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
