I have Norwegian ancestors on both my mother’s and father’s sides. So for my first piece, I went with the imagery of Yggdrasil for for my life, two ravens for my twin sons, and the triple-horn mead of poetry for my wife (whose art decorates our home). I wanted to avoid runes and occult symbols that don’t have any attestation in either the Edda or archaeological sites, in order to be free and clear of any associations with right-wing groups who seem to like co-opting the traditional imagery. I intend to finish a full sleeve with traditional Viking Age art style (either Borre or Mamen style), but it’s looking like I need to travel to find an artist who really specializes in doing these traditional styles.

Midway:

Final piece: