Justin Bieber has given a rare insight into the meanings behind his extensive tattoo collection.
The Holy hitmaker has most of his arms and torso covered in ink, including designs such as the title of his fourth album Purpose, a Japanese Kanji character and a treble clef note.
Bieber spoke at length about the meaning behind the tattoos with U.S. Vogue, and revealed that he's been inspired by his faith, as well as the natural world, when picking the designs.
One tattoo of a bear, located under his right shoulder, is a hint at his outlook on his relentless schedule.
“The bear, which I got in New Zealand, represents rest. As tough and resilient as a bear is, it always hibernates, which is so important. We as humans go, go, and go without resting and it can leave us exhausted and drained," Bieber explained.
Bieber, who turns to celebrity tattoo artists Dr. Woo and Keith 'Bang Bang' McCurdy to ink his body, also revealed the meaning behind the lion tattoo on his chest.
“The lion I got done by the tattoo artist Bang Bang, and it represents having a heart of a lion. Being bold, courageous, strong!’” he shared.
And the Sorry hitmaker has several animal-inspired designs inked on his body, including a bird on his neck, which he said is a link to his Christianity.
“I also love the bird on my neck that I got from Dr. Woo. It’s a reminder to use the gifts God has given me and give it all I have – to fly above all of the bulls**t," the 27-year-old explained, noting that it isn't the only design to be inspired by his faith.
“The cross in the middle of my chest is a symbol of my faith, and a reminder of what Jesus endured to rectify all that was broken. The rose on my neck from Dr. Woo reminds me that even though I’m flawed, beauty shines even through our rough edges," he added.
