Ciara Havishya

@mikehooves approached me in 2024 after their first cancer diagnosis. Today I attended their celebration of life virtually. I learned that they had a soft spot for Justice ❤️ When Mike approached me about getting a tattoo I don’t remember exactly how our conversation around design went, I just know that they asked for something protective and I put everything I had into this piece. It was imbued with healing intention, care, respect, protective energy and so much love. From the moment I met Mike, I saw someone who was completely themselves in a time and place that is not easy for people like us. It is not easy to be a queer person in Alberta. It is not easy being a queer person with cancer in Alberta too. They were so gentle and so strong. I could tell. But for people like Mike, ease isn’t more important than freedom and unapologetic authenticity. They touched so many people, they made such meaningful and kind art. I only spent two days with them but they left an indelible mark on me as much as I marked them. I remember them being really sad to lose their hair so the tattoo was a sort of consolation around that process in part. And when their beautiful red hair grew back it got hidden again, just as the best protection isn’t always visible. If ever you wonder if my clients stay with me long after I’ve seen them last, they do. I was so touched by Mike. I never stopped thinking about them after we worked together. It’s not an exaggeration to say that they showed me what kind of tattooer I wanted to be. You made the world brighter and more beautiful. This photo I took of Mike is in the Human Marks book, from the university of Connecticut. I am glad that this reminder of Mike can stay on in print among all the other incredible markers of their legacy. Mike you were the best. It’s so unfair that you’re not here but I know that wherever you are you’re shining brighter than ever.