Kat Von D, the renowned tattoo artist and former star of the hit reality show “LA Ink,” has made a bold move that has surprised many of her fans. The 41-year-old, known for her distinctive and elaborate tattoos, has decided to cover up her existing ink with black ink, effectively creating a blackout canvas on her body. This unconventional choice has sent shockwaves through her fan base, as she has chosen to forgo the often painful and lengthy process of laser tattoo removal.
Taking to Instagram, Kat Von D has been sharing her ongoing journey of “blacking out” her body. She has already undergone 17 sessions and nearly 40 cumulative hours of tattooing to achieve this transformation. In a video she posted, she proudly showcased her progress, revealing her left side, which was now entirely covered in black ink. The right side still bore remnants of her previous vine tattoo, but it, too, was destined to be concealed beneath a layer of black ink. The video provided a unique insight into the tools and techniques used in the process, giving her fans a glimpse behind the scenes of her radical transformation.
In her Instagram caption, Kat Von D explained that she had been consistently traveling to Philadelphia to work with the talented tattoo artist @hoode215 at his renowned tattoo shop, @blackvulturegallery. She mentioned that this journey had already reached around 80% completion. Anticipating the curiosity and criticism that would come her way, she included a Q&A section in her caption to address any negativity and inquisitiveness from her followers.
Kat Von D emphasized the painful and slow nature of laser tattoo removal, which can take more than ten sessions, making it an impractical option for someone with extensive coverage like hers. She also revealed that she was not a good candidate for laser removal due to the extensive coverage she wanted to eliminate. Instead of using white ink over the black to create a more natural-looking cover-up, which is commonly done, she expressed her love for the simplicity of an all-black canvas. Her decision to go for this bold aesthetic choice reflects her strong personal convictions and her desire to distance herself from her past tattoo choices.
The motivation behind this transformation goes deeper for Kat Von D. She stated that her tattoos represented a part of her life that no longer aligns with her current identity and beliefs. While some people may choose to keep such landmarks from their past, she had grown tired of the constant reminders and decided it was time for a change.
This decision to black out her tattoos comes after her unexpected conversion to Christianity, a transformation she also shared with her followers on social media. In October, she posted a video of her baptism, a significant event in her spiritual journey. However, the joyous occasion was met with backlash, much of it coming from the Christian community itself.
Kat expressed her shock at the critical judgment she faced from some Christians, even though her conversion should have been a cause for celebration among them. She found it disheartening that people judged her based on her appearance and gothic demeanor, noting the stereotypical aesthetic for the Christian community that she didn’t conform to.
Despite the negativity she encountered, Kat Von D remained steadfast in her beliefs and her desire to share her spiritual journey. She felt compelled to distance herself from her previous interests in witchcraft and the occult, even discarding books on these subjects. She emphasized her commitment to surrounding herself and her family with “love and light” as she embarked on this new chapter in her life.
As she embraced her evolving identity, Kat also revealed her decision to bid farewell to California, where she had built her tattoo empire. She plans to close her beloved tattoo shop, marking the end of an era in her career.
Throughout her life and career, Kat Von D has been known for her gothic and macabre signature style, which has captivated her fans and made her a tattoo icon. However, her recent choices reflect her profound personal growth, her evolving spirituality, and her desire to align her life more closely with her newfound faith.
In conclusion, Kat Von D’s decision to black out her tattoos and her conversion to Christianity mark significant milestones in her life journey. While these choices have stirred controversy and criticism, they represent her unwavering commitment to her evolving beliefs and her desire to embrace a new chapter in her life, one that is more aligned with her current identity and values.
