Henna was discovered over 5,000 years ago in the Middle East. It is widely used in India, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Greece, etc. It has become a sacred part of many cultures, races, religions, and tribes. Henna tattooing also became the love of many artists through all generations. Over the years, it made its way across lands and oceans to the West. This is perhaps because of its undeniable potency to become a big part of the lives of each man, woman and child it has touched. It slowly but surely grew roots along its path. These roots are carried from heart to heart and land to land by pioneer artists and lovers of this very unique art form.

Henna Recipes
There are many recipes for this wonderful plant. Aside from its many medical and skin care qualities, it also possesses a unique effect, or side effect if you wish, and that is to stain the skin. The ultimate colour is a shade of golden tan to brown which lasts from one to three weeks. At first it starts with a shade of orange and in the following two days reaches its darkest shade. The lifetime and colour of these stains varies. Many factors such as the brand of Henna, the recipe to develop the paste, application and care procedures, skin type and colour, even diet, medications, etc. also contribute to its final colour and lifetime. Henna tattoo artists have always been trying new recipes to come up with a darker and longer lasting stain and I’m sure with today’s technology it won’t be long before multicolour Henna variations will hit the market. I’m working on a black Henna recipe and I’ll update anyone who is interested to learn more about it as soon as I complete and perfect the recipe. The natural golden tan colour of Henna, however, will always remain my favourite.

Fashion Accessory
A Henna tattoo is a fashion accessory or a statement one can enjoy wearing in formal and informal occasions or on vacation without the worry of it being lost or stolen. It is natural, temporary and water resistant. However, jump in the pool and soak in chlorine a couple of times and it will fade faster than fame!
It is an excellent alternative to permanent tattoos without the lifetime commitment and possible regrets. It also provides a chance to try a tattoo for a few weeks, change the size, location or even the entire design a few times before making the major decision of getting a permanent one.

New Tradition
I foresee a great future for Henna body art in the western hemisphere. Henna body art is the fashion statement for the new millennium. In the last couple of years alone it has grown in the hearts of many and inevitably everyone it will touch along the way. South America, Australia, China and the Philippines are next!
Every tradition has an origin and every traditional design was once very new and perhaps revolutionary. We are witnessing the birth of a new tradition. Perhaps many years from now, my Henna tattoo designs and style will be referred to as traditional Canadian designs!

Important Factors
A person’s complexion and characteristics, the love and care that goes into preparing the Henna mix, and the ageing process contribute to the beauty of a tattoo. As well, coming up with a design that best suits the individual and reflects their statements, and the quality of application by the tattoo artist are some of the most important factors I consider to differentiate between a “good” and a “not so good” Henna Tattoo.

Sacred Art
As an artist who has created art pieces of many types and used many paints and mediums, I consider this art form to be the most sacred and rewarding. The paint in this case is the most unique and ancient and the canvas is the most precious of all and impossible to purchase! I consider and treat Henna Body Art as a great honour