Artwork: Henna, Dragon with Floral Patterns

Henna Dragon

Posted by Sherrie Thai of Shaire Productions.

It’s been about a decade since I’ve done henna body art professionally. It was a great learning experience–to explore and develop different artistic styles.

Recently, I was asked to participate in a henna project for the Aquanuts Synchronized Swim Team. After a long night of decorative work for others, I was able to create this piece on myself in an hour, freehand, reviving my carpal tunnel. Good times!

Inspiration: Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier

Ed Hardy

If you happen to hit the malls this season, you can’t miss the stylings of the now-infamous tattooist Don Ed Hardy and fashion designer Christian Audigier (formerly of Von Dutch and Affliction Clothing). I admire their artistic talents and marketing genius. Tattoo artwork has become part of mainstream culture in recent years and the partnership of Ed and Christian has elevated the style to star status. The products range from clothing to shoes, perfume, bags, jewelry, and other accessories.

Ed Hardy Dragon Scroll

One of the most impressive displays of Ed Hardy’s talent was at the San Francisco Yerba Buena Center in 2002–a 500 foot long dragon scroll painting–it was beautiful seeing it in person as it became a sensory experience, wrapping around itself like a dragon’s body.

Artwork: Dragon Bodysuit


Here’s a throwback to Asian tattooing styles. The drawing on the right was the initial graphite drawing on vellum; the girl was drawn separately. They were then scanned, cleaned up, collaged, and digitally colored in Photoshop.

I haven’t designed tattoos in a while, so this image has been clawing its way through my head till now. I owe so much to tattooing–as an illustrator (picking up different visual styles) and as a designer (logo work and lettering). It’s also made me realize that everything has potential and can be a source of inspiration. With such a rich history (dating back to paleolithic ages), it’s great to see that tattooing is rising past being a mere fad. The inspiration for my artwork “Dragon Bodysuit” is the Irezumi or Japanese tattoo, and the artist and master tattooist, Horiyoshi III.

Here are some notable artists who’ve created artworks of tattooed women: Richard Chesler, Caroline Young, Luis Royo, and Olivia.

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