Above are some of the tattoo designs available from Moving Pictures Tattoo Cinema commemorating survivors. 

By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – Could ink be the link that connects those who have experienced abuse of any form?

Nathan Underneath, owner of Moving Pictures Tattoo Cinema, on Center Street in downtown Warsaw, thinks so.

The artist and his apprentice, Griffin Freehling, have combined to create a set of 25 tattoo designs for survivors and are offering them as part of a fundraiser.

Most of the tattoos incorporate what is known as the sexual assault survivor’s symbol, which combines an artistic version of a flame and a flower. The symbol gained national notoriety from pop star Lady Gaga, herself a survivor, when she had it tattooed on her shoulder in 2016.

The tattoo collection ranges from simple to more detailed and will cost between $100 to $300. He said he intends to send sales from the tattoos (minus expenses) to Indiana Coalition to end sexual assault and human trafficking.

While the survivor logo is generally connected to domestic violence and sexual assault, Underneath has widened the scope of the fundraiser to embrace mental health.

The fundraiser will continue through the end of May, he said.

“The symbol has emerged among some people as a connection for conversation. It tells others, essentially, if you have this, I’m safe to come talk to,” he said.

This idea of a quiet connection between like-minded people through tattoo art seemed to be reinforced with Underneath one day when he was working on the logos at a restaurant and somebody asked him if he had a story to share.

The person then said their girlfriend has one on her chest.

As always, Underneath said he understands customers have varying reasons for getting such a tattoo. Some might want something small and private while others want to display it.

“Everyone expresses it differently. We’re not here to tell people how they should survive, it’s really just a way of bringing the conversation to light,” Underneath said.

Underneath opened his store in 2019 and pledged then to get involved in the community and have a positive impact on the downtown. He’s participated in past Frist Friday events with paint projects.

“We want to start taking things to the next level and letting people know we’re making good on that promise,” he said.

To learn more, visit the store at 112 E. Center St., call (574) 267-6782, or visit the Facebook by searching Moving Pictures Tattoo Cinema.