Tattoos have become so widely accepted and so incredibly mainstream that it is hard to imagine a time when that was not the case. Staten Island has embraced this form of body art so much that we have nearly twenty shops over the span of our sixty square mile island. Taking it further, we presently have the most amount of women tattooers that this island has ever had since tattooing became legal in NYC way back in 1997. I should know, as I am one of the first (I believe quite possibly the literal first!) woman tattooers on this island, starting off in 2002.

In mid-March of 2020, the world shut down. Now I know what you're thinking, another pandemic story, but it’s not. This really is about rediscovery and letting go of the idea of what I thought made good photographs. But, yes, it all started when the pandemic forced me to stay inside, and all the work that I had lined up for the spring dried up, one assignment after another.

In 2013, a vacant lot on Front Street in Stapleton underwent a remarkable transformation into what is now known as Maker Park. Spearheaded by the founders of MakerSpace NYC, DB Lampman, and Scott Van Campen, this area was once littered with abandoned vehicles, trash, and debris. Today, Maker Park stands as a vibrant cultural hub, especially during the summer when it hosts an array of arts and cultural events. As one of Staten Island’s most important cultural sites, Maker Park plays a pivotal role in the community. Its summer programming, curated by Maker Park Radio, is inclusive, showcases incredible talent from Staten Island and beyond, and, most importantly, is a lot of fun! 

“I’ll sit and watch,” Clarice, an 80-something-year-old woman told me. The other women cut, glued, collaged, chatted, and told her how much they enjoyed altering their recycled hardcovered books. They showed her their books to entice her to stay and make her own. Gwen related the story of her husband, who had died and loved accordions, so she had been delighted to find a drawing of one.