Most people will look quizzically at you when you mention the word ouroboros, but almost everyone will recognize the symbol when they see it. So what is an ouroboros? It is the ancient symbol of a snake or dragon eating its own tail. The ouroboros symbolizes wholeness or infinity. It is a representation of constant recreation of oneself and the...
An oilfield, in the literal sense, a chosen region of a number of oil wells that draw out crude oil from under the ground. Workers toil onsite for months or even years to build a field, which is a pretty complicated process since oil fields are typically isolated from civilization, so it involves logistical engineering and coordination. Many who've worked...
Old English, more properly known as blackletter, features a style of script originating in the 12th century in western Europe. It was the main form of writing until well into the 16th century and then continued to be used in the German language until the 20th century. Blackletter is also known as Gothic miniscule and Gothic script, and these types...
The Vikings were historically Norsemen from Scandinavia who've existed roughly around the eighth until the 11th century. The word "Viking" comes from Old Norse which roughly translates to "a pirate raid." Hence, they weren't originally known for their brotherly and unified culture, but mostly for their raids and pillaging across Europe. Odin is a well-known figure in Norse heritage and...
Often known as highly powerful symbolic expressions, numbers can represent events, order, mathematics, destiny, or luck, and can even go beyond our Earth within the stars and planets. They have a relationship with all things in nature and can serve as guides to one's own self-exploration. Numbers have existed since man began to count. The numerals from zero to nine...
Whether you want to invoke meaningful symbolism or don wicked geometrical lines with your body artwork, the valknut tattoo is an increasingly popular modern form of ink to select. It is aesthetically minimal and versatile, but it is also packed with substance. The tattoo form that has its roots in Norse mythology is also known as Hrungnir’s heart, Knot of...
Velociraptor tattoo designs are rooted in popular culture. Science fiction movies like the Jurassic Park series brandish velociraptors as quick, intelligent, and relentless. Seriously, the Jurassic Park film can be credited with the strong demand for dinosaur tattoos. Velociraptor tattoos have n monolithic, traditional form, giving a tattoo artist the opportunity to brandish their own style and have fun with...
The Vitruvian Man tattoo is a classic take on the Renaissance philosophy, which championed art and the beauty of human intellect and nature. It showcases the quiet majesty of the present, and it emphasizes the mathematical precision and aesthetic merit of the human body. The subject’s proportions and anatomy are showcased for this purpose. The concept is based from Leonardo...
A whale tattoo channels the majestic beauty of marine life and the even temperament of an amazing sea creature. These behemoths of the ocean are laden with symbolism and meaning, which explains the prevalence of their designs in the tattoo community. The siren song a whale emits from untold depths speaks to those who prefer processing things alone and serenely,...
Wolverine tattoos, whether they are referencing the literal creature or the famed DC Comics figure, channel an intense energy. Wolverines are notoriously chaotic animals, directing the rawest of aggression toward those they find threatening or obtuse. He is a creature acutely in tune with his wild side and open to wreaking havoc if necessary. The superhero legend Wolverine is a...
