Last week a professional skier came to get an angel tattoo, this simple Celtic triquetra with a circle above to represent the angel's head. The stars represent her sons, and with a very tiny intimate mark she invests her own personal symbolism to this iconic permanent mark.
'Celtic Angel' Tattoo by Pat Fish
Today the Autumnal Equinox inspired this custom Celtic knot combining quartered sections, triquetras, a triple spiral wheel in the center, and reverse wave spirals in the ring. The client requested complexity and lots of color, and his wish was my command!
Celtic 'Nocturnal Equinox' Knotwork Tattoo by Pat Fish
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
"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!"
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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.
