Sydney-based tattoo artist Daniela Vasconcellos is using her art to make a difference in the life of many breast cancer survivors in Australia.
The 36-year-old tattoo artist has a project in which she offers free services for any breast cancer survivors who wish to cover the scars with tattooing.
“I’ve actually been doing this work for seven years," she tells SBS Portuguese. "I started back in Brazil before moving to Sydney. I always thought I should do something with my art to help people in need and that was the way I found.”
Vasconcellos' outstanding talent as a tattoo artist was this year recognised by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and she has been granted Permanent Residency through the rare Distinguished Talent Visa.
“I do it because it helps women and men to rebuild their self-esteem by changing the way they see themselves. It is very touching to see their joy with the final result and how they look in the mirror, feeling pretty again."
Source: Supplied
However, the Brazilian artist points out that the tattoos can only be done after the doctors give the green light.
“Safety always comes first and I’m only allowed to do the tattoos after a medical assessment. The person has to ask permission to their doctors to avoid any risk of opening the stitches.”
Living in Australia for six years now, Daniela Vasconcellos' work has been recognised by the Australian Department of Home Affairs in her being granted the Distinguished Talent Visa, one of Australia's rarest visas.
Made with Square InstaPic Source: Supplied
This type of visa is only granted to people who are internationally recognised for exceptional and outstanding achievement in the categories of profession, sport, arts, academia and research.
"This year I was granted the Permanent Residence visa being considered a Distinguished Talent in my profession by the Australian government. I found this recognition incredibly valuable as I’m opening doors to other talents in such a discriminated field.”
Daniela says that the process was quite long and it required several documents to prove excellence in her profession, such as letters of recommendation from other Brazilian and Australian professionals in the field, as well as records of international publications with her work.
Source: Arquivo pessoal/Daniela Vasconcellos
Source: Supplied
“The whole process took two years and seven months until the permanent visa was granted, because as far as I know, no other tattoo artist had been granted before this type of visa in Australia."
“This recognition represents the biggest cause of my life which is my profession. I've been working as a tattoo artist for over 23 years now, since I was 13 years old. I've always wanted to make a difference in my profession and I am extremely proud to see that now tattoo is finally seen as art."
Source: Arquivo pessoal/Daniela Vasconcellos
