MERIDIAN INK

Previously known as Tattoos and Tarot, Meridian Ink is Salma’s alternative answer to a somatic/body based art therapy and eco therapy practice. After graduating from UC Berkeley’s Ethnic Studies Department Salma changed course from her law school bound trajectory. No longer unable to ignore the insatiable call, she committed to using art as a vehicle for healing and empowerment. Initially envisioned as a tattoo healing ritual Meridian Ink has grown into an intersectional practice combining tattooing, body markings, biomimicry and ecofractals, acupressure, art, and somatic therapy.

The initial concept was born out of Salma’s desire to honor her own self-harm scars through tattoo rituals. Salma learned how to tattoo via the hand poke method and began tattooing herself and others as offerings of healing and resilience. In 2016 Salma made the decision to leave California to find the place where Meridian Ink would be born. Thus Taos, New Mexico has become the place where this practice will begin.

Utilizing a combination of ritual, body work, and biomimetic inspirations Meridian Ink intentionally uses body markings, with particular attention to symbol and placement, as a tool for deeper body consciousness.

The process begins with the harvesting of ecofractals and symbols/art forms found within natural landscapes. As a biomimetic practice, Meridian Ink is inspired by the abundant creativity found within nature. Common forms and shapes are often replicated by natural processes. The ecofractals harvested for Meridian Ink all correlate to specific principles found within nature, i.e. courage, openness, cooperation, trust, selflessness, self-preservation, endurance, surrender, etc. These ecofractals are brought together in mandala-inspired* (self circle) patterns to become bodyfractals. The bodyfractals are then placed along intentional points of the body, usually meridian lines and acupressure points. For example, a surrender fractal, inspired by visual forms of surrender and acceptance, can be placed along the kidney meridian to bring consciousness to the body’s response to anxiety and a need to control.

Bodyfractals can be placed on the body through a number of ritual practices - temporary tattoos, semi-permanent temporary tattoos, and finally permanent traditional ink tattoos. Meridian Ink will soon be offering temporary tattoos. The next phase will include semi-permanent ink, henna, and permanent ink tattoos done by Salma.

*Though Salma identifies as South Asian, she doesn’t identify as Buddhist or Hindu. Therefore the usage of the term mandala is only to indicate the usage of circular patterning and shape. The term self-circle will be the primary term used in the Meridian Ink process.

The intention is for Meridian Ink to become a therapeutic process utilized in Salma’s daily practice as an art therapist and artist. The eventually goal is to teach this method to other practitioners and expand our knowledge of somatic experience through an art based lens.

Currently, Meridian Ink is preparing for initial launch. In 2023 Salma hopes to offer temporary tattoos and tattoo packs. Each tattoo will be accompanied by a written outline of its inspiration, the area of the body it may be most beneficial for and why, and simple instructions for application.

Meridian Ink is still in its beginning stages. My hope is to gather information and feedback from customers as they use these bodyfractals as part of their body care rituals. I do not claim that these fractals can “fix” or “correct” any illness (physical, or mental). However, I do believe that we are all containers and what we choose to place on these containers is important to our wellbeing. Symbols have been used for thousands of years to help humans make sense of their reality or even change it. I also believe in the healing potential of tattoos, either through the symbology used or the recorded acupressure stimulation of needle work.

Tattoos have helped me reconcile a tumultuous relationship with my own body. I have used tattoos in my own body care rituals to stitch myself back together as I heal from trauma, both personal and intergenerational. I feel passionate about this work and grateful that I can share it with you all in this sacred way.