Some people still remain highly judgemental of body ink, associating it with criminals and social rejects. On the other hand, many people have embraced the beauty of body art and chosen to decorate themselves with permanent ink.
A German woman has gained attention online for making the expensive decision to cover her entire body in tattoos at the age of 55.
Body art and modifications are not new concepts. Humans have been tattooing and piercing parts of their bodies since ancient civilizations roamed the earth.
In modern society, the idea of tattooing has been both celebrated and demonized—depending on who you are and where you're from. One woman admitted that even though she used to be strictly against tattoos, she has since grown to love them.
A German woman named Kerstin Ehe used to be opposed to the idea of tattoos. She finally got one at 48 years old and never looked back.
While tattoos can be addicting, Kerstin really took it to a whole new level, dedicating her life savings and time to covering her entire body in floral- and butterfly-inspired ink.
In a YouTube interview, Kerstin reveals how badly she wanted the tattoos even though she used to hate body ink on other people.
She says: "I sacrificed my whole savings for them."
Tattoos are not cheap to get, the ink is expensive and so is the equipment that an artist uses.
To achieve her wild look, Kerstin says she ended up wiping out her life savings over the course of five years. Her skin is 90% covered, but it came at the cost of approximately $43,000 USD.
She explains that, at her age, she wanted to change things up because she "simply couldn't stand" her skin anymore.
Kerstin also says that she doesn't regret any of her tattoos because when she looks in the mirror she sees "a beautiful meadow full of flowers" and that "one cannot regret flowers."
She has received positive reactions from her friends, but does feel strangers give her "looks" when she's walking down the street. She doesn't seem to mind though.
She says: "I get negative comments, but it absolutely doesn't matter to me what others say. I am me and I live just once."
Kerstin has plans to continue her tattoo journey—even though she's running out of room.
She points to the bit of bare skin exposed under her chin and jaw bone and says, "I'd like to close it up here. It feels still too naked to me." She wants to take the tattoos up to her chin, but "not more."
Formerly a taxi driver, Kerstin now focuses on her modeling career to market her unique look.
She's racked up quite the social media following across multiple platforms where her fans like pictures of her sultry tattoo look.
Kerstin's dramatic approach to body ink is helping break down stereotypes around women with lots of tattoos, especially as she approaches her sixties.
While some commenters online admire her body art, others are less appreciative and feel like it's "too much" or that she went too far. Do you think that Kerstin went a little crazy or do you love her new look?
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