tattoo post #1 - the fitting

[thoreau]

Today I went and saw Iggy at Idle Hand and we did a fitting for the tattoo design. I am so freakin' excited to get this done on Tuesday! EEP!





Why is the tattoo I've chosen a Haida Killer Whale. Why? I am a child of the ocean - and I've always felt at home on or in or under the ocean - it's one of the primary reasons I left Boise and moved to California... was to be back by the ocean.

Haida legend says that the orca are an ancient race of people that so loved the ocean and it's life force that the thunderbird granted their wish and transformed them into "whale people" or "Sgaana xaaydagaay" in the Haida language. In this design the thunderbird is represented in the dorsal fin - which is the traditional formline drawing of the thunderbird mask.

I am blessed - and it's the perfect thing to mark myself with permanently - and celebrate my 40th birthday.

Comments

[inbhirnis.livejournal.com]

From a Scottie with low pain tolerance:

ouch.

Impressive, though!

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

I'll be sure to post pics of it when i come home Tuesday afternoon.

[krypto38801.livejournal.com]

I see your nipples! *blush*

[robearal.livejournal.com]

You're going to have to shave that wonderful mat of fur for the inking, aren't you. Shame.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

the thing is - that wonderful mat of fur will grow back through the design. making it all the hotter (imho)

[roybear.livejournal.com]

Looks hot! Oh, I like the tattoo design as well ;-)

[osodecanela.livejournal.com]

I thought the nipple was going to be in between the bottom fins of the whale. Why did you decide to rotate it?

It is spectacular.

Will it be just black, or with other colorings?

[apparentparadox]

I like the way it goes up along his shoulder and almost onto his arm -- I don't think it would do that if it was rotated as we all originally thought.

[pulsecub.livejournal.com]

That'll be really nice once it's finished. Be prepared for some serious pain though; Xanthus' head was very not pleasant in that same spot on my body...

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

yeah - the artist said that it's going to feel real intense - that I'll be riding endorphins by the 1/2 hour point.

[[nods]]

[huxbear.livejournal.com]

That's going to be awesome, man... [[envies]] I *really* need to get my one 1/2-sleeve finished...so I can get the other one done... ;o)

Re: [[nods]]

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

I am thinking this will be my only tattoo.

[kevnetik.livejournal.com]

owie.

but it looks cool. it's just going to hurt.

I'm a real wuss when it comes to needles.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

its going to hurt - like hell. he describes it like getting your nipple pierced x 12. so - I'm just going to have to grin and bare it. because it's going to be beautiful when it's done.

[scream4noreason.livejournal.com]

Thats gonna hurt.......like........HELL!

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

um - yep. but it'll be beautiful when it's done.

[bikerbaer.livejournal.com]

Congrats!
Is it all going to be done in one session?
Any coloration?

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

The outline will be one session - and then the filling in.

the artist wants me to consider doing the grey areas in bright red.

I'm leaning more towards just black and white.

[musicbearmn.livejournal.com]

That looks good. I would love some artwork like that for the house...where would you recommend looking?

[apparentparadox]

I'm betting he recommends Sue Coleman! Check out www.spiritwrestler.com for some neat stuff.

[use2bshy.livejournal.com]

Ahhhhhh a teething ring :)

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

you have no idea........

[bluebear2.livejournal.com]

Where did you get the design? It's nice.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

the design is by a favorite Haida/Blackfoot artist named Jay Simeon.

[sjwarrior.livejournal.com]

Beautiful. A great birthday present indeed! I have had two tats done in the same area. The first one, really didn't hurt all that much. The second one was a cover up of the first one and was done after I had had top surgery. It was excruciatingly painful! However, a i said the first time didn't hurt much...don't psyche yourself out too much.

I think the more annoying issue for me was having my chest hair grow back in as the tat was healing...double set of itchy! :)

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

and as you can see? I'm super furry - and I know its going to be um.... itchy for a while

[moved.livejournal.com]

Looks good!

I can't wait to be able to afford to get mine. *laugh*

[tigerbeard.livejournal.com]

That is going to look soooo cool when it's done!

[krypto38801.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I think there should be a video post of at least two or three minutes with you narrating the whole process as it happens :)

[truthfeather.livejournal.com]

In some traditions, whale is the keeper of deep memory. It is good that whale has chosen you. It is a good totem spirit.

M

[prisoncitybear.livejournal.com]

Sweet! Have you seen the Pacific NW work on my arm?
From the bottom:
Raven to Bear to Owl to human hand.
Can't wait to see it!
T

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

:) no I have not seen your work! sounds wonderful!

[tbone1961.livejournal.com]

Someone is ready to set up a profile on musclebears dot com.

I might have missed some details along the way, but what will the coloring of it be?

[holy13nation.livejournal.com]

The only bit that will really sting is near the armpit.
It's a really good size and works across the pec with really good flow.
Going to be very pretty.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

I'm very excited. the flow and direction of the peace is extraordinary. :) I'll be sure to post pics as it becomes real.

[madknits.livejournal.com]

Looks good. Can't wait to see the finished project, and do remember to post another photo after the hair has grown back.

I got my first tattoo on my chest, just a wee Zuni bear.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

seeing as Mr. Whale here is becoming a permanent part of me? there will plenty o' pictures.

[beg1n.livejournal.com]

Excellent design and great location!

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

I am so unbelievably stoked, Jeff. I can't wait to have it on me.