Celtic DNA Family Tree Tattoo

Today I did a most symbolic Tree of Life. The client had sequenced his genome several years ago on a genetic testing site and opted in to be told about any links that came up in the system. To his amazement he was recently contacted and informed that he has a half sister on the West Coast! He flew 3,000 miles to meet her and to get this tattoo that celebrates the DNA connection that has given him more family! And both he and his sister now know about the infertility treatments by which they were conceived that had been a secret in both families. And they are thanking the anonymous sperm donor who was their common father.

Celtic DNA Family Tree Tattoo by Pat Fish

UPDATE!  We just received a lovely testimonial from this client:

"I just returned from a trip to Dublin with my wife and 5 year old son. We made it a point to go see the Book Of Kells at Trinity College. Awesome experience. My little guy looked at the artwork on the pages and says to me, "Daddy, those look just like your tattoos!" I call that a wonderful endorsement for you and your art. Thanks again!"

Visit the TESTIMONIALS PAGE to read more!

'Book of Kells Lion' Celtic Tattoo

Today  I colorized a Book of Kells lion begun last month. Accurately reproducing the art of ancient scribes is a great pleasure for me, bringing it to life in skin. This winged lion is vibrant and fanciful, and expands the collection of a man whose appreciation of Celtic and Pictish art is leading him to acquire personal embellishment with historic significance.

'Book of Kells Lion' Celtic Tattoo by Pat Fish

Page 27-verso of the magnificent Book of Kells features the animals of the evangelists, including this wonderful depiction of the winged lion of Saint Mark. In a time when the magical realms were a part of religious life, these symbols brought faith to life.

Celtic Knotwork Pumpkin Tattoo

Today a most unique and unusual request was the project of the day. Surely there had never before been a Celtic pumpkin tattoo! This is a good example of how a tattoo artist can be an agent of completion for the client. This gal had a dream, and lo, now she wears it! 

Celtic Knotwork Pumpkin Tattoo by Pat Fish

Scottish Independence - Aye!

September 18th is the big vote for Scottish Independence.  Only Scots can vote, but here are some Scottish Tattoos in lieu of an "Aye" vote!

The St. Andrew's Cross Flag of the Kingdom of Scotland, known as the Saltire, is here represented in a clever Celtic knotwork pattern. Bringing together both the nationalistic pride of this ancient race and the intricacy of an unmistakably Celtic piece of art.

Scottish Celtic Tattoos by Pat Fish

Although the cross of St Andrew, the Saltire, is the official flag of the Scots, the lion rampant is the more beloved unofficial flag. This symbol of national pride flies proudly and uncompromisingly over the Kingdom of Scotland.

'Queen Thistle' Scottish Celtic Tattoo by Pat Fish

The thistle flower of Scotland rises up from a Celtic knot to form a balanced and dynamic tattoo that expresses the transmitted heritage of the Scots.

The Battle of Bannockburn (Blàr Allt a' Bhonnaich in Scottish Gaelic) (24 June 1314) was a significant Scottish victory in the First War of Scottish Independence, and a landmark in Scottish history.

"A referendum on whether Scotland should be an independent country will take place on Thursday, 18 September 2014.  Following an agreement between the Scottish Government and the United Kingdom Government, the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill, setting out the arrangements for this referendum, was put forward on 21 March 2013, passed by the Scottish Parliament on 14 November 2013 and received Royal Assenton 17 December 2013.

The referendum question, as recommended by the Electoral Commission, will be "Should Scotland be an independent country?" - voters can only answer yes or no. With some exceptions, all residents in Scotland over 16 can vote, this represents over 4 million people - only a simple majority is required to win.

Many issues have been raised during the campaign including which currency an independent Scotland would use, public expenditure and North Sea oil.  Opinion polling indicates the vote will be close."

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_independence_referendum,_2014