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28th February 2026
Writer: Kona Z!
Tattoos have been a part of human history for a major long time. We don’t know entirely when humans started tattooing themselves and others, but ink-soaked needles have been poking our skin even before recorded history. Tattoos have been used across vastly different contexts, but one way we can understand tattoos is through a lens of narration and group identity. What are the stories that we tell about ourselves? What are the stories that we tell about the groups we are a part of?
Tattoos are notably used among members of groups who want to externalize their belonging to said group. The classic image of a sailor: sun tanned arms and chest, laden with stars and anchors, meant to signify certain agreed upon achievements (for example, a swallow often signifies 5000 nautical miles travelled) but also to provide personal picto-characterizations from one’s own life experiences. Prison tattoos are often used to show membership with a certain gang, some sort of dangerous/life-altering experience, devotion to god, and of course, the infamous tear drop - to represent a life taken. Facial tattoos have been popular throughout history, and it has been recent that there is such global association with criminality. For example: Pashtun, Maori, and Inuit communities have had facial tattooing for over millenia, and many folks still sport them today. Tattoos are also used by fraternities, sports teams, military groups, even couples and friend groups get tattoos to show union and membership (Naude & Naude, 2024). The writers from FTP imagine there will be many opportunities to discuss with artists and tattoo-havers from the tree planting community, about what their tattoos mean to them, and perhaps to the forestry community. We thank Cam for being the first of many to come.
In this article, our lead investigator Kona speaks with BC-renowned tattoo artist and tree planter Camille Aubé about her experience as a tattoo artist.
What is your favourite part of the body to tattoo?
Good question, generally parts of the body that don’t hurt thighs are easy and forearms for the same reason and I’m interested in doing backs but haven’t done it yet.
What are the longest and shortest periods you have spent working on a single tattoo?
The longest I’ve spent is six hours with the machine doing a butterfly tattoo on Austin’s leg. And the shortest was 15 minutes. Roughly small hand poke tattoos can’t think of one specifically.
What do you see as unique about tattooing as a visual art form over other mediums in terms of what is conveyed?
I find tattoos interesting in that it is a piece of art in three dimensions that interacts with skin and muscle. And personally I like tattoos best as ornaments for the body.
How long have you been tattooing for and what was your first tattoo experience like in comparison with your most recent experiences?
It’s been 2 1/2 years since I started off I began with hand poke but I quickly felt limited with time constraints and began using a machine which reflects my growing confidence with the medium I’m excited to broaden my range of techniques as I continue.
Do you have a favourite tattoo design or experience?
Not specifically but recently I’ve had more and more friends asking for my one personal designs which is very gratifying and exciting.
Fantastic thanks Cam I’ll see you in the spring.
Yes great talking with you Kona your English is coming along incredibly!
A message from Cam:
Hi I'm Cam! I'm a Nelson based aspiring tattoo artist originally from Quebec (oui)! I am happy to assist in bringing any of your favorite tattoo ideas into reality, from bold ornemental blackwork to stylish neo-trad designs. Hit me up if you're in the kootenays, I have my own studio at home! Or we can link up in Princeton this spring
Feel free to check out my instagram, i frequently post design ideas and concepts if you want to feel inspired!
https://www.instagram.com/saltskin_creations/
Bizoux xx