WORDS by Jeremy Lebeuf
There are few places on this rotating rock that feel more liberating than the tropics. Playful, invigorating, and relaxed with equal parts wild, edgy, and cleansing. The uninhibited feels of the tropics frees one’s spirit to express yourself without wavering. Sun-soaked skin, flesh is exposed, the body becomes a flawless canvas, inspiring courageous and creative expression with some beautiful and badass body art.
When a fridge magnet or postcard just isn’t enough, inking your memories with a tropical- inspired tattoo is a fearless more permanent souvenir. There is a story behind the ink, a fond memory, transformation, empowerment, or a journal of cherished events.
Now I’m not saying that you should impulsively get tattoos on your Douglas Shire beach getaway, because, no, don’t. Tatts are like chips - you can’t have just one. But what I am saying is, if you have always been flirting with getting palm trees and Coral Seas ink done, Tropical North Queensland stirs a lust for possibilities.
For Port Douglas-inspired ink think palms, wildlife, sunsets, turtles, botanicals, and waves. It is a celebration of the region’s beauty, a hallmark and a reminder of serene, joyful moments spent in idyllic tropical surroundings.
Getting a tropical tattoo on vacation can be a fusion of personal expression and a snapshot of self-discovery in a lasting way tied to your soul and character. For Tara Short, who is a regular visitor to the tropics escaping the frost box of Canada, a playful pineapple tattoo fills her tropical cup with delight giving her a silly smile with every glimpse.
“Pineapples just make me happy! They’re yellow and fun and delicious and remind me of the beach,” said Tara. “I always knew I wanted it but did a henna tattoo while on vacation first to see if I liked it,” explains Tara, “and I did it again the next vacation. After that, I was sold and got it done at home.”
Tara’s inked pineapple emotes the memory of a sandy sea breeze paradise. For her it’s relaxation, nature, wholeness. A resounding sensation of peace, an engulfing feeling of being entirely stress-free. It’s like having beach vibes on tap an instant hit of bliss sauce.
But what if you love body art and you’re also a bit of a commitment-phobe? Then maybe henna is right for you. Henna is the art that leaves a lasting impression without overstaying it’s welcome, because you can’t possibly regret something that only lasts a couple of weeks. Right?
Henna is enchanting, beautiful, and chic. Applied directly on the skin, it is a paste made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant and is super safe for all ages. Naturally dying your skin with its ancient tattoo form, the art will only last for two to three weeks.
Sound intriguing? Then find your way to the popular locals’ markets, on Saturday in Mossman or on a Sunday in Port Douglas. There you will find the talented Peta Campbell from Peta Does Arting creating beautiful designs with her refined line work and creating fun holiday memories of your own.
“When visitors come to the tropics, they are just so happy to be warm and to not need to cover their bodies up in layers and layers of clothes,” explains Peta. “Getting henna done is like a celebration of your skin seeing the sun.” “Henna is alluring because people love to decorate their bodies. It is a gentle application and of course it is temporary which makes it more appealing,” Peta said.
However, perhaps the most expressive form of body art is children and face paint. They go together like watermelon and summer days. No one has seen this at its purest than face painter with flair, Natalia Lucano of Cosmic Carnival Entertainment who also resides at the Port Douglas Sunday markets.
Natalia is a hub of whimsical artistry who creates a rainbow-filled wonderlands.
“Kids just wanna have fun!” said Natalia. “It’s imagination and expression in its most innocent and honest form.”
“If they say they want to be a tiger, spiderman, unicorn, Elsa, or even a pickle, they become whatever they want to be. There are no rules here, the freedom and the choice is theirs, that’s the magic of face painting.”
Kids embrace the playful opportunity to stand out. “Face painting is like a cocktail of creativity, fun, social interaction, and the chance to transform your appearance in a safe and enriching space,” said Natalia. “It engages the imagination and can be thrilling and empowering.
“The most rewarding part of face painting is seeing the wonderment and confidence it bestows, which lasts I’m sure, until they jump in the pool! We need more innocent positivity in this world,” said Natalia.
So, the next time you want to pump up those joyful tropical holiday feels celebrating growth, a landmark moment, or just for flip-flop kicks, body art in the tropics is a blissful releasing way of self-expression. Whether permanent or temporary it’s a memory that’s skin-deep.