Wedding Bands

On their fourth wedding anniversary this couple came to me this week for permanent wedding bands > on their arms. Because tattooed rings on fingers blur unpredictably, I often suggest a band somewhere else to fulfill the symbolism. I particularly like that these two have the same pattern, obviously they are a set, but the size is proportional to their individual bodies and the coloring is done using the same colors but his is just a bit bolder. Seen together they make a pair, but apart they are complete, as one hopes their romance and marriage is lived.

Her Celtic Wedding Band Tattoo

His Celtic Wedding Band Tattoo

To see more matched tattoos, visit the Sets and Pairs tattoo portfolio page.

Dedication Anklet

Dedication tattoos stand apart, the emotion attached to them puts them in a class of their own. The initial L was put on this woman's ankle when her beloved sister passed away a decade ago, and like all tattoos done only in color it has blurred. But because the experience of going with relatives after the funeral to have it put on is a touchstone, my suggestion was not to change it but that we incorporate it into an anklet of Celtic knot work. I used a glow of blue dots that mirrored the blue of the letter to give a glow to the circle around it, and also some depth to the band. This way the letter becomes an inscribed locket in the anklet. As long as anyone alive remembers us we have not entirely passed from the Earth. Dedication tattoos keep memories alive. 

Celtic Anklet Tattoo by Pat Fish

Thistle Magic

Tattoos are "Jewelry that can never be lost or stolen." Today's project was a tiny thistle on a dainty wrist, just enough for an expression of a Scotswoman's ethnic pride.

Thistle Magic Tattoo by Pat Fish

A thistle that can be reproduced very tiny, a jewel to express ethnic connection and pride.

Magic Tree

Today's client wanted a tree to symbolize his commitment to his family, and has strong ancestral ties to Dutch Indonesia. When I asked him to provide me with reference material of designs that resonated with him, he sent examples of the splendid tattoo art of Aman Durga Sipatiti. This inspirational Sarawak Borneo art is filled with spiral forms, so similar to the Pictish and Celtic patterns I love. It was a pleasure to look at them as I created this custom piece. 

Magic Tree Spiral Tattoo by Pat Fish

Drawn in the style of the Dyak people of Borneo, equally similar to the Pictish spirals, this bold black graphic tree of life spans the art styles of many tattoo traditions.