Transformative Marks Podcast

#052 Imagine rediscovering an ancestral tattooing tradition with no roadmap or mentor to guide you. That's the challenge I faced as a Hungarian, Métis and Nlaka'pamux tattoo artist, and it's the journey I share in this episode of Transformative Marks. Through a decolonial lens, I reflect on the struggles of reviving these practices in the aftermath of colonization and offer support for those seeking to reconnect with their cultural heritage. This exploration highlights the importance of nurturing a connection to our roots and reviving the lost languages of our ancestors.
Ancestral visual languages are more than mere designs; they're rich tapestries of history and identity. Inspired by thinkers like Gregory Cajete and Frederick Frank, we explore how these symbols functioned as tools for communication, healing, and even harm. By engaging with objects and practices integral to our ancestors' lives, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for these visual languages. This isn't just about tattoos or art; it's about reclaiming cultural sovereignty and reconnecting with the stories that shaped our communities.
Bringing these traditions back to life requires creativity and community collaboration. Through the lens of Syilx Coyote stories, we underscore the process of cultural reclamation as not only one of piecing together fragmented heritage but also of breathing life into it. The journey towards cultural restoration is filled with imperfections, yet it is in these very imperfections that we find the beauty of cultural resilience and creativity. Join me in celebrating the process of gathering and revitalizing our cultural elements, as we honor the legacy of our ancestors and strengthen our connection to the lands we call home.
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

#044 Imagine a world where tattoos are not just skin deep but are powerful emblems of identity and cultural revival. Join me, Dion Kazas, as I share my journey in reviving ancestral skin marking practices that reconnect us with our heritage, alongside a fascinating conversations with Indigenous artist Tania Williard. Together, we navigate a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, from the transformative power of Indigenous tattooing to the nuanced narratives woven into traditional basketry. Through these creative practices, we discover the diverse ways our marks leave an indelible impact on personal and communal identities.
This episode embarks on a path of visual repatriation, where often disregarded cultural artifacts reclaim their rightful place in our narrative sovereignty. We examine how artifacts, such as baskets held in collections across Canada, serve as a canvas for cultural expression and reclamation. The journey includes visiting these collections, revealing the stories behind them, and understanding the resurgence of traditional art forms within modern contexts. By integrating cultural philosophies and languages into our art-making processes, we challenge anthropological hierarchies that have long undervalued Indigenous contributions.
Through compelling anecdotes and rich discussions, we illuminate the intricate relationship between art, pedagogy, and the land. Whether through the creation of the Bush Gallery, a feminist art space rooted in Indigenous culture, or exploring the dynamics of teaching Indigenous arts in non-Indigenous institutions, the episode underscores the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. We celebrate the role of art in reclaiming cultural identity, emphasizing the transformative potential of integrating traditional craft with contemporary artistry. This episode is a celebration of cultural resurgence, artistic adaptation, and the enduring strength of Indigenous heritage.
You can find Tania at:
Instagram @willardart
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

#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

#048 Unlock the transformative power of ancestral visual languages and discover how Indigenous tattooing can reconnect us to our roots. Join me, Dion Kaszas, on the Transformative Marks podcast as we explore the revitalization of cultural identity through the art of tattooing. This episode features the profound insights of Hacki Williams, a pioneer in Moko Maori tattoo revival, and delves into how these practices offer a path to strengthen community ties and cultural heritage. We promise you’ll gain valuable insights into awakening hidden cultural knowledge and practical steps to embrace your own ancestral visual language, even if you feel disconnected from your lineage.
Can ancestral memory really be encoded in our DNA? Tihoti from Tahiti leads a compelling discussion about "blood memory," challenging us to rethink our connection to ancestral knowledge. Julie Paama-Penngelly takes us on a journey across the globe, highlighting the significance of engaging with ancestral objects found in collections worldwide. These objects hold the keys to cultural revival, fostering both personal growth and community resilience. Engage with the past and resist cultural appropriation by reclaiming the symbols and motifs that define our heritage.
Navigating the delicate balance between knowledge sharing and its potential misuse, we explore the responsibilities of preserving Indigenous wisdom. Tania Willard shares her approach to reviving Interior Salish artistic forms responsibly, emphasizing ethical practices and environmental harmony. We conclude with insights from artists like Terje, Tihoti, and Que, who challenge colonial constraints by evolving ancestral visual languages to fit contemporary contexts. This episode is a powerful reminder of our right and responsibility to honor our heritage while pushing creative boundaries, ensuring cultural expression remains vibrant and relevant.
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 Terje at:
Instagram @terje_k
YouTube: @terjekoloamatangi2946
You can find Tania at:
Instagram @willardart
You can find Que at:
Instagram @quebidois
You can find Nahaan at:
Instagram @chilkat_tattoo
You can find Julie at:
Instagram @julesartistmoko
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