A violin embellished with embroidery patterns from Hungary. In ancient times the Hungarians liked to dress in richly decorated and embroidered clothing and this violin honors that tradition. A gypsy fiddle might have looked much like this.
Hungarian Violin
A complete knotwork wrap for the forearm, uniting several intricate knots in a seamless web that fits to the body like a sleeve.
Long before the Christian religion came to Ireland the symbol of the Trinity was a powerful part of the native Irish religions. This symbol is timeless, and represents many facets of our tripartite existence.
An intricately interwoven Icelandic high cross.
A Celtic harp embellished with shamrocks and a sprig of bog rosemary is the eternal symbol of the performing arts in Ireland.
The fearsome dragon boats of the Nordic raiders struck terror in the hearts of those in lands they raided. The sea in this tattoo pattern is formed of the sea serpent Jormungandr, writhing beneath the ship.
The smallest of tiny Tree of Life designs to grace a delicate ankle.
The astrological sign of Taurus, the Ox, represents steadfast courage and persistence. This is an original Celtic knotwork representation of the sign.
The eternal pursuit, the coursing hound and his fleet prey, the elusive hare. Together this Celtic dog and his rabbit nemesis engage in a spirited chase.
Retiring from his career as a policeman, this favorite client asked for a protector dragon encircling a Celtic Tree of Life. We combined the knotwork crown and roots of the tree in black-and-grey with a European style dragon in color; red accents and the body the thin blue line of those who protect and serve. Even as he leaves his profession and goes on to other things he will always be the one his family and friends know they can call on when in need.
An ambitious first tattoo, wrapping a forearm. Original artist of design unknown, client brought it to me and I added the sword when I tattooed it.
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.
Back by popular demand! The Peace Sign of the 1960's is reborn in Celtic knotwork, looping interconnected infinity symbols that make a whole that speaks both of love for Celtic heritage and love for the world to succeed in the goal of Universal Peace. A tattoo for one who wills the future to be better.
Whenever the luau begins, you just KNOW this tiki is the LIFE of the party!
The animals in this man's family crest are woven into this interlaced Celtic knotwork forearm sleeve tattoo. A lion, a chuff bird , and a camel. An unusual grouping, now united in this pattern of knots to cover his forearm in an integrated pattern.
A full wrap forearm sleeve of knotwork with a prominent shamrock design woven into the braiding, shown here placed on the inside of the arm and highlighted with colored ink in the background spaces in the shamrock. Fitted perfectly to the arm, it gives the appearance of chain mail armor and an archer's gauntlet.
The center of this traditional Celtic cross is a knight's sword, and the heraldic rose at the head signifies adherence to the Knights Code of Chivalry, a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of Chivalrous conduct - qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.
To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve the liege lord in valor and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To give succor to widows and orphans
To refrain from the wanton giving of offense
To live by honor and for glory
To despise pecuniary reward
To fight for the welfare of all
To obey those placed in authority
To guard the honor of fellow knights
To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit
To keep faith
At all times to speak the truth
To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
To respect the honor of women
Never to refuse a challenge from an equal
Never to turn the back upon a foe
Stone Boar Pictish Tattoo Design
The original Pictish stone carving on which this boar tattoo is based is housed in the antiquities museum in Edinburgh, Scotland. Rendering it with dots, as shown, brings out the sense of it having been pecked into the stone.
The boar was always the most feared and desired prey for those seeking their sustenance in the forest. No other animal posed as much danger for the hunters and their dogs, no other was as wily and strong, a most worthy assailant.
Inspired by a graphic of a fighting cock produced in Paris during the cubist period, this mighty rooster is proud and ready for action.
Celebrating the weaving together of the lives of brothers, and those who choose each other as brothers. The way their strengths become a fabric that clothes them in the courage to do what is right, knowing they have their compatriots at their side. The Band of Brothers tattoo unites those who understand its meaning.
