I have a large, icy blue Celtic cat knot on the center of my lower back. It’s based on a Jen Delyth image that I fell in love with when I was younger. I’ve always felt a certain kinship with cats since my cat was the only stable element in my life growing up. I had wanted it done much smaller on my shoulder, but when I found out I’d lose too much detail, I decided to go big and placed it on my lower back instead.
About a year later, I had the image re-worked to give it some more dimension and to adjust some elements that didn’t quite match up with my personality. I decided to soften the image somewhat by adding some orange day lilies and vines on each side. I wanted them because day lilies are my favorite flower.
This past year, I had a blue raven added to the existing design. It’s standing on the cat knot and intertwined with more vines, orange flowers and another orange day lily. It took a long time but the artist was genius and I was quite impressed with her artistic skill.
Anyway, ravens (and cats, for that matter) are terribly clever and have amazing survival instincts. Despite difficult times, they can adapt and overcome. I think of my back piece as a reminder of my own ability to survive in desperate times, that I have done the same and will continue to do so no matter what. Oh and they’re also very nice to look at as well :)