Robyn Marshall is a lover of arts and anatomy who found a unique and profound way of providing a life-changing service that channels both of these passions.
At a young age, I had the dream of being a medical illustrator. I would spend hours learning how to draw anatomy by copying drawings from the Grey’s Anatomy book given to me by my dad. Although I have had no formal education, I was able to fulfill that dream by drawing large scale skeletal drawings, four feet by four feet, and selling them to doctors’ offices across North America.
I have always been drawn to using my time and energy for the betterment of the communities around me. From volunteering in soup kitchens in Vancouver, BC, to working with the homeless in Little Five Points in Atlanta, Georgia, my heart has always been geared to helping those in need, no matter what that need has been. Until I began tattooing, I had never found a way to blend the dream of using my gift of art with my desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
When you think about how art can help people, we often think about inspirational or emotional revelations or soothing responses to beautiful paintings, music, or sketches. Art can be life-changing, but it’s a different kind of A.R.T. that I’ve been called to for the betterment of the communities I serve. A.R.T. in my work also stands for areola restorative tattoos, and for breast cancer survivors and the Trans MTF/FTM community, it is a restoration of self-image, comfort in one’s own body, and so much more that I seek to provide.
As the first Canadian tattooer to offer phalloplasty tattooing, I am able to add colour correction and vein detailing to give a more realistic look. This is a life-changing service I am able to offer that until now, has not been provided to the transgender community. I am honoured that I am finally able to use my art to make such a life-changing impact on people’s lives, helping them feel better in their skin.
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