My client had already obtained a tattoo, “Maktoob” (meaning “it is written”), but wanted to embellish and improve the overall design. Working with an existing tattoo can be tricky; I strongly advise against trying to edit (or even worse obliterate) the original inking–it just creates more of a focal point for what you are trying to “fix”. The customer had original inspiration from the book “The Alchemist” and wanted to add layers of depth and mystery to the design. I added “Every second of the search is an encounter with God” and “A prayer without words or plea” — both in Arabic.
My client requested an Arabic tattoo in the shape of the famed Cedar of Lebanon, shown here very nicely inked onto the arm. After I provide you with a custom designed calligraphy tattoo it is very gratifying to see the work inked by a skilled professional tattoo artist. The sharp edges, changing pen widths and fine lines need to be done properly to bring out the true beauty of the Arabic calligraphy. While this is technically not a “zoomorphic” design — it is in the shape of something living!
Zoomorphic calligraphy is a very popular choice for tattoos, as well as an interesting choice for artwork and logo designs. In a zoomorphic design, the calligraphy creates the shape of a bird or a lion or some other animal. Closely related are florigrams, in which the calligraphy creates the shape of a flower or a tree or some other plant. Together these designs are all labelled calligrams. Calligrams present a unique challenge to me as a calligrapher, as I must create a specific shape–animal or plant–while retaining some of the essential qualities of the calligraphy. Fortunately, Arabic and Perso-Arabic script is a wonderfully flexible medium, and the tradition allows the artist a great deal of freedom in using the words to create artistic designs.
