What an honour!  This is the first tattoo (that I know of) inspired by my art: Steampunk Squirrel.

First tattoo inspired by my art: Steampunk Squirrel. Screen capture via Instagram _graceunderpressure_

First tattoo inspired by my art: Steampunk Squirrel, right arm. Screen capture via Instagram _graceunderpressure_

Grace who goes by _graceunderpressure_ via Instagram tagged me recently. What a lovely surprise to see Steampunk Squirrel. It was done by Karl Berringer at True North Tattoo in Wadsworth, Ohio, in one 8 hour session. The background is getting filled in later this week.

I love the addition of the monocle, and it comes with a special story. Loving woodland creatures, squirrels have always been Grace’s favorite because of their funny personalities. The monocle came into play, because years ago she used to hand feed a squirrel she called “deadeye” He was so friendly, Grace always wished she could fix his eye so he could see better. “He was a sweet dude and left an impression beyond his years on earth.”

Incredibly, it’s the same the reason I started to paint squirrels – we had an injured squirrel in our yard a few years ago called, Shakey.  He also had an injured eye, and would fall backwards while eating nuts.

Steampunk Squirrel now graces (pun) Grace’s left arm, opposite Steampunk Owl on the right. The are naturally, best friends. ADORE!!

Steampunk Owl, right arm.

Steampunk Owl, right arm. Screen capture via Instagram _graceunderpressure_