21May 2016 by tabernacle
Snake vs Rose Battle

Snake vs Rose Battle

blog
This is a water color painting study for a tattoo of this snake guy doing battle with a rose. Why? Probably jealous of the beauty of the flower. I call it The Battle of Tears. Either way, between the snake's fangs or the roses' thorns, some one is going to get pricked and cry. Also, it's a battle some days finding inner creativity to make these drawings more valid and appeasing to the eyes. The snake hasn't really been seen in a positive light throughout history or mythology but he holds a certain beauty about him.
Read More
21May 2016 by tabernacle
Dragon Party!

Dragon Party!

blog
This is another fun, water color painting I did as a study for a Japanese Dragon tattoo. He's busting out with flames creating some Traditional Japanese puffy clouds and wind. Who wouldn't want to party with this dude? Day in and day out I strive to enhance or maybe perfect in a creative light how these magical creatures should be projected. Sometimes that leads to Dragon Parties. As always I am very appreciative of the work I have been tasked to do and the ability to express how I see things through this art.
Read More
12May 2016 by tabernacle
Traditional Japanese Hannya Mask

Traditional Japanese Hannya Mask

blog
He's big and he's scary looking, but never judge a mask by it's leering mouth. Traditionally Hannya masks were used in many "noh"(Japanese Plays) to represent the souls of women who have become demons due to obsession and jealousy. These "demons" can be demonic and dangerous, but they are truly tormented and full of sorrow. They've also been depicted as being serpent like, so here in this tattoo I've incorporated a snake wrapping itself around the mask. Traditional Japanese creatures; the dragon, tiger, the kitsune (fox), Hannya Masks, snakes, foo dogs, food myoos, plus many many more are what I'm about and what I've loved tattooing and had the pleasure of delving a bit into their legends.
Read More
06May 2016 by tabernacle
Tribal Madness!

Tribal Madness!

blog
The Tribal designs we see today come from various Polynesian, Celtic, Borneo, even Native American influences, plus many many more island cultures. Traditionally these were hand poked into the skin and in some native societies it's a "Coming of Age" rite. The designs the person was given allowed them to reach a higher sense of self as well achieve a closeness with their deity or whatever religious being they're into. The tattoo in the picture has a Polynesian feel to it and looks like a piece of armor for this man's chest and shoulder so he can go out and do battle with whatever life throws. Great piece to have worked on!
Read More
23Mar 2016 by tabernacle
Reaper Tattoo

Reaper Tattoo

blog
Reapers! They come in many forms. This one has wings and lightning, so he's a bit more electrifying than ever. If you take a moment to get in depth with this picture, you see an eye. He's there to see the future, past and present. Death is a constant of the times, he keeps his sight on all things Worldly or Underworldly. As always I am very thankful for the dedication of this client to see this process through.
Read More
16Mar 2016 by tabernacle
Dragon on Female

Dragon on Female

blog
Dragons, Dragons, Dragons! I love Dragons. Traditionally they are associated with bodies of water; ponds, lakes, rivers etc.. So Water Spirits or Gods, if you will. They have also been known to bring good luck and are seen as being very the very wisest of creatures. The tattoo shown here is of a Traditional Japanese Dragon being depicted with cherry blossoms and a bit of smoke with fire. A very colorful piece I did down the side of a female client. Again I am very thankful for the time and dedication it took to create this piece. It's what we are about!
Read More