This piece on her inner right forearm was her first tattoo:
This design is based on the album cover of Poison the Well's You Come Before You.
Vanessa explained that this was the album she listened to when she was visiting her mother in the hospital. Her mom recovered, and she associates the record with this time of her life. The tattoo celebrates those moments.
The second piece she shared was inspired by her father:
Unlike with her mom, Vanessa does not have a relationship with her dad. The optimistic banner "may we meet again" is a glance forward, toward the possibility of someday reconnecting with him.
This large tattoo, on her right biceps, took eight hours, all in one sitting. The detail of the anatomically-correct heart is amazing. Vanessa pointed out how the artist added flowers to the design, as well as the rays of light in the upper right corner to create the shape of a figurative heart, as well.
Both pieces were created by Anthony Mealie at Tattoo Lou's in Selden, New York.
Work from that shop has appeared previously here.
Thanks again to Vanessa for sharing her wonderful tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!