Tattoo Design: Dragon Flies…Real & Imagined

The Fanciful Dragon Fly Protecting

The More Realistic Tattoo Images of a Dragon Fly Tattoo 

My Stillwater good luck charm, the Dragon Fly buzzing about, inspecting, landing, sizing up my pontoon boat as a likely party place, breeding station? Or, just imparting a dose of luck and good fortune as they have so many times before. Symbols of the mystical or just a superstitious, comforting sign for me. I love the Damsel as well. 

Symbolisms of the Dragonfly

• Maturity and a Depth of character
  The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life.

• Power and Poise
  The dragonfly’s agile flight and its ability to move in all six directions exude a sense of power and poise – something that comes only with age and maturity.
  The dragonfly can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour,  hover like a helicopter fly backwards like a hummingbird, fly straight up, down and on either side. What is mind blowing is the fact that it can do this while flapping its wings a mere 30 times a minute while mosquitoes and houseflies need to flap their wings 600 and 1000 times a minute respectively. (more)

Bird’s of a Feather Tattoo (Trisha’s Version)

Trisha came upon the Bird’s of a Feather tattoo I posted. She did further research and came up with her own unique variation of the feather tattoo to honor her family and a departed friend of her son. I am showing the B&W version because it  provides more clarity. In some variations of this tattoo design, one sees the birds are flying away from the feather and in others, the birds are flying into the feather to comprise the whole. 

Trisha's beautiful variation of the Bird's of a Feather Tattoo by Pierce Godbay, P's Tattoo Studio, Endicott, NY

Trisha writes about the inspiration and symbolism of the feather tattoo: ”The inspiration for the tat came from the sudden loss of my son’s best friend, in a car accident, along with the representation of my relationship with my brothers! My relationship with one brother has been all of that and more. When no one else is there, he has been, he is my best friend.

Feathers are often viewed as messages from the spirit world and is said that seeing feathers in our path is a direct message from a loved one who has transitioned… Feathers also represent honor, faith, limitlessness, freedom, uplifting… I am including both black and white and also color photo of the tat!” 

Thank you Trisha for sharing your inspiration and the unique tattoo. 

Peacock Tattoo: Design & Application

Bucky's Finished Tattoo (SwittersB)

Jerry Ware of Atlas Tattoo (Portland, Oregon) did some nice color work for a Peacock Tattoo on, my wife, Bucky. Many peacock, bird feather tattoos have some part of the peacock herl. Bucky and Jerry Ware conspired to design the peacock feather, peacock eye and the peacock bird’s head. The following pics show the progression from design, template, beginning ink to the finished tat above. It will look better once cleaned up.

The beginning ink and design for the Peacock Tattoo (SwittersB)

The color app for the Peacock Tattoo (SwittersB)

Jerry Ware, Tattoo/Artist, Atlas Tattoo; Portland, Oregon (SwittersB)

Jerry Ware is the consummate conversationalist, ink artist and all around nice guy. The banter inside the shop, visuals and sense of comfort are enjoyable as you spend several hours practicing mind control, employing breathing techniques…all to take the edge off the needles.

Atlas Tattoo, Portland, Oregon

Of course, getting a tattoo is not for everyone, for all manner of reasons. Portlandia (Oregon in general) has a visible rep for tattoo art and it is more common place and acceptable, so the mind works through the pro’s/con’s with less social mores clutter. It should be special and thoughtfully considered. The above tattoo took several years to work through the mind. Life’s journey can rob the impetus or bestow the incentive to get a tattoo. It just has to be the right time for the first one. 

Feather Tattoo Design & Meaning

SwittersB & Fly Fishing receives a lot of daily enquiries re feather tattoo design. I have read various comments re the visitors’ perceptions of what the tattoo (displayed or someday acquired means to them) means.

Flight, freedom, part of a greater whole, nature, Native American heritage, natural colors, pretty in a sexy spot. Bottom line, the tattoo you acquire should, must have a meaning beyond some fanciful, momentary impulse. Feathers are a perfect, soft and bold statement. You decide what the meaning is for you. It doesn’t require an explanation, other than if someone sincerely asks. Otherwise, let them compliment and say thanks. Now, of course, some tattoo locations will not be seen by everyone.

Tickle, Tickle

 

Peacock Feather Tattoo design options

Peacock feather tattoos continue to be a hot tattoo design for women. The peacock feather does lend itself to colorful options for ink. This site is a bit naughty, so look at the peacock feather pics but don’t venture to far left or right and I don’t mean the Oregon Blueberry ad either….  bodypainting69   (don’t enter if easily offended….intended for those only interested in peacock feather tattoo design options…there are two interesting designs here…)

Peacock feather design on the bum (swittersb...bodypaintingby69)

Tattoo Work: Brook Trout on Phillip Synhorst

Phillip Synhorst carries this beautiful Brook Trout tattoo. Char Hall of Side Show Studios Custom Tattoo in Sacramento, California did the work. I have seen a touch of her other work and must say she does beautiful color work. (SwittersB) Thanks Kara/PP

SwittersB’s Tattoo’s Progression

SwittersB Tattoo

Designs, visions, suggestions, artist input…..a tattoo design can be created, but can go hither and yon while you practice mind control over a few hours. I designed the top tattoo as a combination of the family motto “Semper Paratus”, the Celtic theme and the triquetra symbol. I wanted it finished off with the hands presenting the fish to nature. It was just fine until I noticed the hands were not, well not quite right. Did I speak up? Nope. I rationalized the hands and made a mental adjustment. In time it was fine; but, I deferred to what is a permanent work on my arm and not quite what I wanted. Ok, it was done and I was cool with it. If anyone noticed, they said nothing.

