Today I refreshed the colors on a toucan I did 5 years ago that has seen some serious sun in the meanwhile on this gal's leg. We love clients who show off their work, but use sunblock! Fortunately the faded bird can easily be returned to his former vivid jungle glory.
One of nature's most delightfully improbable creatures, the giant smiling beak of the toucan never fails to delight. This one swings in a spiral of vine that elegantly accessorizes him.
Recently a man whose occupation takes him across the globe got this band adapted from an ancient gypsy pattern. Rendered in black ink to achieve the look of chain mail, precisely fitted to his forearm, he now proudly resumes his travels with a permanent souvenir of his visit to Santa Barbara.
Celtic 'Band of Gypsies' Tattoo by Pat Fish
Today an international sea captain came into port for this ancient Icelandic compass, a talisman to help him keep his course true. It was his birthday, and he gave himself the gift of a transformative experience.
'Valkyrie Compass' Tattoo by Pat FIsh
A Vegvísir (Icelandic 'sign post') is an Icelandic magical stave intended to help the bearer find their way through rough weather. The Huld Manuscript, collected in Iceland, declares that "if this sign is carried, one will never lose one's way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known" A valkyrie (from Old Norse valkyrja "chooser of the slain") is one of a host of female figures who decide who will die in battle. Selecting among half of those who die in battle, the valkyries bring their chosen to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla, ruled over by the god Odin.
Today I finished up my favorite backpiece of the year, Saint Brendan in the waves on a Catholic priest! The icon of the Saint was inspired by an old woodcarving, and we chose to position him on two dolphin fish and surround him with La Tene style wave spirals. Brendan is famous in the chronicles for being the navigator of a ship that "discovered" America well before the Vikings or Columbus. This Father navigates the seas of faith, bringing consolation and inspiration to his congregation.
Saint Brendan Back-Piece Tattoo by Pat Fish
