we are finished with this lucky piece!
this is an extremely fitting post for today (Friday the 13th) since koi are known for meaning good luck, good tidings, and good health. it’s a very lucky symbol to wear on yourself/have tattooed.
this piece happens to be on a long-time client of mine that is recently engaged, CONGRATULATIONS & BEST of LUCK to ya mate!!!
a beautiful backpiece is a *seriously* impressive tattoo to have. in terms of time, commitment, and PATiENCE, a backpiece is NO JOKE.
i’ve had people make inquiries regarding possible backpieces, go thru the drawing/design process, and flip out when they hear that the outline alone with take 5 or more hours… lol, i guess they’ve been watching too much ‘LA Ink’ where full backs are done in 20 mins. hahahahhaha!!! :’D
here’s an approximate timeline to walk those of you who are thinking about owning an awesome backpiece:
about 4.5 hours - just the outline
another 7 hours or so - shading
another approx. 5 hours - color color color
and we’re not done yet.
there’s still more of this to go:
it helps to be able to SiT & have an artist w/a LiGHT HAND as well!
met this great client last year and did a brush-style piece of buddhist chant on her leg. it was spectacular and has been a great addition to my portfolio. i was thrilled when she contacted me this year and wanted to add-onto the piece:
we decided the blooming lotus, color, and smoke would add to the overall meaning and structure.
love the way it turned out; a great progression of time + life.
the full picture as promised.
the foundations for the yellow/pink/purple flowers were there, but i re-outlined, re-shaped, and re-colored them…
…and then built the entire background & underwater floral scene, complete with pet fish. 
one of my fave pieces to date.
[the koi fish is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught, it lies upon the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver, not unlike a samurai (warrior) facing a sword. ]
[a legend tells of how any koi that succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate (on the Yellow River) would be transformed into a dragon.]
[courage, the ability to attain high goals, and overcoming life's difficulties]
…like a woman scorned.
meet the hanya mask, a very old + traditional symbol in japanese tattooing culture.
[...representing a jealous female demon. It is used to represent the malice or sublime emotions of human beings. It possesses two sharp bull-like horns, glaring eyes, and a leering mouth split from ear to ear.]
[...said to be dangerous and demonic, but also sorrowful and tormented displaying the complexity of human emotions.]
[These tattoos are believed to ward off evil spirits, and bring good luck to the person sporting them.]
started this piece early summer, we only got the front of the arm done at the time. this second session we finished it up on the inside as well. wrapping it all the way around in one, fluid piece.
transience / flow / life
