The healing power of tattoos | David Allen | TEDxChicago

Can a post-mastectomy tattoo help someone heal? Tattoo artist David Allen says yes -- and he explains how listening to clients' stories can also transform the artist. By witnessing cancer survivors, accident victims, (etc) embrace their emotional and physical scars, he has learned how to take inventory of his own emotions and need for healing. David Allen is a world renowned tattooer and painter who splits his time between tattooing and The Self Reclamation Project, a nonprofit organization that facilitates healing through empathy, art, and science. His mastectomy tattoo work has been shown at the MOMA and his article on the importance of empathy as published in JAMA… which called his work the “intersection of art and science”. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@almanfredonia]

I AM ONE.. i see your art on my mastectomy tattoo, I deeply breath in, and I thank you for giving me a story to tell too. 🙏🏻💙🙏🏻

[@lisawand4053]

PROUD recipient and more importantly, GRATEFUL for the entire experience. You're a healed, survivor yourself. 1000 thank you's-

[@elizabethpieroth1189]

Absolutely beautiful David! So moving. Your kindness comes through so clearly. Thank you for all you do. Your clients are better for your work and message is a gift to the rest of us. Bravo!

[@joesbadvette]

That was really awesome. Well done good and faithful servant. You’re a blessing to so many. Proud to call you a friend.

[@Jacksonluv81]

Thanks for sending this to us Joe. We watched and then I listened to club Naz stories for an hour.

[@angelaarnold2864]

Amazing, David 💗 The power of healing, and being a conduit for others to heal is a beautiful thing. You are a wounded warrior, bringing light to others. My mom always adored you, and I am blessed to have a piece of your art on my back.

[@ericsawitoski]

Your empathy and approach to everything you do is impressive. So proud of you and the positive impact you have on people and our world.

[@smartdatingacademy]

I LOVE THIS TALK! Inspiring, and the work you do serves people in the most profound, lasting ways. You inspire me.

[@somattkelly]

That's my friend David!

[@unapologeticallypam]

I have literal goosebumps. Thank you, David 💜💜💜

[@ashleepiper3760]

Such an inspiration, David! Your kind and compassionate energy just bursts through and inspires us!

[@dircepacheco]

In a few words: awesome, inspiring and touching.

[@MACERATIONART]

One of the best ted talks if not the best i ever seen

[@stylznailsandmore2025]

After my traumatic experience I discovered tattoos ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sarahfrigo9624]

Incredible job on this David!

[@luzwilson2807]

Great job. David

[@dontgetbored]

legend. amazing talk buddy.

[@lynnevans203]

Could you recommend a artist In around Wilmington N.C or even Raleigh NC

[@colleenwighaman3441]

♥️