Another year has come and gone, and another cohort of clients has passed through our doors with their ideas, ambitions, and eccentric requests. Herewith, a look back at a few of the notable tattoos from 2016. Just like last year, we present them in the form of “awards" - no prizes, but the honor is bragging rights for life! Enjoy, and congratulations to the chosen.
If you were a studio client this year and don’t see your tattoo featured here, please know that we are still deeply grateful for your patronage. Thanks to all of the clients who helped to make 2016 a success!
The Celtic Fusion Tattoo Award
A woman leaving California to study in Scotland wanted a tattoo fusing multiple styles, the golden poppy of her native state with a crescent of Pictish knotwork for her ethnic heritage and the new adventure ahead.
The Dedication Tattoo Award
Father's Dedication Celtic High Cross Tattoo by Pat Fish
This man chose to honor his children by adding their names to the four arms of this large Celtic Cross - a powerful symbol of paternal devotion.
The Unusual Tattoo Award
Celtic 'Skeleton Hands Claddagh' Tattoo by Pat Fish
Everyone has seen the traditional Irish claddagh, hands holding a crowned heart, but has there ever been one before with skeletal hands?
The ColinFraser's Choice Award
Zebra-tailed Lizard Tattoo by Pat Fish
Hey guys, ColinFraser here. When Pat and I were discussing tattoos to feature in the 2016 wrap-up, this one immediately sprung to mind. You see, I took a B.S. in Zoology at UCSB, and Herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians) has always been a particular passion of mine. This woman shared my enthusiasm for the reptiles of the Mojave Desert, and chose to express that with this tattoo of a Callisaurus draconoides, the Zebra-tailed Lizard.
The Pat's Choice Award
13th Century Flying Fish Tattoo by Pat Fish
This flying fish pattern dates back to the year 1250, when a monk doodled it on the edge of a French bible page. Once it flew on calf skin vellum, now it comes to life again on the calf of a leg!
The Heritage Tattoo Awards
Some of the most compelling tattoos reflect history and heritage, and that isn't limited to Celtic people. These two clients have chosen to celebrate their heritage, one Scandinavian and one Hungarian, in tattoo form.
Viking Sleeve Tattoo by Pat Fish
Three separate Nordic patterns are joined here to create a Viking half-sleeve. The Vegvisir compass on top guides a traveler home, a serpent dragon from a standing stone adds a motive element in the middle, and a band of chain link from an ancient memorial stone form a band around the bottom.
Hungarian Violin Tattoo by Pat Fish
A fiddle decorated with traditional Hungarian embroidery patterns connects this client to his father's family.
The Celtic Sleeve Tattoo Awards
This year we decided to feature both male and female clients in the sleeve category:
Full Sleeve Celtic Knot 'Body Armor' Tattoo by Pat Fish
Continuous Celtic knotwork that achieves the look of chain mail armor was first placed on the top of the arm, then later extended all the way to the wrist. An unusual look, worthy of a warrior.
Two complementary elemental half-sleeves represent a balance of both fire and water for this woman. The knotwork is traditional Celtic, the flames are Tibetan, and the water a Celtic triskele. Together they are a union of opposites.