I often struggle as an artist with a sizable platform on how to share my work (and survive under late stage capitalism) in a way that aligns with my beliefs and desires for a better world than this one. And it continues to be seen that the best use of my platform is to amplify and uplift what is happening in Palestine.
As a mixed Arab tattooer, so much of my community has been and continues to be Palestinian. You are my people. And I can’t separate my tattoo work from this struggle. Palestine is constantly on my mind. I am so inspired and encouraged by the steadfastness and resistance of the Palestinian people after 117 days and over 75 years of brutal occupation - the only thing to do now is continue to reinforce my own commitment to life and liberation.
As I struggle to keep up with my work as a tattooer (knowing that this struggle is nothing compared to the struggle of those in Palestine) I continue to realize that centering revolution is what is most sustainable - rather than ignoring what’s happening or trying to compartmentalize it. Leila Khaled says “Revolution must mean life also, every aspect of life.”
Liberation informs all of my work. The imagery I use, how I handle money, how I treat my clients, where I choose to work, and choosing to take time off to ensure longevity - all stem from the desire to be free. For all people to be free.
These are the questions on my mind:
Instead of trying to balance our responsibilities with our desires for freedom - how can we draw strength from our collective struggle? How can we break the patterns of thinking short term and plan for a future beyond this horizon and take the necessary steps to get there?
How can we in the imperial core - the head of the snake - give up our comforts provided by the oppression of others and chose a more fulfilling commitment to solidarity with each other?
I’m constantly learning but this is the only way forward that I know.
As always Free Palestine