Welcome to my Capstone Project 
"Beauty From Ashes"
 

Rebirth Out of Ashes & How Communication Takes Loud Precedence

By: Susan Smith

 

 

Nonverbal Communication Through Tattoos: An Autoethnography

​

Tattoos have long been viewed as a form of self-expression and art, with roots that are traced back to ancient cultures. The history of tattooing started in Europe approximately 5,300 years ago with Otzi, the Iceman, the oldest mummified body that reportedly had his ears pierced and carbon tattoos consisting of simple dots and lines (Swami & Harris, 2012). Historically, tattoos were used for purposes such as marking social status, religious affiliations, or cultural identities. In modern society, tattoos have evolved into a highly personal form of self-expression, allowing individuals to communicate aspects of their identity, personal experiences, and values without the use of words.

​

This capstone project is an autoethnography of myself, Susan Smith, using nonverbal communication as expressed through a simple piece of artwork in the form of a tattoo on my body. Through my time at The University of Alabama, while taking COM 395: Communication and Body Modification with Brent Mitchell, I was able to truly understand the depth of nonverbal communication and just how loudly it can roar with unspoken words. One of my favorite modules in this class was a documentary titled “The Brutal Black”, which involves individuals undergoing harsh tattooing processes. The documentary highlighted the intensity of tattoo culture and the profound meanings behind each mark people choose to make on their bodies. This class served as the primary interest for exploring my own tattoo and the deeper level of communication it represents, specifically the tattoo "Beauty from Ashes" inspired by the Bible verse Isaiah 61:1-3.

The tattoo, located on my side, symbolizes my personal transformation from pain and trauma to healing and resilience. It serves as a reminder of my journey, which involved overcoming significant challenges in my life. The verse that inspired the tattoo speaks to the concept of finding beauty and strength through suffering, a message that resonates deeply with me and is a primary theme in this paper. By examining the tattoo as a form of nonverbal communication, this paper explores how body modifications such as tattoos serve as a tool for identity and convey complex personal, almost encrypted messages.

​

This paper is based on autoethnographic research, a methodology that combines personal experience with cultural analysis. As I explore the meaning of my tattoo and its role in my journey, I will also examine how tattoos function as forms of symbolic interactionism, drawing on academic theories of nonverbal communication. The goal is to demonstrate that tattoos are not just visual art, but powerful communicative tools that can convey deep emotional and psychological meanings.

 

The Theoretical Framework: Nonverbal Communication and Symbolic Interactionism

​

Nonverbal communication refers to the transmission of messages or information through means other than words. This includes facial expressions, gestures, body language, posture, eye contact, and other forms of expression that can convey meaning. I initially learned the importance of nonverbal communication while working on a Power Pose research assignment in my COM 300-920. While tattoos are not a direct facial expression or tone of voice, tattoos serve as permanent visual symbols and fall under the category of nonverbal communication. The design, placement, and meaning behind a tattoo can communicate messages about an individual’s identity, beliefs, personal history, and values. In fact, tattoos are one of the most powerful forms of nonverbal communication, as they are permanent marks on the body that communicate deeply personal narratives without the need for spoken words.

​

The concept of symbolic interactionism, developed by sociologist Herbert Blumer (1969), provides a framework for understanding how tattoos operate as symbols within the context of social interactions. According to Blumer, symbols are objects or gestures that have shared meanings, created and maintained through social interactions. Tattoos, as symbolic objects, can represent a wide array of personal meanings, such as spiritual beliefs, cultural identities, or individual struggles. Through the lens of symbolic interactionism, the tattoo becomes a form of communication that is both deeply personal and socially constructed. It is a symbol that communicates not only the individual’s story but also connects them to a broader social and cultural context.

​

In my case, the tattoo "Beauty from Ashes" drawn in wicked lettering, from the Bible verse Isaiah 61:1-3, represents my personal journey of healing after years of trauma. The tattoo acts as both a personal marker and a shared symbol of resilience. It is a representation of my transformation from despair to hope, and it communicates a message that transcends my individual experience, resonating with others who have faced their own struggles. By examining my tattoo through the lens of symbolic interactionism, I seek to understand how the tattoo functions as a communicative tool, one that conveys a powerful story of strength, healing, and redemption.

​

Personal Journey: From Ashes to Beauty

​

The tattoo on my side, which reads "Beauty from Ashes" is a deeply personal reminder of my journey from darkness into light. The phrase, inspired by the Bible, reads:

​

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61:1-3, NIV).

