Max Gonzales’s tattoos tell a story
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Max Gonzales is a linebacker on the CSU-Pueblo football team, and he’s a guy who loves tattoos…
"Every single one has significant meaning to me," he says.
That’s because when you look closely, there’s a lot of detail in his tattoos. Tattoos that tell a story of his family lineage.
"I always get asked, ‘Max you have an interesting look, I guess. Like, what are you?’ You know, I'm like, well actually I'm this, this, that, and the other, right? So I was like, that would be kind of cool to have some thing that represents all of what I am, and really, what I'm about.”
So Max found an artist in Aurora, and set to work on telling his family’s story through the ink on his arms.
"My pops always called me gorilla growing up," Gonzales says. "I have some origins that come from Africa. I wanted that to represent my origins there. “
Moving down his arm, he’s got tattoos that represent his indigenous background.
“It blends into more of my Hispanic, Mexican side with the Aztec tattoo being worn as a crown among this woman here, representing the tears she has. The painted tears representing the pain of the indigenous people.”
He’s also got railroad tracks.
"I’m part Scottish and French, that type of stuff, European. When they were brought over during the industrial revolution, a lot of them worked on railroads that eventually built this country.”
There’s an eagle representing American freedom, and blood to remind him of what’s worth fighting for.
"If my ancestors are willing to bleed for it, then I'm willing to fight for it, and fight for what i believe in.”
This story is only beginning. He has plans to continue the work; reminding himself, and even members of his own family, how important heritage is.
"I definitely have some traditional family members who are like oh that’s a cool tattoo, but not really because we’re not really for tattoos. but even some of those family members who are like ‘wow. i can tell you put a lot of thought into that.”
He has a tattoo of anchor in honor of his grandfather, who served in the Navy, and was his family’s anchor.
He never covers his right arm during games. He wants the world to see the art, so he can share his family’s history. One day he hopes to use the tattoos to teach his own children and grandchildren about their lineage, because understanding the past will help build bridges to the future.
"I think it’s essential that we all challenge ourselves to take that next step. I think that understanding where your origins come from is essential in that process.”
