xsarahope:

I got the original tattoo when I was 19, during the summer after my first year of college. It was my first tattoo, and I loved the idea of a peace sign, the word “imagine” and symbolic flowers. I don’t put much stock in flower symbolism as practically significant, but I do love folklore and myths surrounding nature. The red hollyhock I chose is symbolic of ambition.

Four years (and two more tattoos) later, I decided it was time to get this original piece touched up, and I decided to add to it. The idea exploded in my head, and I found more symbolic flowers that added to the original message I had painted on my body…

The hippeastrum (orange) is a flower that blooms during the winter.

Delphiniums (blue and purple) symbolize levity, and the ability to transcend.

Heliotropes (bottom center, purple) symbolize devotion.

Celandine (yellow) is symbolic of joy, and the ability to resolve conflict.

I am so pleased with how it turned out. It was just finished today, so the yellow flowers still contain some red spots and are not as bright as they will be. I’ll surely post a fresh picture when it heals.

Artist: Joe Wood at Needlewurks in Saratoga Springs, NY.