Kat Von D was many things: A tattoo artist on TLC’s “LA Ink.” A fashion mogul with her own makeup line. A Californian who struck against the grain with her pagan, artistic expressions. How things have changed.
The latest shows her being baptized a Christian in an unnamed church in Indiana in a video posted on her Instagram on Tuesday, Oct. 3.
As inked-up friends of the artist are seen in attendance, Ms. Von D sings before the ceremony, and then a pastor is heard: “I baptize you, my sister, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” He dips her head and white-robed body—tattoos fully concealed—into the pool. She rises and immediately they embrace.
The dramatic metamorphosis isn’t her first, but the latest in a series of moral moltings for Ms. Von D in recent years, taking her in a less pagan direction and toward a more traditional one. Her Hispanic parents were Seventh-day Adventist Christians.
Once a fashion magnate partnered with Sephora, her makeup line, formerly Kat Von D, exceeded profitability expectations by vast margins. Then in January 2020, she announced she'd sold all shares in the brand of her namesake and was no longer involved in any capacity.
In another surprise move, in December 2020 the former TV star left High Voltage Tattoo parlor in LA, announcing she had bought a home in Indiana. She cited California’s taxes, “terrible policies,” and “tyrannical government” as reasons.
A retail display of Kat Von D makeup line (Rob Kim/Getty Images); (Inset) Kat Von D ( Jack Taylor/Getty Images).
The Mexican native, now 41, once mentioned how she’d discovered punk rock and “subscribed more to the feeling of being free.” That explained the ink sleeves. At the same time, her former product line with her signature eyeliner and red lipstick channeled the witchcraft-inspired aesthetic Ms. Von D had long gravitated toward and became famous for.
In yet another post, in July 2022, Ms. Von D said she was tossing all her books about witchcraft and the macabre away, captioning:
I don’t know if any of you have been going through changes in your lives right now, but in the last few years I’ve come to some pretty meaningful realizations—many of them revolving around the fact that I got a lot of things wrong in my past.
Today, I went through my entire library, and threw out books that just don’t align with who I am and who I want to be.
Detail photo shows the hands and tattoos of Kat Von D. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
I’ve always found beauty in the macabre, but at this point, I just had to ask myself what is my relationship with this content? And the truth is, I just don’t want to invite any of these things into our family’s lives, even if it comes disguised in beautiful covers, collecting dust on my shelves.
In no way is this post designed to put anyone down if you’re into this stuff, because I think we are all on our own journey, and I love everyone regardless of where they might be at. But right now, it’s never been more clear to me that there is a spiritual battle taking place, and I want to surround myself and my family with love and light.
With that being said, I want to send extra love to everyone out there, and hope through some of these trying times, you are making meaningful changes in your life, too!
While her Instagram still has the same pagan look it always had—the black clothing, the cobwebs, the cat eyes—her latest baptism post comes in stark contrast. Commenting on her baptism video, both supporters and detractors were vocal.
Notably, fellow LA expat and Hollywood escapee Robbie Starbuck echoed her woes about spiritual war: “We live in a spiritual battle right now and while it’s dark sometimes, other times moments like this happen and it fills my soul with joy. Welcome my sister in Christ!”
Kat Von D stands at a promotional photoshoot for her former makeup line. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
Some saw her exodus as a sort of threat or betrayal, with accusations like “Poser” and “Absolutely ridiculous.” Still, more supporters offered hope and redemption, welcoming Ms. Von D into the flock with open arms.
“Praying that the Holy Spirit has convinced your heart! Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!” wrote Paulabaluart. “He loves you! May the light of the Lord shine upon you and may this light illuminate any darkness around or within you! We love you in Christ.”
Emiliacantor.artist wrote: “I’m not religious but I totally support any change a person freely do to find inner peace, happiness and their own way to meditate and get in touch with their perception of God.”
Dolcehairextensionsmelbourne commented:
My life was full of darkness now it’s all changed Jesus is great he changed me and my family. I have a beautiful home beautiful friends and such a great surrounding. Jesus will surround you now with many like minded people enjoy your blessings.
Michael Wing is a writer and editor based in Calgary, Canada, where he was born and educated in the arts. He writes mainly on culture, human interest, and trending news.
