Experience
'All of life reduces to electricity and magnetism acting on L- and T-fields. All matter is bipolar, held together by these unseen fields. All Chanting, mantras, and mediation affect these polarities. All disease, illness, growth, decay, and emotions are regulated by them. You can [assist] your life by interacting with these underlying fields-and through them, create, act, and live closer to [the Highest Self].'
- Steven A. Ross, PhD, Founder of the World Research Foundation and Library. Bioengineer.
Now imagine applying that theory to tattooing. All aspects of set and setting from the artist's mindset and final design, to the energy of the tattoo environment, the music or silence, to the conversations being shared, colors of the inks, and state of everyone’s health; every aspect of a tattoo experience down to the very first meeting of minds, can touch all involved in ways that leave a permanent resonation.
With each tattoo I invite each guest to participate in a consultation, taking a holistic approach to the process. This holistic overview starts by asking questions ranging from possible allergies to tattoo materials to intentions behind a chosen body art concept. Then all the information is taken into a personal process utilizing meditative tools, ritual practices and psychology research to attain a visual expression of each guest’s desired vision that is detailed within the consultation.
Photo by theteahousestudios.com
Set
Set is the mental state a person brings to the experience. thoughts, desires, feelings, general mood, and any preconceived notions or expectations about what they are about to experience. The current physical state of the body is also important to one's "set"; if one feels sick, injured, or generally unhealthy these sensations may be amplified during the experience.
Setting
Setting is the physical and social environment that the experience takes place in. The setting is able to guide or influence the course of the experience on both conscious and subconscious levels. An environment that provides a sense of safety, familiarity, control, and comfort is more likely to result in a pleasant experience
