Transformative Marks Podcast

#036 Discover the rich, transformative world of moko artistry with us as we sit down with a remarkable Maori practitioner, Danny Lurman. Journey with us through his evolution from a child passionate about drawing, to navigating the mainstream tattoo scene, and finally returning to the embrace of traditional moko and carving practices. Listen to his candid recounting of early anxieties and how they evolved into a therapeutic, gentle practice centered on traditional protocols, patterns, and meanings. Our guest also emphasizes the critical role of formal education and its impact on building credibility within the Maori community.
Experience the creative challenges and inspirations behind transitioning traditional Maori carving into moko tattoo art. Our guest delves into the process of incorporating elements from local landscapes, like subterranean rock patterns, into moko, and shares his deeply personal and emotional journey of receiving facial moko—a practice in honour of his grandmother, signifying a revival of ancestral traditions. Hear about the powerful cultural significance and the emotional weight carried by these traditional markings, and how they bridge the past with the present.
Engage with thought-provoking discussions on honoring ancestral contributions, overcoming feelings of inadequacy tied to cultural heritage, and the pervasive impacts of colonialism. We shed light on the geographical and climatic influences on culture and language, and the importance of community guardianship in preserving traditions. Wrapping up with a reminder of the power of unity and community, we highlight the upcoming episode with Nathaniel Hartley, an inclusive tattoo artist serving the LGBTQ community. Join us for an episode rich with wisdom, personal stories, and cultural insights that promise to inspire and enlighten.
I hope you have enjoyed this episode, and I am excited to travel the world of Indigenous tattooing with you as we visit with friends and colleagues from across the globe doing the work.
Check out my tattoo work at:
https://www.consumedbyink.com
Instagram @dionkaszas
Buy me a Coffee at:
https://ko-fi.com/transformativemarks

#042 What if the art of tattooing could reconnect us to our roots and transform our self-identity? Join me, Dion Kazas, as I welcome Kristine and Wes Wilson to discuss their involvement in the Nlaka'pamux Blackwork project and their personal journeys with Indigenous tattoos. Kristine talks about her significant role as a model and supporter in the Earthline Indigenous tattoo schools and how her meaningful tattoos have fueled a cultural resurgence in skin stitching. Wes shares his transformative experience of overcoming hesitation due to his vitiligo and embracing tattoos, paving a path toward self-acceptance and cultural expression.
We also celebrate the creative genius of Janessa Wilson, whose traditional motifs have turned a simple jersey for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks into a canvas of cultural symbolism. Her designs are a testament to visual sovereignty, embodying a profound connection to the earth and heritage. This episode shines a spotlight on the collaborative spirit of various organizations, like the Canada Council for the Arts, Arts Nova Scotia and the IOTA Institute, that are nurturing community identity by sponsoring the development of a visual dictionary of Nlaka'pamux art, ensuring these cultural symbols remain vibrant and recognized.
Photography and storytelling emerge as crucial tools in preserving and healing communities. We explore how a couple's dedication to capturing precious moments, especially after the fire in Lytton, illustrates photography's power in safeguarding cultural legacies. The episode concludes with the sacredness of documenting tattoo experiences, where unexpected connections and the honor of sharing intimate spaces underscore the project's profound impact. As we continue to honor these personal and cultural journeys, we find inspiration in the stories that bind us and the legacies we leave behind.
Check out my tattoo work at:
https://www.consumedbyink.com
Instagram @dionkaszas
Buy me a Coffee at:
https://ko-fi.com/transformativemarks
I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & We acknowledge the support of Arts Nova Scotia

