditional family.
After a difficult experience I lived, tattoos were what saved me.
When I was a child I saw a documentary about Maori tribes and I thought: “I’ll use tattoos as protection, just like many tribes have done for a long time”.
Then what else did you discover about this art?
Since then, tattoos have become a part of my life that has given me so much. Tattoo art has, at times, saved me, has made me dare, has helped me value myself and show me what I am capable of. It tested my body and mind. The tattoo world has given me great friends and of course, love, although it has also broken my heart. But here we continue to enjoy it. I’m just a tattoo fan! (smiles)
How would you describe the style of tattoos you sport on your body to someone who has never seen them?
I don’t know how to describe them! (laughs) I get tattooed what I like, they don’t have a specific meaning. Each tattoo is special in some way like who made it, because of the moment or because the design caught my attention or maybe it’s the way it describes me – a little crazy, natural and weird, many would say…
Do you have a trusted tattoo artist?
It’s pretty difficult! I think the tattoos I have are made by great artists that I admire and whose work I have been following for a long time. Naming everyone is almost impossible… but well, Patrick Hüttlinger (IG: @sakrosankt) is one of them; when I saw his work I knew the tattoo style I wanted to have. From that experience I kept getting to know more and more about tattoos.
Can you name some other artists?
Other tattoo artists I admire are Xed Lehead (RIP), Tomas Tomas (IG: @tomastomas108), Jondix (IG: @jondix), Xnazax (IG: @xnazax), Hanumantra (IG: @hanumantra), Ivan Hack (IG: @ivan_hack), Stefan Halbwachs LINK https://www.tattoolife.com/stefan-halbwachs-the-tattoo-nerd-who-enhances-big-contrasts/ , Wa Wong who’s making my bodysuit.
I really like Blackwork/Geometric/Tribal, but also Traditional and Japanese.
And then Claudia de Sabe (IG: @/claudiadesabetattoo), Hide Ichibay (IG: @hide_ichibay), Horihiro (IG: @horihiro_tebori), Nissaco (IG: @nissaco). My favourite Mexican tattoo artists are Luis Jade (IG: @luisjade) who is finishing my arm sleeve, Nancy Jehagi (IG: @nancyjehagi), Ana Dorantes (IG: @anadorantes), Pontxo (IG: @1000_heridas), Lagrima de Oro (IG: @lagrimadeoro) to name some. I would never finish the list but I love them all!
What are the next tattoo conventions you plan to visit?
I’m not really sure yet. Maybe a couple here in Mexico, ‘Viva la Tinta’ (IG: @vivalatintamx) is one of them. And I don’t really know if I can do it but I would like to attend the ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ (IG: @mondialdutatouage) in Paris and of course if it is possible to return next year to ‘Gods of Ink’ (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention).
And your last famous words are… ?
Get tattooed is a wonderful experience, either you can enjoy it or you can suffer it. I suggest the first thing. Love it and live it!
