Laura writes
This is a tattoo of the prairie grass Andropogon gerardii, or big blue stem. My masters research involved land disturbance, mycorrhizae and soil properties associated with this & two other common prairie plants.
Also notice that this tattoo is over a wicked scar from a car accident where I shattered my calcaneus. More than half of a prairie plant is below ground, keeping the plant alive during regular disturbances (such as fire or grazing). The extensive root system over my repaired heal symbolizes stability, strength and recovery. I had the obscure idea, but the artist (Kit) made my botanical mumblings a reality.
July 24th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Carl, that’s an excellent looking stem. I’ve never seen one before but perhaps that stem can soon gain some popularity and some ground over common plant/flower tattoos like the cherry blossom and lotus.
December 17th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
[...] Tattoos at Discover Magazine – I really like this big bluestem illustration, which shows the importance of the grasses’ web-like roots. Beautiful and [...]
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Having grown up with a backyard full of big bluestem, I freaking love this tattoo, both for the symbolism and for the depiction of the plant itself. The heel placement is already interesting even without the scar.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:58 pm
That should say “big and little bluestem”, sorry….