Transitions and Flowers

I got this tattoo to mark several important transitions and periods in my life. I started a graduate degree program in Ecology (it was an interdisciplinary program and allowed me to study science educational outreach & communication but did include many classes on ecology which was a new subject for me) and I chose the plant theme to fit that new focus in my life. The flowers represent places I've lived: the rhododendron is the Washington state flower, the columbine is the Colorado state flower and the star gazer lily is a personal favorite. I may have to add something or get a new one to represent California and science museums after my recent move to the Exploratorium. The leaves are in a lace pattern to represent my marriage/wedding that occurred in the same year I started my graduate program.


Katie Boyd is a research coordinator at the Exploratorium. Before that, she was involved with science educational outreach and communication efforts for several organizations. You can find out more about her at her website: http://kathrynboyd.weebly.com/ or by following her on twitter: @katieboyd03


Want to share your own story and tattoo?
Email Beth: bredmondjones (at) sdnhm (dot) org or Paul: info (at) orselli (dot) net.

Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)

I've been many places across the US, but there is only one place that really speaks to me—Joshua Tree National Park. I first experienced the park when I moved to San Diego in late summer of 2013, and upon my first visit, I knew that this was a place that was incredibly special for me. Many see it as an arid place with weird outcroppings of rocks and spiky trees. For me, those rocks are puzzles in which to climb with ropes to test my own skills, or to scramble up on then sit to admire the gorgeous view and have time for me, and the Joshua Tree, well, it's just amazing. They are only found in this one part of the world, they look Dr. Seussian, but are part of the yucca family. From the first time I saw them, I fell in love with them.

Due to climate change, this species is moving towards being an endangered species. My tattoo is of a specific Joshua Tree that can be found at 34°02'19.8"N 116°11'03.3"W. Thanks to Mike Stobbe at Avalon II for giving me my own Joshua Tree.

Beth Redmond-Jones
Vice President of Engagement and Education
San Diego Natural History Museum

Want to share your own story and tattoo?
Email Beth: bredmondjones (at) sdnhm (dot) org or Paul: info (at) orselli (dot) net.