​

This book speaks to the transformative power of redemption and renewal. For me, this verse came to symbolize my own experience of overcoming trauma and abuse at the hands of my father. It became a map of guidance in my life as I worked to heal from past wounds and claim my sense of self-worth. These verses were central to my healing journey, as they emphasize beauty coming forth from pain and suffering. For me, this verse encapsulates the essence of my personal experience, which is why it became the inspiration for my tattoo.

​

Out of all my years attending church, I had never heard the verse from Isaiah, and during a period of deep reflection on my own personal struggles, it was just what I needed to hear. I was in the midst of therapy, processing years of unresolved pain from childhood trauma, emotional abuse, and an unhealthy relationship. During this time, I heard a podcast while driving to work that quoted Isaiah 61:1-3. The words "Beauty from Ashes" struck me deeply, resonating with my experience of trying to find hope and healing after the trauma had long ended, but did it really? I knew at that very moment that I wanted these words to be permanently etched on my body as a reminder of my transformation.

The tattoo became more than just a decorative choice; it became a symbol of my strength, resilience, and faith. It was a way for me to claim my narrative, to communicate to the world that I had survived, and that I had emerged from the ashes of my past stronger and more beautiful than before. Still to this day, almost 10 years later, each time I look at the tattoo on my side, I am reminded of the journey I undertook and the healing that has taken place within me.

​

In choosing this tattoo, I also recognized the power of nonverbal communication. Although the words themselves are simple, the message they convey is profound. The tattoo does not need an explanation; its meaning is embedded in the visual image of the words on my body. It communicates my story of overcoming adversity without me having to speak a single word. In this sense, the tattoo functions as a powerful nonverbal symbol communicating my personal journey to anyone who might see it. It might even spark a conversation and help someone as well.

​

In the weeks following the healing of my tattoo, I made a pivotal decision to show my body and have photos taken. This marked a significant moment of healing for me, as I had spent much of my life hiding my body due to the trauma I had endured. The photoshoot became a way to communicate nonverbally, using only the art on my skin as the language. This was a personal act of healing and transformation, turning the pain I had experienced into something positive and empowering. As I looked at the photos, I realized that the tattoo was no longer just a mark of past suffering but had become a symbol of my strength and transformation.

​

Music also played a significant role in this process. Brandon Lake’s song "Hard Fought Hallelujah" (2024) resonated deeply with me during this time, reinforcing the feeling of triumph over hardship. The song's themes of overcoming and praising through struggle mirror the message behind my tattoo, creating a soundtrack for my healing journey. Before Lake’s song, I found comfort in Celine Dion’s “Beauty from Ashes” (2018), a song whose lyrics, “Let beauty come out of ashes, and when I pray to God, all I ask is can beauty come out of ashes,” spoke directly to the essence of my tattoo’s meaning. While both songs had personal significance, Lake’s song now provides the most powerful reminder of my transformation. Each time I hear it, I am pulled back to the moment of healing when my tattoo became a testament to my strength and resilience.

​

The Role of Tattoos in Nonverbal Communication

​

Tattoos are an essential form of nonverbal communication because they provide a visual representation of personal identity, experiences, and beliefs. Unlike words, tattoos are permanent, and their meanings often evolve over time as the individual’s understanding of themselves and their life changes. Tattoos, therefore, communicate not only the message at the time of their creation but also the ongoing narrative of the person’s life.

​

Research on nonverbal communication suggests that humans are highly competent at interpreting visual cues, even in the absence of verbal language. In fact, studies have shown that nonverbal communication often conveys more meaning than verbal communication. The body, as a site of communication, can reveal significant information about a person’s emotional state, social status, and identity (Mehrabian, 1972). Tattoos, as permanent marks on the body, serve as one of the most powerful forms of embodied communication.

​

In my case, the tattoo of "Beauty from Ashes" is a visible representation of my inner transformation. It communicates my journey of healing, hope, and redemption. As I wear the tattoo, it functions as a constant reminder of my resilience and strength. When others see it, they may not know the full story behind it, but the tattoo communicates a message of survival, healing, and beauty during suffering. The tattoo serves as the start of a conversation, opening the door for deeper discussions about personal transformation and the meaning of resilience.

​

The documentary “The Brutal Black” from my COM 395 class provided me with further context for understanding the intense and transformative nature of tattoos. This film explored how tattoos, especially those obtained under harsh or extreme conditions, become powerful markers of personal transformation. These tattoos, often associated with rites of passage or cultural symbols, represent a visual testament to overcoming adversity, much like the message behind my own tattoo. I have a new respect for people covered in tattoos after this class. I now look at people with tattoos and know that, like myself, they have a deep story, and this is their therapy, if you will, to communicate.

