For VTSU Castleton student Lou Padilla, tattoo art means more than just body embellishments. They serve as stories etched into skin. 

His most recent addition, which appears on his right shin, is a Blue Morpho butterfly and it holds great emotional value because it represents his grandmother and their shared butterfly fascination. 

“My grandma taught me to love butterflies,” Padilla shared. “She had this beautiful wildflower garden that would always attract butterflies. It was like magic.” 

Padilla spent his childhood exploring butterfly sanctuaries by his grandmother’s side as they watched these delicate creatures in their natural environment. Butterflies became his favorite animal because they symbolized both natural beauty and the strong connections he experienced with his grandmother. 

“Butterflies always stood out to me,” Padilla said. “The color wasn’t all; these creatures would suddenly emerge shining as they appeared in the sunlight.” 

His grandmother’s garden featured an old oak tree that displayed metal butterflies. The butterflies’ permanent place in his grandmother’s domain have remained with him. 

When it came time to choose a tattoo, the decision was easy. 

“The Blue Morpho represents love,” Padilla explained. “I wanted this tattoo to symbolize our bond because now we aren’t together as often as we used to be.” 

He recalled the sanctuary visits, and the oak tree decorated with metal butterflies in his grandmother’s garden when he chose the tattoo. 

Although Padilla’s grandmother isn’t a huge fan of tattoos, he got her approval for this one. 

“She actually loves it,” Padilla said. “She told me she appreciates what it represents. That meant everything to me.” 

The artwork was detailed and designed by Lapiz, “@slavesofink” from Bronx, New York. It was designed to precisely replicate the butterfly’s iridescent blue colors for a delicate appearance. This body art goes beyond a physical adornment to become an iconic representation of memory and bond beyond temporal boundaries. 

The butterflies, he explained, represent more than insects because they symbolize his grandmother’s spirit which remains nearby. 

“I believe each time I observe these creatures in nature, my grandmother would be giving me her hello,” he said smiling. “This idea brings beautiful meaning into life, don’t you agree with me?”