What was your first ink?

This dragonfly on the back of my right hand was my first tattoo. Later I started to use the same dragonfly symbol for Dylon Whyte's Art of Chainmail.

Some have suggested that the following story is about grieving the loss of a loved one, but I've always seen it as more of a metaphorical allegory for melancholy and what it's like to truly discover oneself alone amidst all existence.
 
The Dragonfly Story

“In the bottom of an old pond lived some grubs who could not understand why none of their group ever came back after crawling up the lily stems to the top of the water. They promised each other that the next one who was called to make the upward climb would return and tell what had happened to him. Soon one of them felt an urgent impulse to seek the surface; he rested himself on the top of a lily pad and went through a glorious transformation which made him a dragonfly with beautiful wings. In vain he tried to keep his promise. Flying back and forth over the pond, he peered down at his friends below. Then he realized that even if they could see him they would not recognize such a radiant creature as one of their number.

The fact that we cannot see our friends or communicate with them after certain transformations is no proof that we or they cease to exist.”

The Evolution of the Pocket Dragon?

Have you ever noticed how certain articles are always in the last place you look for them?

Lighters, pens, tweezers, sunglasses, scissors, knives, keys, chap stick, mitts, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc... We're all had a similar experience; the more useful the innovation, the more likely it is to be missing when you really need it.

I have a pet theory which suggests that this is due to the fact that truly useful items, such as fire-starters, have been around human culture for so long that they have developed a kind of cursory self-awareness. It seems that this type of rudimentary intelligence often leads such objects astray, causing them wander of their own accord.

At least this is what I tell myself as once again I'm stumbling around my apartment in a futile attempt to locate what has become the familiar running gag of my missing pants.

...but today is Rememberance Day?

This is a custom cut I recreated with chainmail for a good buddy and retired serviceman. I understand that ~IT~ is being worn at a ceremony today in Sudbury.

I know you tried to forget me...

There is an art to perception, so see ~IT~ as you will...

From the museum-of-artifacts: " These First World War period protective face masks (as issued to Tank Corps personnel) were worn in the Battle of Cambrai, 20 November 1917.

Today, mechanized cavalry units still traditionally wear chain epaulettes as part of their dress uniforms. 

See the real thing only at the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong.

Support Enlighten Mints?

 

Kickstart Enlighten Mints, my latest crowd source project on Indiegogo!