​

Tattoos also serve as forms of empowerment and identity construction. As Thompson (2014) explains, tattoos can be seen as acts of resistance against societal norms, particularly for marginalized groups or those seeking to redefine their identity. Tattoos can symbolize an individual’s agency, allowing them to control how they present themselves to the world. This resonates with my own experience, where the tattoo is not only a personal reminder of growth and resilience but also an assertion of my agency and power over my own narrative. By choosing this tattoo, I reclaimed control of my identity and made a statement about my journey from trauma to healing, countering societal expectations around beauty and victimhood.

​

The Social Context of Tattoos: Cultural and Societal Influences

​

Tattoos are also shaped by social and cultural contexts, and their meanings can greatly depend on the society in which they are placed. Throughout history, tattoos have been associated with specific cultural practices, such as religious rituals, and social status. In modern society, tattoos are no longer restricted to subcultures or marginalized groups. They have become a mainstream form of self-expression, embraced by individuals from all walks of life. I have learned to stop judging those who use this form of expression, as it is wrong to pass judgment without understanding the personal stories and struggles behind the art.

​

Modesti (2011) further elaborates on this, discussing how tattoos, particularly for women, serve as acts of agency and empowerment, often challenging societal norms. By examining the cultural significance of tattoos, she reveals how these body modifications become forms of resistance—empowering individuals to reclaim their personal narratives and make visible their inner transformation. This aligns directly with my own tattoo, "Beauty from Ashes." Not only does it represent my personal journey, but it also reflects my ability to resist the constraints of my past and redefine my identity on my terms. The tattoo functions as an act of self-empowerment, asserting control over my body and personal history in a way that resists societal norms and expectations surrounding body modification.

​

As tattoos become more socially accepted, their meanings have expanded, showing themes of healing, empowerment, and personal growth. In the context of my tattoo, “Beauty from Ashes” transcends boundaries. It is not just a personal statement; it is a message that resonates with anyone who has experienced suffering and emerged stronger on the other side. The tattoo reflects a universal theme of transformation, one that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a message of hope, redemption, and the possibility of healing, themes that are relevant to people from all cultures and backgrounds.

​

Morello’s (2024) work further enhances this understanding by exploring the intersection of tattoos and religious practices. Tattoos, when seen as forms of religious expression, carry significant meaning beyond aesthetic choices. Morello's research frames tattoos as legitimate forms of spiritual expression, particularly in the context of personal transformation and healing. In my case, the tattoo, inspired by Isaiah 61:1-3, can be viewed as a religious practice in itself, symbolizing not only personal growth but also my spiritual journey. By framing my tattoo within a religious context, Morello’s work helps to validate the tattoo as a meaningful form of spiritual and religious expression, offering a deeper understanding of its significance.

​

Conclusion

​

Through an autoethnography of myself, I hope I have captured how tattoos serve as powerful forms of nonverbal communication, particularly when they have a significant personal experience. My tattoo, “Beauty from Ashes” is more than on my skin; it’s a lasting symbol of transformation, resilience, faith, and healing. It speaks a language that doesn’t require words. By examining tattoos through symbolic interactionism and nonverbal communication, I have demonstrated how body modification can act as a meaningful expressions of identity. What began as a personal act of claiming my own story has evolved into a visible declaration of hope, strength, and renewal.

 

Thank you!

​

​

References:

​

* Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic interactionism: Perspective and method. University of California Press.
* Dion, C. (2018). Ashes [Song]. On Deadpool 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Columbia Records.
* Lake, B. (2024). Hard Fought Hallelujah [Song]. Provident Music Group.

* Mehrabian, A. (1972). Nonverbal communication. Aldine-Atherton.
* Modesti, S. (2011). Looking at you looking at me: An autoethnographic account of a tattooed female and (re)         appropriation of the tourist gaze. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 11(2), 1-14.
* Morello, S.J. (2024). The case for tattoos as religious practices. Critical Research on Religion, 12(2), 191-209.
* Swami, V., & Harris, A. (2012). The psychology of tattoos. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 3(4), 440-444.
*Thompson, C. (2014). The art of resistance: Empowerment and identity through tattoos. Journal of Cultural Studies,    15(4), 532-548.
* The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1984). Zondervan.

​

​

​

​

​

Link to Brandon Lake's website with trending Hard Fougtht Hallelujah Tattoo Designs

https://brandonlake.shop/products/hfh-tattoo-traditional-designs-4

​