#026 Can tattoos be more than just art on the skin? Join us as we explore this profound question with our guest, an Indigenous tattoo artist, who takes us on a journey through the emotional and spiritual depths of traditional skin marking. Discover how generational love and cultural revival have shaped their practice, starting from informal hand-poke sessions among friends to giving their first spiritual tattoo. Listen as they recount the transformative moment of teaching and marking their own mother, a poignant act that underscores the healing and reconnection these sacred traditions offer.
From the evolution of experimental tattooing with a coil machine to the fusion of contemporary and ancestral techniques, we highlight the versatile artistry of our guest Makwa Mashkiki. Their approach not only honors cultural heritage but also educates and impacts the community, blending modern technology with traditional methods.
Art becomes a powerful tool for healing and activism in this episode. We delve into stories of overcoming addiction and trauma, where creative outlets like tattooing and beadwork provide a path to recovery and community bonding. Our guest also shares wisdom on navigating cultural appropriation and the responsibilities of tattoo artists in respecting cultural protocols. This isn't just about marking skin—it's about the profound connection between self-trust, healing, and the enduring spirit of Indigenous cultures.
You can find Makwa at:
Instagram @makwa .mashkiki
Check out my tattoo work at:
https://www.consumedbyink.com
Instagram @dionkaszas
Buy me a Coffee at:
https://ko-fi.com/transformativemarks
I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#029 Ever wondered about the deep-rooted cultural significance behind Indigenous tattoos? Join us as we sit down with Audie Murray, a gifted Métis visual artist and traditional tattoo practitioner, who takes us on a journey through her personal and artistic evolution. Inspired by her mother's ink and honed through the Earthline Tattoo Training Residency, Audie delves into the profound connection between ancestral skin marking and the themes of family, home, and land in Indigenous practices. This episode not only illuminates her artistic journey but also highlights the importance of self-care during pivotal life phases, like pursuing higher education or welcoming a new child.
Curious about the revival of cultural tattooing and what it means for both practitioners and communities? Listen as Audie discusses the emotional richness of her work, contrasting the roles of professional tattoo artists and cultural practitioners. She shares her experiences of setting boundaries and taking necessary breaks, even while navigating the complexities of a non-Indigenous-centered academic environment. Her reflections on receiving meaningful critique and exploring indigeneity in art offer valuable insights, particularly for those passionate about maintaining authenticity in their cultural expressions.
What does it take to present Indigenous knowledge and art within Western frameworks without losing its essence? Audie opens up about the challenges and ironies of this task, sharing her thoughts on performance art through beadwork and video. We explore innovative ways to convey the visceral experiences of tattooing and the holistic approach she takes with her clients. The episode concludes with a look at her transformative journey on the Skindigenous series and her aspirations to teach tattooing to the next generation. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, culture, and community.
I hope you have enjoyed this episode, and I am excited to travel the world of Indigenous tattooing with you as we visit with friends and colleagues from across the globe doing the work.
You can find Audie at:
Instagram @chi.fii_
Check out my tattoo work at:
https://www.consumedbyink.com
Instagram @dionkaszas
Buy me a Coffee at:
https://ko-fi.com/transformativemarks
I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#019 Have you ever felt the pull of your ancestral roots, beckoning you towards a deeper understanding of your heritage? In this episode I welcome one of my clients and collaborators of the Nlaka'pamux Blackwork project, Alison Cuffley, who is Tsleil-Waututh and German-Ukrainian. We discuss the rich cultural significance and transformative nature of indigenous tattooing. Through the lens of my work in reviving traditional skin marking practices and Alison's journey to find a tattoo with cultural resonance, we traverse the intimate landscapes of identity, art, and personal growth.
Embarking on a narrative imbued with emotion and spirituality, I invites all of us to reconsider the act of tattooing beyond mere aesthetics. It's a visceral exploration of storytelling through skin, where every mark carries the weight of intention and history. We discuss the sacred practice of marking one's body, not as an impulse but as a rite, and how such ceremonies can deepen our connection to ourselves and our communities. The conversation weaves through the intricacies of consent, the building of collaborative spaces, and the celebration of body modification culture as a way to honor our personal narratives and collective past.
As we draw this episode to a close, we ponder the powerful synergy between art and cultural revitalization. I shares my vision of visual repatriation, breathing life into designs long confined to the dusty shelves of history, and returning them to the people to whom they belong. Our journey concludes with a message of love and compassion, a reminder of each person's invaluable role in creating a world enriched by understanding and inclusivity. Join us in this profound dialogue that promises not only to enlighten but to inspire a reconnection with the threads that weave the tapestry of our collective human experience.
I hope you have enjoyed this episode, and I am excited to travel the world of Indigenous tattooing with you as we visit with friends and colleagues from across the globe doing the work.
Check out my tattoo work at:
https://www.consumedbyink.com
Instagram @dionkaszas
Buy me a Coffee at:
https://ko-fi.com/transformativemarks
I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & We acknowledge the support of Arts Nova Scotia