George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

The Start (NYC)

This is the "sketch" before the start of the first session on my back.

Shinji had done the koi on my left forearm. (this was after I had extensive laser removal to lighten what was there previously. My skin was definitely different after the multiple sessions—as Shinji pointed out several times—and I know it was not his favorite job, with what was evidently difficult skin to tattoo.) After that, he finished my left sleeve by doing my chest, where he added a large, colorful peony. We had talked about different designs for my back toward the end of those sessions.

While I was originally drawn to the idea of another dragon—in keeping with the "theme" of my arms—we did talk about different images. I knew I didn't want to go with a human figure, samurai, deity, or mythological or historical figure; I'm already appropriating something I will never fully, culturally understand. Looking at the different pictures of other work we had on his wall, I asked about other animals, such as a tiger, or even bear. "Not good," he said. "You more..."—he moved his hands closer together, so I would understand he meant skinny. "I think dragon good."

"Ok," I said.