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I just decided it was time for a new tattoo about a month ago (this is my 3rd). I’d been kicking around 2 or 3 ideas for the last year or so, reading tattoo magazines hoping something would jump out at me, but it never did. And there wasn’t a Phoenix in any of them.

I’ve always liked the Phoenix and the mythology behind it, the problem was finding a picture I liked. I hated the tribal looking ones, and all the actual bird pictures I’d seen either made it look like a Peacock or a dragon, and the head almost always looked more like a vulture to me.

The first page of google hits returned for “Phoenix Bird Fire” had the attached picture in it. I continued to look for well over an hour, and never found anything that even came close.

I knew I wanted the folks at the Skin Kitchen here in Des Moines to do it, based on their reputation. Michelle Hall over there was fantastic - as you can see when you compare the result to the original art.

I’ve tried to reach the original artist, Linda Bergkvist, via e-mail, but she’s never responded.

- Nikki

Artist: Linda Bergkvist

Inked by: Michelle Hall - Skin Kitchen, Des Moines, IA

The story goes that when a phoenix dies, it falls into ashes, and from the ashes it is reborn. The reason why i got my phoenix tattoo was because i always was someone else, and not being my true self. Well my previous life has died, that chapter of me no longer exists, and the new me (the pheonix) is the new chaper of my life.

-Alberto

More Phoenix Tattoos

Phoenix Tattoo

When my ex-boyfriend mumbled something about not been surprised from me anymore, i just had to go and do something about it, say…. like another tattoo (the 4th one).

The phoenix stands as a reminder, that no matter how hard i fall into depression, or what sort of crisis come my way - i can be reborn from the ashes, and come back stronger and more beautiful than ever.

-shira