Rhody Ink

Federal Hill Pinecone

Photo courtesy of Elysse DeRita

“I got my tattoo when I was living in Arlington, Virginia, in October 2022. I moved away to the DMV for eight years and during this time I always wanted a Rhode Island tattoo that was unique. Since I grew up in Providence and am of Italian descent, I decided on the Federal Hill “pineapple,” which is actually a pine nut. I picked my specific studio because Gia from ArtFreeks in Providence was a featured visiting artist. I wanted someone from Rhode Island to be the artist so they understood the design. Funny enough, I ended up moving back to Southern New England two months after getting the tattoo.” — Elysse DeRita, Providence

Anchor/Hope

Photo courtesy of Lauren Ardito

“Inspired by the Rhode Island state flag, I got this tattoo when I moved out of state for college. The act was probably influenced more by a desire to be a little rebellious than genuine homesickness, but I have no regrets. I’ve gone through many changes in the decade and a half since, but my emotional connection to Rhode Island remains.” — Lauren Ardito, Cranston

Ocean Waves

Photo courtesy of Danielle Blue

“I got a matching ocean wave tattoo from Wakefield Tattoo on September 23, 2022, with my oldest for his eighteenth birthday. The ocean is our special place after having had lots of uncertainty on our lives, so we wanted to do something that meant a lot. The waves even have a mama and a baby wave to symbolize each other.” — Danielle Blue, Narragansett

State Flower

Photo courtesy of Alex Almeida

“It’s a tattoo of a violet, which is the state flower. I had it done about four years ago at Black Lotus Tattoo near URI with some friends from college. I wanted something on my body to symbolize my roots (which is why it’s on my ankle) and to always remember where I came from no matter where my travels and life take me!” — Alex Almeida, Providence

State Outline

Photo courtesy of Paige Zuber-Weishaus

“I’m originally a Jersey girl who came to Rhode Island for college. I’ve always had a connection though because my grandmother lives in Bristol — so the Fourth of July was a tradition. After college in 2018, after falling deeply in love with this state, I was recruited back down to New York City for a job. I went to Unicorn Ink and asked for a silhouette of Rhode Island on my right arm. A year and half later, I found myself back living up here and proudly wear this tattoo every day. This little state truly taught me so much in the span of four years at college. A lot of healing from grief, incredible connections, not to mention the beauty of what community means. When I travel out of the state, people always try to guess what it is. Sometimes they’re even surprised Block Island made it given how small it is. There’s really no place like Lil Rhody” — Paige Zuber-Weishaus, North Providence

Block Island

Photo courtesy of Shannon Morgan

“As a native Rhode Islander growing up in Pawtucket, I moved to Block Island after working many summers there. My BFF, who also grew up in Pawtucket but now lives in Florida, designed this tattoo for me. The red heart is where my house is located on the West Side of the Island. It took me almost twenty years to acquire a home on the island, as most are not affordable for year-round residents. I love Rhode Island, I love Block Island and am proud to sport this tattoo.” — Shannon Morgan, Block Island

401/Lighthouse

Photo courtesy of Ry Smith

“My tattoo was done in Middletown, Rhode Island, at Secret Beach Tattoo—by me! 401 is our area code, and the lighthouse representing the ‘1’ is the Goat Island Light.” — Ry Smith, Newport

Divine Providence

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Damiano

“I got the tattoo of ‘Divine Providence’ from artist Drew May as a reflection of my journey through a difficult year of faith. I found comfort in the idea that there’s a greater plan at work. It’s also a tribute to my city, Providence, the place I call home. It’s a reminder that even in uncertainty, there’s meaning and direction.” — Stephanie Damiano, Providence

Hi-Neighbor!

Photo courtesy of Kait Murray

“I never thought I would be one to get a flash tattoo of a beer logo, and much less get it done in a brewery… Yet here we are! In my defense, I grew up in the town on Narragansett, so the tat has a bit more meaning for me beyond the fact that I do just really enjoy this particular lager. Plus, it gets more compliments than any of my other pieces!” — Kait Murray, Providence