Cydney Bergdorf, a tattoo artist and business owner who recently relocated to the City of Chesapeake, Virginia, dedicates her time to the exploration and sharing of her artistic talents. Though she identifies as an artist first, she leverages her professional tattooing abilities to participate in the expressive process of those who would decide to place stories and philosophical concepts on their skin in ink. Hailing originally from Pensacola, Florida and having recently moved from Arkansas, Cydney quickly became an example of resilience as she engaged her clients with her art and personal experiences.
Artist Cydney Bergdorf tattoos imagery based on her writings onto a client's arm in Chesapeake, Va. on February 18th 2024. Photography by James E Walker IV.
"Each tattoo is a snapshot or an entire chapter in someone's life, and I'm just a scribe essentially," Cydney states quietly, as her hands steadily place yet another story onto skin. Her belief in the transformative power of art to balance emotional and psychosocial well-being easily reaches the ears of those who watch her work. The piece being elaborated in the photo above receives its inspiration from a story she began writing as a teenager and has since developed into a three-part saga.
Daniel Monroe smiles, enduring the discomfort of the tattooing process in Chesapeake, Va. on February 18th 2024. Photography by James E Walker IV.
Daniel Monroe, a military veteran and videographer with a keen eye for creativity, has found a kindred spirit in Cydney after reading the saga. Inspired by her passion and the depth of her stories, he decided to carry a piece of her narrative on his arm. Daniel explains that, “doing this isn't just about the tattoo itself; it's about connecting with her story in this particular moment in time before it’s made her famous. Hearing her talk, I’m certain she will be some day. This entire process is almost a kind of meditation for me. It’s similar to life where you have all of these thoughts in your head, a painful process, and something beautiful that begins to take place over time after a single decision.”
Artist C. Bergdorf focuses as she tattoos imagery based on her writings onto a client's arm in Chesapeake, Va. on February 18th 2024. Photography by James E Walker IV.
Behind Cydney's radiant smile lies a history of struggles, including a significant battle with an eating disorder which almost claimed her life. When asked about the impact this has had on her life, she states that it's these very battles which have come to help fuel her artistic process. "Every line I draw, every shade I fill, comes from a place of emotion and thought. My past, with all its ups and downs, shapes the art I create today but so does hope for the future.” Cydney explains. Before moving to Virginia, her studio had been something of a safe haven of mindfulness and interpersonal connection. Despite taking a break from her business to settle down in her new home, her inclination to leverage opportunities for human connection and artistic expression has not taken a pause.
In a somewhat related fashion, Daniel explains that his tattoos are more a means of self-expression and healing than they are simply artwork. "In Cydney's writings, I’ve found fragments of my own story. The tattoos I get from her are reminders of where I've been and where I'm going.”
Artist Cydney and journalist James Walker discuss creativity, perspective, and overcoming life challenges during an on-camera interview in Chesapeake, Va. on February 18th 2024. Photography by James E Walker IV.
Cydney's artistic journey sheds light on a special relationship between creation and human identity. Describing art as something that she lives more than something that she does, she said, “it's in every breath, every decision, and every moment. It’s part of my connection with the people who come to me and it’s part of how I practice love for myself.”
Her Instagram portfolios @Cydney.Writes and @CydneyTattoos not only showcase her work but also her unfiltered, creative spirit. Watch the video above to learn more about Cydney’s creative process!
