The four elements – wind, water, earth, and fire – are consistently popular tattoo themes. The four elements were first depicted in Greek philosophy to explain the complex relationship between all matter.
Element tattoo ideas may incorporate all four elements in the design of their body art or focus on the one (or two) that fit most with their personalities and/or lifestyles. Element tattoos are popular with a range of people, from outdoor enthusiasts and gamers to engineers and scientists.
According to author Steven M. Carr, “The Four Elements can also be arranged in ascending order, from lower to higher. Earth rises out of Water, Air is above the Earth, and the Sun (Fire) is over all. Chemical reactions occur as the reactants try to return to their proper place in the series.”
Aside from traditional concepts – which often use variations of triangle shapes – in contemporary tattoos the elements are also depicted differently thanks to their relationship with art, television, and anime, in shows such as The Last Airbender.
Element tattoo ideas can come in different application styles and techniques. The following collection of element tattoo ideas showcases body art that ranges from simple black ink tattoos to more innovative watercolor designs.
1. 4 Elements Tattoo Designs
2. Earth Tattoo Art
3. Fire Tattoo Art
4. Tattoo Ideas for the Leg
5. Simple/Small Tattoo Ideas
6. Watercolor Tattoo Designs
7. Water and Wind Tattoo Art
What do element tattoo ideas symbolize?
The four elements were first depicted in Greek history (they are also popular in Eastern philosophy) to explain the complex relationship between all matter. Wind, water, earth and fire all had relationships which created the earth and everything in it.
Element tattoos are popular with a range of people, from outdoor enthusiasts and gamers through to engineers and scientists, as a means of explaining parts of their own personality and behaviors.
Aside from traditional concepts, in contemporary tattoo the elements are also depicted widely thanks to their relationship with art, television, and anime, in shows such as The Last Airbender.
Why do Avatar Tattoos use the four elements?
The characters in Avatar manipulate one of the four elements – water, earth, fire, or air – with versions of martial arts described as “bending.” The only individual who can bend all four elements is the “Avatar,” which is Aang’s role in the show.
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s main character, Aang, and fellow important characters such as App the Yak, Korra, Iroh, and Toph, make great subjects for designs, as do the elemental symbols which are close to the heart of the show.
How much do element tattoos cost?
A small solid black ink element tattoo can cost in the vicinity of $150-$200. A mid-sized traditional black and gray piece can be around $300-$400 for 2-3 hours of work from an established professional.
As a popular colored tattoo choice, a watercolor element tattoo etched by a specialist may cost significantly more ($250+ per hour) than a one color piece, due to the materials involved and the time taken to create the finished product.
Always make sure that you’ve got a solid idea of the tattoo price before sitting in the chair or making the booking.