Look to the stars

Stars, whether it is one or many, have become one of the most frequently requested designs in the Studio. So it was not an arduous task to find images to use for this.

We see stars so often that they have become commonplace and we hardly stop to think about these celestial beings and varying symbolism.

The choice may be as simple as aesthetic or as deliberate as to signify the birth of a child.

For this young woman, the stars represent a light in the darkness, something to aim for. She felt as though the star was the best exhibition of this belief.

Even the location holds special significance, as a reminder to hold her head up high and be proud. Her very special constellation was designed by Trevor to fit the location.

There are many other kinds of stars and each hold their own meaning. For example a shooting star is usually associated with an event in a person’s life that left a lasting impression on them. A nautical star was traditionally used by sailors in the superstitious belief that it, like the North star would ensure their safe passage and return home.

A downward facing pentagram was thought to be associated with the Devil, however the symbol of the pentagram was thought to be one of protection and balance. It is said that the four elements are represented by this as well as the spirit that resides over them.

All the pretty flowers

When considering a tattoo, there are so many options but few as intriguing as an Orchid. The ‘Orchidaceae’ family has over 25,000 different species and they grow on every Continent except Antartica.

The difficulty involved in cultivating this flower, assures its status as rare and alluring. Thus making it an obvious choice for a tattoo design. Orchids have symbolized purity and and perfection for hundreds of years.These flowers hold deep meaning, both masculine and feminine evident in the origin of the name “orchis” stems from the Greek word meaning testicle.

Ancient Greeks associate this flower with virility and strength and even believed that the sex of an unborn child could be determined by the ingesting of their roots.

It was believed that if a father ate large tubers a son would be born, alternately if a woman ate small ones then a girl would be, although it is difficult to imagine such superstition surviving , orchids have always been a symbol of luxury and beauty, chosen for Weddings and Bouquets based on their allure and mystique.

The orchid was also considered an aphrodisiac in countries such as Egypt, China, and Africa.

For tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts, orchids are a subject that allows the imagination full rein in terms of size of the tattoo, placement on the body, and a wide-ranging colour palette. It is also a flower, like the rose and the lotus, that is not overtly gender specific. Orchids can be worked into larger tattoo pieces with freedom for both men and women.

Rise from The Ashes

To both the Greeks and the Egyptians the Phoenix represents the Sun, after a period of time existing as it is, the phoenix builds a pyre for itself and descends into flame, only to be reborn, different and in most scenarios, better.

According to Chinese mythology the Phoenix is a symbol of grace and virtue and is probably one that is recognizable to most. It represents the union of yin and yang, and was a gentle creature. The feathers of the Chinese Phoenix were black, white, red, green and yellow.

The Japanese also have myths surrounding the Phoenix. In Japan, this bird is carved into sword hilts and seen as embroidery on kimonos. It is one of the emblems of the Japanese Empire, along with the Sun. In Japanese tattooing the phoenix is often used alongside the dragon, symbolizing yin and yang, the harmonious combination of the best of the feminine and masculine virtues.

It is perhaps the most well known story and image of rebirth and resurrection.

The Hamsa

This symbol is popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa and appears prominently in the Emblem of the nation of Algeria. It is known as Khamsa or Romanised Hamsa, which literally means five. It is often incorporated in jewelry and wall hangings and is thought to be protection against the evil eye. There are two styles of Hamsa hand, like this, the stylized hand with two symmetrical thumbs and the non symmetrical that are shaped like actual hands.

It is also commonly called the Hand of Miriam in Jewish communities, with reference to Miriam, the sister of Moses. This symbol holds great signifcance for Jews, Hamesh(five in Hebrew) refers to the five books of the Torah. It also represents the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, “Heh”, one denotation of God’s Holy Name. Many Jews believe that the five fingers of the Hamsa hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God.

Another name for this symbol is the Hand of Fatima, commemorating Fatima Zahra, daughter of Islamic Prophet Muhammed, she is believed to be a paradigm for Muslim men and women. The use of the Islamic crescent moon and star within this piece was a specification made by the client.

The Water Lily

The water lily is such an unusual lily, physically more analogous to the lotus flower than any lily variety. It is an intriguing flower and the symbolism behind this design is just as alluring.

This lily, much like the lotus, grows out of the mud and blossoms, opening its petals wide towards the sun, assuming the role of a human and our ability to be open to the divine in our lives. It is, therefore capable of representing the deeply spiritual as well as the purely aesthetic nature of life.

The National flower of Bangladesh has many myths associated with it extending as far as Egypt. To them this flower is linked to death and resurrection as is depicted in the story of Osiris and Isis.

Colour of the lily, too, holds certain significance, a white bloom, for example, depicts chastity and innocence. Blue lilies are worn to induce love. The Native Americans believed the yellow lily repels evil spirits.

