Artistic Process: Odds & Ends

Although I specialize in Neo-Nordic tattooing, sometimes people will come to me with requests which fall outside of the normal range of things that I do. This could be due to a good reputation, a referal, a person looking for an original look to an old design, or sometimes merely by chance. If the idea interests me I will try to grant their wish as best I can... although I specify that it will be, "in my own style". As I don't specialize in these styles it could require more research and drawing and therefore take a longer time... however I think the results speak for themselves. Here are some examples of things that I have done... which I don't normally do. If you have any ideas for a design, please feel free to come in with them so that we can discuss it.

Enjoy!

An Ethiopian Cross

A symbol of Christianity in Ethiopia. These crosses are almost invariably made from elaborate lattice work similar to Celtic knotwork but with much more angular points and turns reminisant of African art

Logo for "Gonzo Journalism" by Hunter S Thompson

A dagger and clenched fist with 2 thumbs holding a peyote flower.

Gonzo journalism involves an approach to accuracy through the reporting of personal experiences and emotions, as compared to traditional journalism, which favors a detached style and relies on facts or quotations that can be verified by third parties

ᛅᚢᚴ ᛫ ᛏ(ᛅ)ᚾᛁ (᛫ ᚴᛅᚱᚦᛁ ᛫) ᚴᚱᛁᛋᛏᚾᚭ

Both sides of the Jelling Stone

 Camino de Santiago pilgrimage tattoo.

Camino de Santiago is the name of any of the pilgrimage routes (most commonly the Camino Francés or French route) to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the saint are buried

Although I've done several versions of these during the years this was a little special as it was on one of the other shop owners on Jægersborggade just after we opened Skin&Bone

The Inuit people have a long tradition of tattooing which has died out in the last few generations. Living in Denmark I come in contact with many clients from Greenland who are interested in tattoos and having something "traditional". Unfortunately the traditional tattoo designs formerly sewn into the skin have lost all meaning, so many opt for a more modern rendition of Inuit life. 

Here is a traditional Tupilak figure with runes for her grandmother

 Polar Bears are a strong symbol of the Inuit people... they are both feared and revered. It is also one of the only animals with fur under its paws... to keep a grip on the ice

 A personal Heraldry symbol of a Flying Fish

I love doing these types of designs but always think that they look best without shields, banners and floral patterns. These simply designs hold much better as Old School tattoos

Hugin & Munin, Odin's two Ravens bordering a heart containing Thor's Hammer, Mjølner.

Although I usually work with the dotwork technique it's nice to go back to my tribal roots on occasion... Blackwork with lots of negative space.