Celtic 'Bleeding Heart' Tattoo

Simple and elegant, this gal asked for something to represent the concept of a Celtic bleeding heart. We agreed on this woven interlace of two heart shapes that fit nicely on the top of her foot, with just a tiny drop of blood. With bright jewel colors against her pale Scottish foot, a permanent epidermal pedicure.

Celtic 'Bleeding Heart' Tattoo by Pat Fish

Two hearts twined together, forever as one. And possibly with the addition of one tiny drop of blood. In all great love there is pain, and transcendence.

The pattern for this tattoo is available for purchase and immediate download at http://www.luckyfishart.com/ceblhe.html

Celtic Tree of Life Tattoo

A Tree of Life in full foliage, anchored to the ground with a sculpted Celtic knot forming the roots. A Texan who is understandably proud of the muscularity of his calves, shaped by scenic road miles on his bicycle, chose to place this tattoo where is will be noticed as he whizzes by. The leg is a favorite place for installing an intricate tattoo, with the skin stretched taut the details can be crisp and fine. And it'll look fine when he wears a kilt!

Celtic Tree of Life Tattoo by Pat Fish

An image central to the Celtic reverence for the land is the Tree of Life, shown here balanced with a grounding in knotwork roots. A tattoo of this mighty oak of life is a way to express a connection with the growing cycles, the natural year, and the spirit of the vegetative universe.

Celtic 'Ace' Sleeve Tattoo

A military pilot commissioned this piece, as much as we could possibly fit onto his upper arm and remain above the end of a uniform sleeve. Years ago when I did his first tattoo I said the fateful words "You'll be back when you feel lopsided." And it DID happen, that tattoo on the other side looked lonely, and eventually looked small too, so now he's done a major installation on the other side. A fun challenge, to have most of the piece be symmetrical, but with a triangular knot in the middle.

Celtic 'Ace' Sleeve Tattoo by Pat Fish

Designed to fill the entire top of the arm to the level of a short sleeved shirt, this knot work pattern has a symmetrical outer weave with a three-part center. This makes a pleasing overall balance with the central focus embodying the Celtic preference for three as emphasis. A winning combination.

'Charter Oak' Celtic Tree Tattoo

The Celtic tree of life is a venerable symbol, and what better way to portray it than with a mighty oak. This design began with a drawing done in 1848 that depicted the Charter Oak, a great symbol of American independence. It was an unusually large white oak tree that grew from the 12th or 13th century until it fell in a storm in 1856. Tradition says that Connecticut's Royal Charter of 1662 was hidden within the hollow of the tree to thwart its confiscation by the English governor-general. The oak became a symbol of American independence and is commemorated on the Connecticut State Quarter. I combined the tree with a knotwork pattern base to act as the roots, and my gracious returning client came all the way from Georgia and gave me his entire side, from waist to armpit, to stretch the tree on. He is a military man, and a policeman, and I wanted to add a dimension of history and meaning to the design in addition to the spiritual connection.

'Charter Oak' Celtic Tree Tattoo by Pat Fish