Transformative Marks Podcast

#059 Anne Spice's journey into ancestral tattooing reveals a profound path toward healing that extends far beyond artistic expression. Beginning as casual practice at a land occupation, her work evolved when she returned to her Whitehorse community with a crucial shift in perspective—approaching people with service rather than extraction. "I went in thinking about how I could be of service," Anne explains, "and it was a game changer."
This conversation uncovers how Indigenous tattooing functions as literal medicine, marking significant life transitions from sobriety to grief processing. Working directly with her community health center, Anne has developed tattooing as part of their wellness practice, creating space for community members to honor their healing journeys through permanent marks. The physical pain of receiving a tattoo can release emotional pain stored in the body, reaching places "that our words can't reach"—a powerful tool in a world where Indigenous ceremonies marking life passages have been disrupted.
Anne speaks candidly about her frontline land defense experiences and how afterward, receiving a large back tattoo helped her process trauma physically when mental approaches weren't enough. This highlights a crucial aspect of Indigenous tattooing: helping people define themselves through cultural connection rather than opposition to colonial forces. "These aren't markings that make us separate, unique people," she reflects. "They're markings that mark us as part of a collective, as people in relation." For those working to revitalize ancestral practices despite gaps in knowledge, Anne offers encouragement: "It's really worth having the patience and sitting through some of the discomfort to get to the point where our communities start opening up again." Her words remind us that transformation happens when we connect through relationship, opening ourselves to collective healing that transcends individual 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.
You can find Anne at:
Instagram @annespicetattoo
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, ArtsNS and Support4Culture

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#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

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#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

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#060 The journey from addiction to wholeness often requires powerful medicine. For Nicholas Wawia, that medicine came in the form of ancestral skin marking – specifically, the forward-facing red lines across his face that remind him daily to "keep my sights forward" on the red road of sobriety.
In this raw, heartfelt conversation with host Dion Kaszas, Nicholas shares how traditional tattooing practices became central to his recovery and identity reclamation. "I need something a little more to reclaim my identity, because all I knew was addiction," he explains, revealing how facial markings serve as both spiritual and practical guides through challenging moments. The horizontal lines keep his vision "locked" forward, while upward-pointing marks ensure his eyes are "guided right back up" whenever they drift downward – a powerful metaphor for maintaining focus on healing.
What makes Nicholas's perspective particularly valuable is his position as an emerging practitioner finding his way. Unlike established artists with decades of experience, he offers relatable insights from someone early in their journey, creating accessible entry points for others hesitant to begin exploring ancestral practices. His story demonstrates how Indigenous artforms aren't frozen relics but living traditions that address contemporary challenges like addiction recovery and identity formation.
The conversation moves between deeply philosophical reflections on creating "new old" traditions and practical discussions about establishing Trilllectric Tattoo, Nicholas's health-inspected studio in Sudbury. Throughout, both artists emphasize creative expression as medicine: "I owe my life to art," Nicholas states, explaining how marking has kept him connected to purpose and community. Their exchange illuminates how traditional skin marking transcends mere decoration to become a transformative practice of healing, reconnection, and cultural resilience.
Whether you're interested in indigenous tattooing practices, recovery journeys, or the power of art as medicine, this episode offers profound insights into how ancestral wisdom can guide us through modern challenges. Subscribe now to join this transformative journey and discover how traditional practices are helping Indigenous communities heal one mark at a time.

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 Nick at:
Instagram @trillectrictattoo and @gchiwaabooz.azhaasowin
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, ArtsNS and Support4Culture

Support the show

#010 Sitting across from me, Terje Koloamatangi, a Tongan cultural tattoo practitioner, shares his ink-infused wisdom, revealing how each etching on our skin can tether us to our ancestors. As we savor the ceremonial kava, Terje recounts his initiation into tattoo artistry under the tutelage of a Samoan master, igniting a passion for reviving traditional Pacific methods. Our conversation takes you through the heart of Tonga, where the ritualistic kava ceremonies are not just about drink, but about connection, history, and the indelible marks of identity.
The late Paulo's legacy casts a long shadow in our discussion, as we honor his seminal role in the Pacific tattoo renaissance. His untimely departure left a chasm, inspiring Terje's journey into the depths of tattoo research and ultimately birthing the Indigenous Ink Tattoo Festival. Here, tattoo artists from distant corners of the earth converge, sharing stories and skills, and celebrating the vibrancy of ancient traditions in contemporary culture. We honor the connections forged in ink and flesh, and the collective effort to keep the embers of traditional tattooing aglow in our global village.
The final strokes of our dialogue paint a picture of cultural authenticity that transcends the mere tools of the trade. We share stories of inspiration drawn from war clubs to whispering tattoos, underscoring the belief that genuine expression is bound not by the implements, but by the spirit behind the symbolism. As we venture through museum 'junk drawers' and reflect on rediscovered Tongan tattooing instruments, we invite listeners to grasp the tactile history and the importance of preserving the visual languages that define our shared human tapestry. Join us in a reverent exploration of the ink that writes our past and inscribes our future.
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
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

Support the show