Studio  : Body Art Caribbean

Artist  :  Trevor

Butterflies

An insect? Probably not what  springs to mind when asked what is the embodiment  of a feminine tattoo. Regardless, these

little winged creatures account for a high percentage  of the colourful and whimsical tattoos done by

women at the studio. For some, these creatures are simply a captivating choice for a tattoo, but for others, there is a deeper meaning.

For this client, for example, the design was used to represent her mother, grandmother and great grandmother, this was a very heartfelt and special piece to the client and Trevor’s design suited both the overall sentiment behind the piece as well as the aesthetic aspect of any tattoo.

The popularity of the butterfly throughout civilization may be, in part, due to the deep symbolism incorporated in the designs as well as the human affinity for the butterfly itself.

Beginning in the East, and Japan in particular, the butterfly has varying meaning, a single butterfly can represent young womanhood, whereas two can signify blissful marriage. For the ancient Aztecs, however they embody the two most noble deaths, in their eyes, Soldiers who died in battle as well as Women who died in childbirth.

In modern times it is a symbol of change and metamorphosis, owing to the stages of development through its life. Understandably this fragile and lithe creature has become a symbol of grace and beauty to many.

Colour design

This piece is true artistic genius, the design was left totally up to the artist, all that was given to him was the individual pieces to be included in the design.

The Koi is used in Oriental designs to represent Courage and the Ability of one to overcome difficulties in life. This was a poignant reminder to the client of things she had overcome in her life and the Courage and Inner strength she had felt at the time.

Water is a popular element in Tattoo designs and represents renewal and change. This was added to the design to represent some of the people this client had come into contact with over certain periods of her existence that had impacted her views and her overall outlook on life.

The lotus flower, such a striking piece as an individual, but every bit as salient when included in a design such as this. It embodies the struggle of each individual throughout their life to become something alluring despite their humble beginnings.

This is a prominent theme in both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, that something as beautiful as a lotus grows from the filth of a pond. A common theme, even in today’s society.

The cherry blossoms represent different things to different cultures, to the Chinese, they symbolise the female being and the power possessed by the female. However, in the Japanese culture these delicate flowers evoke feelings about the transience of life. Both meanings are embodied by this design. The colours chosen compliment this piece perfectly.

Studio : Body Art Caribbean

Artist : Trevor

Client : M. Sanowar

For the love of Lilies

Lilies, they are beautiful, intriguing and for some the easiest choice for the subject of permanent art. These flowers range in colour, size and just about every other way and are therefore a fitting comparison to the frailty of the human condition.

For centuries this particular flower has graced many a shoulder, wrist and ankle. Today, however the reasons for choosing this flower are as varied as the people they adorn. For this client, the lily is a symbol of the feminine being and her ability to overcome adversity.

The frailty of the flower, represents the frailty of us, each of us, the weaknesses we suffer, the things that we cannot change but choose to grow past, the things that make us strong and desirable even through such turmoil and destruction.

The decision to make this the first tattoo the client received was, in fact, not a difficult decision. It is the representation of her inner strength and beauty as well as that of someone who is close to her.

Studio: Body art Caribbean

Artist: Trevor

Client: M. Sanowar

Awareness Ribbon

This design was very carefully and deliberately chosen by the client.

The Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Ribbon on the back of her neck,  was gotten to commemorate what she has gone through, her journey. The word written in between is Hosanna which is a word of praise.

This young woman displayed the kind of inner strength and peace with her life and her journey that few can only hope for.

She is the definition of a survivor, she is proud to wear a permanent reminder of her path in life, without this disease she believes that she would not be the unique, truly gifted and inspiring person she is today.

When Nikita came into the studio, no one would have guessed at the hardships she had endured, she was young, eager, enthusiastic and very social. A positive joy to work with. She talked and laughed and made silly jokes throughout the whole process.

The larger piece, done on her Shoulder blade was done in Arabic, the text means “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. This is a Spiritual message, a reminder of a Higher Power, a Strength, that is from a faith in something greater than any one of us. Her belief in God helped her through a rough time in her life and continues to inspire her.

Studio : Body Art Caribbean

Artist : Trevor

Client: N. Jemmott

The Crest

From the time I was a child I as always believed in the cardinal points. Life is about having direction and purpose. I would always use the points as a way finding a center and then branch out in whatever direction my purpose may take me. Sometimes the direction may not be the best, the safest or the path of the righteous, but I would always keep in mind, there is a center in which I can return to. Some people call this home, some call this family, I call it balance. Equilibrium: a dynamic working balance among interdependent parts.

So then came the decision for my representation of this, a tattoo. To me a tattoo is like a true belief, once you have it, no can take it from you. As such careful consideration went it to this decision, a crest for my family and the cardinal star to represent home. In the end, life is never certain but truth always is.

Studio: Body Art Caribbean

Artist: Trevor

Client: R  Reid