The Artist: Aisea Toetuu www.soulsignaturetattoo.com

The Sun

It is the Philippine Sun that is on the national flag. The sun has 24 rays which for me represents the 24 years of my life.

I've always wanted a sun to represent my mom. How they both represent life, fertility, vitality, passion, courage, light and knowledge. She has guided and raised us all on her own to the best of her ability.  

The Crescent Moon

In my tattoo, I have the crescent moon that represent s my dad. Our relationship with our dad has always been on and off. Before I got this tattoo I would tell people, that it's because he has always been in and out of my life and you just never know what his next move is going to be.  But for the last couple of months, the meaning has slightly changed. I found this definition that  I felt that made more sense, for where we are at right now; A crescent moon is part way between a half moon and a new moon. I feel that  my dad had been a half moon ever since my parents separated and he lost his relationship with his kids, but now he has taken the step to become a new moon to regain that relationship that was once lost. 

The koru (waves inside the moon)

The koru's represents my 2 younger sisters and I.  The koru's is the unfolding of new life that everything is reborn and continues, as well the renewal and hope for the future. The koru therefore symbolises the way in which life both changes and stays the same. (Life, Growth, Movement) Where my sisters and I have been through so much together and yet have stayed true to ourselves and stronger than ever. I am so excited for what our future will be. Giving each other strength and encouragement along our journey.

Polynesian Pe'a (4 stars)

After spending some time with Aisea over the weekend at the tattoo shop and at his family lua, we had a lot of great conversations about our families, life, culture, art and especially about my mom. We felt a real strong connection with the energy that we were feeding of each other. He decided to add a symbol that he felt that would complete my family piece. A Polynesian symbol of 4 stars that represented 4 STRONG WOMEN.

Thanks to chief Aisea for honouring me with his Art work. It was truly a journey worth waiting for. I am glad that I was able to grow and mature to understand the true meaning of this piece.

Special Thanks for Keoni for leading me to this path!

click link below to view tattoo:

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v136/238/101/569240622/n569240622_1565525_6898.jpg