It feels like time to reintroduce myself and my practice, since things are always evolving (as they should).
If you're new here: hello, my name is Siin. I am a ritual tattooist operating in the Mojave desert in California, near Joshua Tree. I am also co-owner of Rancho de la Libertad (@rancholibertad) a pioneering sanctuary and regenerative space.
Ritual tattooing has become popular in recent years, with many practitioners attempting to emulate closed practices while simultaneously feigning respect for the lines they're walking on. I am searching for language that helps me distance myself from these practitioners, but have yet to find any that works while encompassing what I do. While I can't summarize this succinctly yet, I can say that while what I offer is also ritual tattooing, I perform rituals in a way that is place-based and draws on my ancestral ties to Sicilian folk magick and witchcraft. I am working into my practice plant medicine and herbal magick sourced and crafted here in the Mojave and utilizing other foraged organic materials such as bones, feathers, and handmade local beeswax candles. We time ritual with moon cycles and seasonal events specific to this landbase.
I also offer less participatory tattoo rites that look a lot more like a typical tattoo experience with intention behind it, for those who are not yet ready for significant rites. We decide what your experience should look like when we choose to work together, as there are many shades.
I am also a performance & multidisciplinary artist - I paint, illustrate, write, sculpt, and engage with creation how and when I am called to. I believe art should fundamentally challenge us and create an experience of insight, awareness, and inspiration.
In my personal life (as though that's a distinct thing) I raise three tiny humans, work with the land, read a lot of books, contemplate things, and build community. I am both apolitical and radically activist, depending on how you define those things. I am interested in changemaking in all its forms, and healing ourselves, the land, and others.
Thank you for reading. I look forward to meeting you in this virtual space, and am always open to DMs and discussions.