spider and rose black and grey surrealism tattoo

Featured Artist: James Strickland
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Black and Grey Surrealism: A Spider and Rose Tattoo in Missoula

This piece by James Strickland at Montana Tattoo Company blends natural forms into something more intriguing. It's a classic black and grey tattoo with a single, vivid red accent that changes everything. The design flows down the arm, starting with a hyper-realistic rose at the top.

The rose is rendered with precise shading to create depth and texture, making the petals feel soft and tangible. Below it, a detailed spider anchors the composition, its legs carefully placed to follow the arm's anatomy. The single red eye of the spider is the focal point, a bold splash of color that injects a surreal, almost narrative quality into the otherwise monochromatic work.

James Strickland is known for this kind of thoughtful, custom tattoo work right here in Missoula. He took two recognizable symbols and fused them into a unique statement piece that feels both familiar and strangely new.

The Work: Blending Realism with a Surrealist Touch

This is primarily a black and grey realism tattoo. The challenge was making two distinct subjects—a delicate flower and a precise arachnid—coexist seamlessly on the skin. James used a full range of grey washes to build volume in the rose and give the spider's body a convincing, textured appearance.

The surrealism comes from the unexpected combination and that jarring hit of red. Technically, it's clean, disciplined realism. Conceptually, it pushes into surrealist territory, creating a mood that is more symbolic than literal. This balance is what makes for a standout custom tattoo.

Book With James Strickland

If you are looking for a detailed black and grey or surrealism tattoo in Missoula, talk to James. He specializes in custom, illustrative work that blends realism with imaginative concepts. To start your own piece, contact Montana Tattoo Company in Missoula at 406-626-8688 to book a consultation with James Strickland.