Many historians claim flowers have been in art since Ancient Egyptian times. I would like to argue that flower tattoos and tribal and indigenous patterns and markings have been using floral motifs even longer. During the renaissance, living and dying flowers represent mortality. Often times painted alongside fruit, skulls and candles.
Roses represent love and are seen in every style of body art. They are classic and beautiful but also not everyone’s jam. There are over 400,000 types of flowering plants in the world. They are diverse and incredible, ranging from carnivorous plant flowers to blooming cactus and even tiny wildflowers. Our world is amazing, why not decorate your body with just as amazing flower inspired ink and tattoos?
Floral Body Art by Penguin in Auburn, CA
Here’s a list of floral tattoo ideas other than classic roses all created by Penguin, Sacramento based tattoo artist in California.
1. Chrysanthemum – Another Classic Flower with a Twist
The beautiful flowing tendrils of the multi-petal chrysanthemum fit the curvature of the human body as well. This is a flower that is seen a lot in Asian art and tattooing and can be drawn in a more stylized manner or as seen here as a color realism rendering. They come in many different colors and shapes are are gorgeous! They twist and form themselves into the shape of your body.
2. Cardamom Pods – Foodie Floral Sleeves
I loved creating this food-inspired floral half sleeve tattoo. Although, it does have a rose, the cardamom pods at the top of the design were so epic! They create a flow and movement that is so beautiful an organic. The other foodie flowers shown here are vanilla pods and saffron. Who doesn’t love food and spices? You can have a colorful bouquet with a nod to a region or love of culinary taste and only the most knowledgeable foodies or plant mamas will know!
3. Orchids – Diverse Body Art for Diverse People
Orchids are one of the worlds oldest flowering plants with over 25,000 different species! They can be as small as a dime and come in many different colors and shapes. Some look like tiny monkeys and even fairies! Generally, orchids are found in humid environments which make them have an islander vibe. Most of them are epiphytes which just means they grow on top of things like trees and take nutrients and moisture from the air. Why not let them grow on you and your limbs as floral body art?
4. Pitcher Plant – Carnivorous Flower Ink
Technically the “pitcher” part of this plant, (the long colorful tubelike structures that are filled with water and sometimes animals), are the leaves of this plant. I argue however hat the flower, also shown below, are just as jaw-dropping. When paired with critters and water, these plants make dynamic floral arrangements perfect for a leg panel or tattoo sleeve.
5. Illustrative Flowers – Surreal Tattooing
Lastly, lets get into the truly weird and fun, with surrealism floral! You can add human features like eyes and match flat stylized floral with realistic parts and create something truly unique. You can use textiles for inspiration or abstract something real found in your own garden or a nursery.
Contact Penguin, Body Art Practitioner in California
Email, message or DM Penguin for a unique and creative tattoo in Northern California. She located at Utopia Tattoo in Auburn, CA. You can follow her Instagram @tattoosbypenguin or email booking4dpenguin@gmail.com.
