First tattoos of the year, a set of Techno Bees on a local couple well known for their contributions to beekeeping education. Since bees are a personal enthusiasm for me I am very pleased that I can start out 2014 in this way, giving them a permanent visual representation of their appreciation for our pollinator friends.
Celtic 'Tradition Cross' Tattoo
Today a cross for a young Army soldier that took twice as long to draw as it did to install. The challenge was to take a grave rubbing that I did in Ireland and adapt the knot work pattern to fit a different high cross shape, and then puzzle out how to make it weave though in the middle section so it is all one line returning to source. I do love imagining the looks this will get from all the other soldiers. His father also wears a Celtic cross I did, and his mother a Celtic floral pattern -- he is continuing a family tradition!
Knots from a high cross grave in Ireland are combined in a custom way to make this complex and classic tattoo. The single line returning to source evokes the Celtic religious tradition.
Marian Fleur with Knots
Earlier this year this client got the cross on his upper arm, after fulfilling a promise to himself to take a more active role in his church. This custom fleur di lys added today is a nod to his French ancestors, and replicates a stone carving of the classic flower that he provided a photo of. By adding five interlocking rings behind the fleur I had a chance to expand the size with a light Celtic knot work feel, and gave it more of a presence on his arm.
Scripture and religious literature in which the lily symbolizes purity and chastity helped establish the fleur di lis centuries ago as an iconographic attribute of the Virgin and the Holy Trinity.
The pattern for this tattoo is available for purchase and immediate download at http://www.luckyfishart.com/marianfleur.html
Triplicate Goddess Celtic Tattoo
Another Jen Delyth design, in this case adding a new central element to some Tibetan script and a peace dove that the client has had for many years. We like to say in the tattoo world that once you have gotten at least 3 tattoos by at least 2 different artists you are a COLLECTOR. So this gal has risen to collector status today, and we'll hope that she'll get another one next that she can see without having to look in a mirror!
Triplicate spirals within spirals interlock together in this intricate pattern, representative of the Goddess in her many forms.