Now, a thought evolved from a nymph/female image I had seen years ago on the back of a stillwater fly fishing book….a buggy looking nymph/female. I had a photocopy of the image for years. I still have it somewhere, I just don’t know where.

So, I asked my son, Tony, to devise a newer image. My vision: a female/nymph blend rising from below the first tattoo to reach up and receive the fish from the hands above. Tony drew his image and I liked it a lot. Originally, it was a buxom rendition. Off to Atlas Tattoo (Portland, Oregon) for an appointment with Corey Crowley. I turned over the renditions by Tony and an appointment was made.

I arrived to have the tattoo. The Crowley rendition was similar in theme, but again the artist’s input had altered my vision. But, I liked it. We went for it. I suggested, for peace keeping purposes, that perhaps some hair should descend down over the breasts. The hands rose to receive the fish from the hands above. The middle nymphette’s hands/arms were presented in a prayerful-respectful pose. The abdomen was perfectly segmented and the three tails reached to the hand. Blades of grass/vegetation reach out from the side. I suggested a shading of grey-green to delineate the nymphette from the grass. Crowley suggested shading and leaving it uncolored/shaded. I deferred.

In the end, I will digest the tattoo, as is, and not rush to green up the vegetation, just yet. I may have the top tat touched up and a hint of blush added to the fish. Still deciding. A very good experience and as always Atlas Tattoo, in Portland, is a very awesome experience regardless of the artist….all exceptional. 

SwittersB Tattoo (Vegetation Greened Up)

Sorry for glare of flash, but wanted to show the results of greening up the vegetation to differentiate it from the nymph. I am pleased. Brian Graham, Black Lotus, Eugene, Oregon

Damsel Flies and Day Dreams (Waiting for the Thaw)

By no means is my weather comparable to what is pounding the East. It is 30 degrees out and my rig is encased in ice this morning, a by product of freezing rain and living close to Troutdale (Oregon) and the Gorge. Temps are promised to rise to the mid 40′s by 9am. Don’t think so, but sometime soon.

So, my mind wanders to a peaceful Summer afternoon on a lake, moving about the edges with Damsels flitting about. Warmth and fruitful calculations. Observations that can be worked upon. My recent chuck and chance it forays into the Spey world are more like casting with a hood on right now, so the day dream of warmth and certainty is appealing. Only five or so more months to go…….

Love the Damsel (TMuncy~SwittersB)

 

Damsels Delight Others Too (SwittersB)

Peacock Feather Tattoo: Hannah Grace Metler’s

Hannah was perusing the other peacock tat pics at SwittersB and said “well check this out!” Nice tat, pretty back. Perhaps Hannah will re-comment on who did the work and where.Tattoo’s of feathers are quite popular now, especially of peacock feathers. Thank you Hannah for sharing.

Hannah responded: “It was done by Zera Anderson in Ypsilanti, MI” (Ink For Life Studio on Huron St.)

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Tattoo Memorium for Jason Ell (Brother Remembered)

A common theme: young men bond in an endeavor that challenges courage, integrity, team work while forming a deep commitment to the endeavor and particularly each other. This happens with a variety of pursuits be it the military and tactical units, sports, or in this instance fire fighters.

A group of young men, several years ago, came together to train and learn the rigors of fighting fires. As a result they became close as they shared each others strengths and weaknesses. It was an environment with no place to hide. Young men, and a few women, became so close that the word ‘family’ was not uncommon or inappropriate. ‘Brother’, the oft repeated word, carries deep meaning of acceptance, trust and a willingness to sacrifice for the other.

My son, Tony, training, working and playing amongst this group became and is very close to these fine young men and women. One amongst them, Jason Ell, was lost, on March 8, 2009. Lost to an unexpected tragedy. One of them, one of the core group that held the minds and hearts of the others. an exceptionally caring and fine young man….lost.

The love and caring for Jason did not go away. He has been honored by ink amongst his peers, each in their own way. Tony was particularly close to Jason. The loss was and is etched, but he has decided to celebrate Jason with a tattoo.

The concept of a tattoo evolved into drawings and consultations. Tony is an exceptional artist in his right, so the drawings were shared with friends and family. The concepts of brotherhood, life and loss were evident.

Preliminary Ideas for tattoo by Tony Muncy

Tony already had a tattoo that had been created by Portland’s Jerry Ware of Atlas Tattoo. He had no doubt where he was headed with his new vision. Tony sketched out additional ideas and headed to Jerry Ware.

Jason Ell tattoo sketch by Tony Muncy

Below is the results after the second sitting. The black work had already taken place and the vision was coming together.

Tattoo and Tony Muncy

Today, another session (below) and closer yet to the vision of brotherhood, the scaring of a loss and that life does go on while carrying the brother’s memory with dignity and pride.

Note: this post was amended 5/10/11 to respect the sentiments and concerns of Jason’s family. All previous remarks re Jason’s death should be disregarded as unnecessary to the intent of this post….a friend paying respect to his dear friend. As with any loss like this, grieving is a long time process and I apologize for in any way causing additional heart aches.