Artifacts of My Evolution: Cherished Possessions and Their Stories

What personal belongings do you hold most dear?

By: SodakArtist

Well, now, this is a question I actually had to sit back and ponder for a little while. You see, the first thought that came to mind was items the old me had and spent a lot of time using—until I had my big, life-changing ego death. Back then, it would have been my game consoles and my Occidental tool bags, items I had loved and used for about 10 years. They were just breaking in when I lost them. Those things were part of an old life, one filled with different priorities and values. But life is fluid, ever-changing, and so are the things we hold dear. This isn’t about past belongings; it’s about the items I cherish in the present. After some deep reflection, I came up with my three most treasured possessions. Well, it’s actually more than three items—it’s three categories of items that I hold most dear, each representing a significant part of my journey and who I’ve become.

One category is every sketchbook I’ve filled since my ego death. It doesn’t seem very long ago, but it was November 16, 2021, when I began drawing and studying art with a passion that was almost religious. Before that, my experience with art was limited to the occasional grade school class. I was a novice, unsure of my abilities. But something shifted that day in 2021. Art became not just a hobby, but a vital part of my existence, a way to process and express my inner world.

Today, I have about 14 filled sketchbooks and around 3 or 4 almost full sketch pads, plus one that I’m about 10 pages into—all created since the end of 2021. Each sketchbook is a visual diary, a testament to my growth and evolution as an artist. The pages are filled with a variety of drawings, each reflecting a different phase of my learning journey. You can see the early, tentative lines giving way to more confident strokes, the experimentation with different techniques, and the gradual mastering of various subjects. There are sketches of the human body, detailed studies of Egyptian symbols, zodiac signs, and countless eyes—eyes in every shape, size, and expression. These sketchbooks are more than just collections of drawings. They are chronicles of my artistic exploration, capturing moments of inspiration, frustration, and triumph. Each page tells a story of dedication and discovery. Through them, you can trace my journey from a hesitant beginner to a more assured artist, constantly pushing the boundaries of my creativity. They are not just paper and ink; they are pieces of my soul, tangible evidence of my commitment to understanding and expressing the world around me through art.

Next would have to be my beloved Tarot decks. These aren’t just simple card sets; they are windows into the unknown, each with its unique energy and personality. Today, my collection includes 4 Tarot decks, 5 Oracle decks, and 2 personally made decks. Each deck serves a different purpose and speaks to different aspects of life, making them invaluable tools for self-reflection and guidance.

I don’t use them all that often, but when I do, it’s usually for others. And when that happens, oh boy, you better hold on to your pants because I’m about to reveal things you’ve never told me before. There’s something almost magical about the way the cards reveal hidden truths and offer insights. My readings, especially those looking into the future, have been uncannily accurate.

I remember one particularly intense reading I did for myself. It lasted two hours and involved three different decks, which were all I had at the time. I went through each deck twice, and together, they wove a story about the next five years of my life. While I might have misinterpreted a few keywords, the overall narrative was spot-on. It was like the cards were speaking directly to my soul, providing a roadmap for my future. These Tarot and Oracle decks are more than just tools; they are companions on my journey of self-discovery. Each deck holds memories of past readings and insights, making them deeply personal. The decks I made myself add an even more intimate layer to this practice, as they are imbued with my energy and intention. The intuition that guides my readings feels almost like a conversation with a trusted friend, one who knows me better than anyone else. These decks are cherished not just for their divinatory power but for the comfort and clarity they bring into my life, acting as guides through life’s uncertainties.

Lastly, I’d have to say my tattoo gear is among my most cherished items. Each piece of equipment represents more than just a tool; it’s an extension of my creativity and a means to leave a permanent mark on the world. My cordless tattoo gun, with its sleek design and thumb-trigger to turn it on and off, is an absolute marvel. The convenience and precision it offers have revolutionized the way I work, allowing me to focus entirely on the artistry of the tattoo.

I love the entire process of tattooing, from the initial sketch to the moment the ink touches the skin. There’s a unique thrill in designing a new tattoo, whether it’s for myself or for someone else. The act of transferring an idea from paper to flesh is profoundly satisfying. Each tattoo is a unique creation, a blend of my vision and the wearer’s story. It’s a deeply personal form of art that carries significant meaning for both the artist and the recipient.

My tattoo gear includes more than just the gun. The array of inks, each vibrant and ready to bring a design to life, the needles, carefully selected for their precision, and the myriad of accessories all play crucial roles. Each item in my kit has its place and purpose, contributing to the creation of a masterpiece on skin. The ritual of setting up my station, preparing the inks, and ensuring everything is sterilized and perfect is almost meditative. It’s a process that requires focus, skill, and a deep respect for the art and the person receiving the tattoo.

Tattooing is not just a job or a hobby; it’s a passion that connects me with people on a profound level. It’s an honor to be trusted with marking someone’s body permanently, and I take that responsibility seriously. The joy on a client’s face when they see their new tattoo, the stories shared during the session, and the bonds formed through this art form are priceless. My tattoo gear represents this entire experience – the art, the connection, the transformation, and the joy.

These items collectively reflect who I am today and what I value. They tell the story of my transformation, my passions, and my ongoing journey of self-discovery. Each sketchbook, Tarot deck, and piece of tattoo gear is a milestone in my path, a testament to my resilience and creativity. They are not just objects but extensions of my spirit and markers of my evolution.

In conclusion, the things I hold most dear are not merely possessions but symbols of my life’s journey. They remind me of where I’ve been, who I am, and who I am becoming. These items are cherished not for their material value but for the stories they tell and the roles they play in my continuous growth and exploration. Through them, I connect with my past, navigate my present, and envision my future.