Eagle Tattoo

With the increasing popularity of tribal style tattoos, tribal eagle tattoos are beginning to appear everywhere. These tattoos are formed from curving, bold lines similar to those used in traditional tribal tattooing. The eagle tattoo in the picture combines the tribal eagle with splashes of color that is normally found in Native American art. For freedom lovers everywhere, the Eagle’s ability to fly to the tops of mountains and swoop silently into valleys makes it the unchallenged symbol of a free spirit. The influence of the eagle in American tattooing cannot be overestimated, especially within the military and patriotic service tattoos genres. From the most powerful god of the ancient Greek pantheon, to the United States government, the eagle has been adopted everywhere as an emblem. In myth and legend, the eagle was the sun god, symbolizing light and power, with fire and water as its elements. It was the symbol of spiritual power and courage, fearless in thunder and lightning, but when shown in imagery with the snake, it symbolized conflict. It’s one of the favorite symbols of leaders, warriors, and emperors, not only on earth but in the spiritual realms, as well. And little wonder, for the eagle is the epitome of speed, light, alertness, and power. It represented all that was majestic and noble. So it’s no wonder the eagle tattoo is growing in popularity, and the tribal eagle tattoo is a wonderful interpretation of this genre.

Most eagle tattoos feature majestic bald eagles. Such is the case with the tattoo in the picture. A proud bald eagle makes a striking tattoo. The American Bald Eagle is the national emblem of the United States of America. Bald eagles are found only in North America. They’re more common in the Northwest part of the continent, with more than half of the population in Alaska and British Columbia. They can also be spotted along the east coast, from Maine all the way to Florida. Since bald eagles eat mainly fish, they’re most often found where water is nearby. But there are many other types of eagles, giving you many choices for your eagle tattoo . Eagles range in size from small, pigeon-sized birds to predators large enough to carry off deer and monkeys. Various eagles eat snakes, fish, rodents, and even turtles. These birds catch their prey by swooping down and grasping fish or small animals in their talons. Most eagles are meat-eaters, but at least one,the African Vulturine Fish-Eagle, prefers fruit from local palms. Bald eagle tattoos usually symbolize freedom and patriotism, so it’s a perfect choice for any American who is proud of their country and want to emphasis the personal freedom that they enjoy.

Joker Tattoo

The Joker tattoo is a derivative style taken from traditional clown motifs. The clown is often indicative of humor and entertainment. Though they are often seen as a fun loving and jolly character there is often a flip side to their personalities with an underlying bitterness or sadness about them. They are the light hearted souls who are often struggling against their own inadequacies. Despite their attempts they always end up falling on their faces. As the king’s jester, the clown mocked authority and ridiculed the establishment. Anything generally accepted as common knowledge was fodder for the jester’s ridicule. The jester was the only one who dared talk back to the king. In fact, that was his role, to think laterally, to think outside box, to abandon reason, and precisely for this reason were his ideas often incorporated into official policy. Besides he joker tattoo, other sub groups of clowns are often grouped together under the same heading. These include jesters, minstrels, tramps, tricksters, troubadours, and mimes. The joker is also associated with the fools depicted on playing cards or the "Fool" in the tarot deck. Even though the Joker is seen as someone foolish they are also quite intelligent.

Joker tattoos used to be associated with playing cards and is related to ‘The Fool’ in tarot cards. As a playing card they usually have special powers and can be used in play or not as in ‘jokers wild’. Even though the joker is seen as someone foolish they are also quite intelligent. They rise above their circumstance by laughing at the serious and sometimes tragic world. Thus, they are the ultimate symbol of resilience. But, nowadays the joker tattoo has taken on a more garrish and ghoulish design. There seems to have been an evolution from the friendly fools of the tarot into sinister monsters and demons that haunts the recesses of our subconscious. Take a look at the examples in the picture. You can barely see the resemblance that jokers once shared with clown and mimes. The trend began to tip towards the horror spectrum. As a result the symbolism of the joker tattoo has also moved towards the macabre and evil. They are now portrayed as sinister tricksters ruthless in their pursuit of our dreams and perhaps our souls. No longer do they rise above strife or hardship but seem to be the instigators of it.

JAPANESE TATTOO

JAPANESE TATTOO

This Japanese tattoo features a beautifully colored phoenix as the designs main component. The phoenix is of symbolic importance to the Japanese, and is a much revered symbol, usually associated with various celestial elements, such as the stars and sun. The Japanese tattoo designs usually like to entwine the phoenix with the dragon, as you can see on many of their tattoos. This also symbolizes yin and yang for the Japanese, mixing the male and female symbols in an interlocking pattern. Now, this Japanese tattoo doesn’t mingle these two elements but I think that if the artist had it would have been an even more spectacular design. I would have included the dragon locked into fierce combat with this mythical bird. That would have been really cool. But, one component that this Japanese tattoo did incorporate was the cherry blossom. From the symbolism of these two elements, I interpret this tattoo to mean one who has fallen but has since risen from the ashes of their own defeat. A nice sentiment for a nice tattoo and one that’s representative of most Japanese tattoos.

JAPANESE TATTOO

Japanese tattoos can provide a design that fits into just about any body’s personal style. This is to create, in effect a delicate balancing of power with beauty. Usually you see Japanese tattoos with very familiar elements. You might seen various depictions of dragons, carp and even cherry blossoms. And these elements can be fit together in a many different and complex ways. Another popular themes among Japanese tattoos are depictions of great or epic battles. Take this Japanese tattoo as an example. It’s a beautifully inked design and one that is very complex. It appears to show a great battle or struggle and it may have taken it’s roots directly from ancient Japanese fables. This Japanese tattoo goes to show you just how complex and breath taking these designs can be. I especially like the dragon that is nestled in between the two warriors. But, I can’t seem to figure out what the dragon is trying to do. Is it decided the outcome of the battle or simply waiting to see who is the victor. Perhaps the dragon in this Japanese tattoo is waiting to gobble up either warrior. Maybe it’s something that only the bearer or the artist knows the answer to.