Boy howdy, that is a big tattoo! I got the line work done last night, and in three weeks I'll go in to have it all colored in. I wasn't anticipating getting such a big tattoo, but now that it's done, I'm kind of in love with it.
So, wondering why I decided to have a giant peach tattooed on my back? First of all, I have a bit of a food and flowers theme going now, one that I am happy to keep up. Another obvious reason for the subject is that I love peaches. They are, by far, one of my favorite fruits, and the peaches here in Texas take the cake. Peaches are a great example of nature's bounty, completely unadulterated orbs of pure deliciousness, ripe for the picking. I'd rank biting into a perfectly ripe Fredricksburg peach as one of life's ultimate pleasures.
There's more. For a while now, I've wanted to get a piece that reminded me of my time in China. It was during my lessons at The Hutong school that I realized just how much I enjoyed cooking, and how little I was afraid of it. Sharp knives, hot flames, and raw meat can seem very intimidating, but when I found myself in the thick of it, I discovered a bravery and curiosity that I'd forgotten I had. Suddenly I was a kid in the garden again, manhandling worms and digging in the mud. I've delighted in getting my hands dirty ever since.
In Chinese culture, peaches are a symbol of longevity and auspiciousness. The wood is said to ward off evil, the petals to bring luck, and the fruit to ensure health and vitality. David Chang named his restaurant, Momofuku, and his magazine, Lucky Peach, with the same symbolism in mind. I hope that my lucky peach will bestow its magical properties on me with as much fervor as his.
By the way, if you are in Austin, and looking for a great tattoo artist, check out my new favorite, Paul Smith at Bijou Studio. He's the artist behind my new tattoo, a super-friendly guy, and a creative soul. I brought him a piddly little sketch and a handful of reference photos. He have me a beautifully composed piece of art. Good deal.