Nz Native bird and flora Tattoo

James came up all the way from Christchurch over 5 sessions to get this half sleeve chestplate done. He wanted Fantails and pohutkawa done in a Japanese style. I love doing jobs like this as they are a unique way to represent our part of the world, but have all the elements of a Japanese Tattoo that help make the tattoo be built to last and have stylistic longevity.

The New Zealand fantail, also known as Piwakawaka in Maori, has a cool tie-in with Maori myths, especially with the underworld, Rarohenga, where Ta Moko tattoos are said to have originated.

According to Maori legends, the Piwakawaka acts as a messenger, delivering news of death from the gods to people. Its quirky behavior and big eyes are because Maui, the legendary demigod, squeezed it tight for not spilling the beans about Mahuika, the fire deity and Maui's ancestor.

This myth adds a neat layer to how Maori see the Piwakawaka, as a bridge between the divine and mortal realms in their stories.

Fu Dog and peony sleeve

I've just completed a full sleeve and chest plate tattoo featuring Foo Dogs, rocks, and peonies. In Buddhism, Foo Dogs are revered as the "lion of Buddha," while in Japan they're known as "Komainu.", or “Karashishi” Traditionally, they stand guard at the entrances of Buddhist temples, shrines, and palaces.

In Chinese folklore, Foo Dogs are believed to possess the ability to repel evil spirits and safeguard against misfortune. They're also associated with bringing good luck and prosperity, often placed at the entrances of homes and businesses for protection.

These majestic creatures symbolize protection and fortune, serving as a constant reminder of our inherent safeguarding and the potential for prosperity in our lives. Paired with peonies, according to Japanese tradition, the combination creates karashishi-botan, a motif commonly depicted in Japanese tattoo art, as well as in engravings and paintings across various Asian countries and historical periods.

Starting huge dragon back!

Nothing beats a strong, simple idea for a for back piece, Andrew came in and asked for his whole back to be done with just Dragon, Sakura, and cloud. I have always wanted to do a full dragon back with the face of the dragon looking forward for extra impact, and I was stoked he was keen on the idea! Can’t wait to continue working on this one!

First session, completed the main parts of the dragon body

Second session, adding background clouds, Sakura, and scales to the dragon

Creating a sleeve of Wada Heita Tanenaga Killing a Python

I had recently tattooed a koi leg sleeve on Jake, and once it was completed he came straight back in for a consultation about getting a sleeve and chest plate depicting a warrior fighting a demon or monster, preferably a serpent. He gave me complete creative license as long as it worked well with his last tattoo. I ended up choosing the legendary Japanese Character, Wada Heita Tanenaga, who is often depicted fighting or slaying a giant snake in many Edo period Japanese woodblock prints. I chose a particular Kuniyoshui print to use as inspiration for the main character, that I thought would fit well on the arm, then freehanded the snake, flowers and background to fit to the shape of the rest of the arm and chest.

Double snake sleeve!

Nearly finished on this double snake and cherry blossom sleeve recently

Peony and water sleeve finished recently

Traditional Japanese sleeve tattoo finished recently by Tomtom