For many, tattoos are a form of self-expression, a way to adorn the body with art that has personal meaning. But for Richard Huff, a 51-year-old ‘tattoo junkie’ with more than 240 tattoos, his chosen surface is provoking negative reactions and judgement. Despite being devoted fathers of seven children, Richard and his wife Marita face online attacks over his extensive tattoos.
Richard began his fascination with tattoos at the age of 17, and over the years his passion has turned his body into a living canvas. Today, around 85% of his skin is covered in intricate patterns, including the names of his children and even his daughter’s lips. He wants to completely cover his body within the next four years.
Although Richard is enthusiastic about the artistic aspect of tattoos, his journey has not been without its challenges. His children’s peers sometimes express concern, but his daughter calms them down by saying, ‘He’s not scary! He has tattoos, but he’s a good daddy.’
Marita, Richard’s wife, admits that at first she had doubts about his appearance. ‘At first I judged him,’ she admits, ’but as I got to know him better, I realised he was a kind and caring man. However, some internet critics were not so forgiving, questioning Marita’s choice and labelling Richard a ‘monster’.
Despite the negative comments, Richard remains a devoted father, actively involved in school activities.
Although comments online sometimes attack his appearance, others stand up in his defence. One supporter notes: ‘He likes his tattoos, he’s a good dad. Let him be.’ Another rightly observes: ‘Tattoos don’t make someone a bad parent.’
Richard believes that criticism says more about the criticiser than the criticised. He prefers to focus on what really matters – the happiness of his family. ‘We’re happy together, the kids are happy,’ he says, ’that’s all that matters.’
The negative reviews do not detract from Richard’s love for his family or his desire to express himself.
He joins a growing number of people who embrace tattoos regardless of age or social expectations.
Just as his grandmother defied critics by adorning her body with art late in life, Richard shows that self-expression can take many forms.
