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!

[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?

[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...

[[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)

[kevnetik.livejournal.com]

owie.

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

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

[robearal.livejournal.com]

Yes, the fur will grow back. and it will probably be fun to brush bits of it aside to better see the design. ;)

[scream4noreason.livejournal.com]

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

[bikerbaer.livejournal.com]

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

[musicbearmn.livejournal.com]

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

[use2bshy.livejournal.com]

Ahhhhhh a teething ring :)

[apparentparadox]

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

[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.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

spiritwrestler.com is an outstanding choice Mr. Paradox!

they represent Jay Simeon - who drew the tattoo that I'm getting done.

[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.

[bluebear2.livejournal.com]

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

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

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

[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.

Re: [[nods]]

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

I am thinking this will be my only tattoo.

[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.

[pulsecub.livejournal.com]

Well, if I was riding endorphins after 30 minutes, it certainly didn't help me any. But your mileage may vary. :)

Sure...

[huxbear.livejournal.com]

I can understand that... Especially since you've chosen something expressing such a deeply-felt *meaning* and not just some "Oh, look...barbed-wire" style flash-art.

The two that I know I'm getting/finishing are the one on my left forearm (needs finishing), a prayer/mantra and images linked to Shiva (discussed in my YouTube video). The right forearm will be a Buddhist prayer and images/associations of Quan Yin/Buddhism.

:o)

I really look forward to seeing your art when you get it done... Good for you, man... :o)