Inspired by the magnificent carvings in the Urnes Stave Church in Norway, this half sleeve piece weaves a deer and sea-serpent-like creatures in a tangle of foliage. The design I based this art on is the North Portal, from the original 11th century church, reused when the church was reconstructed in the 12th century. One of the interpretations of the design is that the stag is eating the bark of the ONE WORLD TREE (Yggdrasil) where the serpent Nithog lived and nibbled on its roots. A powerful Viking tattoo.
Danish Dragon
Fifty years ago this man's Danish grandfather created this dragon design as his logo. Today for his 21st birthday his father gifted it to him as a tattoo. A manhood coming of age ritual. Connections such as this are how the dead come back to be present with the living.
Mark of Victory Celtic Tattoo Design
A mark of victory, symbolic of conquering procrastination, indecision, and fear. Wearing it, one goes forward stronger, with the shield of bravery.
Key Whole Celtic Pictish Tattoo Design
A very complex and unusual Pictish key pattern from the Maiden Stone forms a ring around the sacred seven spiral from the Aberlemno stone. Dating from ninth century Scotland, these are classic examples of the beauty and magic of Pictish art.
