Emblems and Cycling

As a cyclist, I like to have inspirational symbols on my legs. A few years back, I had the Philosopher’s Stone tattooed on my right calf; an ancient symbol representing vitality, youth and the active elixir in the alchemist formula. On my left thigh, a hawk carrying a dead rabbit, symbolizing a predatory fight. Yesterday, I got one of my favorite Emblems from Lucas Jennis’ manuscript, De Lapide Philosophico, 1625 tattoed on my right knee. It’s a lesser-known version of Ouroboros, symbolizing the life cycle and unifying of polarities. The original Emblem had a lot going on, so we simplified the design, making it wrap around my knee.

The work was done by Megan Cates, the wife of a riding buddy of mine here in Austin. She works at Bijou Studio on 6th street. Check her out if you’re in town and need work done. Her linework is impeccable! I’m just glad I have another face to keep me company on rides…

9 Comments »
by prolly |
Design | Photos | Randomness
This entry is tagged: ,


  • dummymcplaceholder

    you got any color? 

    • black man

      fuck color

    • http://prollyisnotprobably.com John Watson

      I have a wolf head on the inside of my arm with some color. That’s it.

  • Isaac

    Nice tan lines.

  • ian

    yeah that linework is great, it’s super crisp.  I have a jet engine diagram on my thigh, it makes me go way faster

  • Guest

    Look amazing! Aren’t you worried about all of that sun exposure though?

    • http://prollyisnotprobably.com John Watson

      not at all – tattoos will fade, I don’t really worry about it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Eric-Compton/506160950 Eric Compton

    i added ‘faster’ and ‘further’ to my knees, written so i can see them for inspiration.  She has beautiful line work, the etching style of shading is difficult to achieve that well.  Dig it.

  • Spoon

    You may enjoy the folk band ‘Changes’ with Robert Taylor. I recommend the song ‘Anthem to Freedom’. 


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Prolly is not Probably started in 2006 in Brooklyn, New York. For over 6 years it has thrived as John Watson, the sole author, documents multiple facets of cycling. With the boom of urban cycling, Prolly is Not Probably has grown to be the number one blog for the culture surrounding it. In recent years, a large push for original content has spawned a steady flow of photosets, profiles and portraits.

Known for his A Day in 10 Photos, Merckx Mondays, Recent Roll, Shop Visits, and Beautiful Bicycles features, John continues to document bicycles of all kinds and his daily life through photos. Over the years, Prolly is Not Probably has been cited in the New York Times, COG Magazine, Urban Velo and other notable publications. In March of 2011, John moved to Austin, Texas where he continues to cover a cross section of cultural influences.

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