Semicolon tattoos a symbol of hope

Hers is one of 32 tattoos by Mudgee artist Heath Gay as part of an international movement known as The Semicolon Project – a non-profit dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury. 

But why a semicolon? 

The project says: “A semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.”

Four years ago Danielle’s brother committed suicide, she made an attempt on her own life three months ago. 

“The tattoo was originally for my brother who committed suicide four years ago,” Danielle said.

“And then three months ago I attempted suicide and survived so it’s kind of a linked in thing with me and my brother. 

“It symbolises where it could have ended but it didn’t, the story’s going to keep going. My life hasn’t ended, not yet anyway.” 

Heath tattooed his first semicolon a month ago and has since donated all of the profits - $1500 to Beyond Blue.  

“A couple of people had asked me about getting the tattoo and I didn’t really know what it meant so I did a bit more research and found out that it was for depression,” Heath said. 

“Having lived with depression for a few years myself I thought it was a good cause and I started putting the $50 away each time.”

Men and women of all ages have come to his small studio to have that tattoo for themselves and their family and friends.

“I’ve tattooed a lot of partners who’ve got it for their girlfriends or wives, a mother and daughter came and got one each – all walks of life are getting tattooed,” Heath said. 

“I’m just going to keep going until people don’t want them any more.” 

Anyone interested in a semicolon tattoo can contact Heath via his Facebook page Ink Devotion Tattoo.