Reviews Tattoo you – with bamboo! By Sally Clifford, Telegraph & Argus, Friday 18 January 2008

Captain Cook referred to them in diaries of his 18th century voyage to the Marquesas Islands. Printed body signs, or 'tattaws', were predominantly sported by Polynesians. Tattoos, as they are now known, have long been symbols of things like religion, strength, love or protection. Historically they served this purpose, but in later years their appearance as a branding for criminals and thugs, and the seediness often associated with back street tattoo parlours, did little to improve their image.

Tattoos have been seen as both a fashion statement or something foolish you did when you were inebriated - they say alcohol numbs the pain, although when reality dawns some blokes probably regret having that woman permanently on their arm! But in recent years the popularity of tattoos has grown, largely thanks to David Beckham who is as recognised for his statement-making fashion trends as he is for his prowess on the football pitch.

When the footballer and fashion icon unveiled the guardian angel protecting his back and the artistic skin etchings spelling the names of his family on various areas of his torso, a resurgence in popularity was to be expected.

Body art gives credence to the professional artists who have made it their life's work. Professionals like Keng Timsuwan, left. Keng's love of art developed from copying comic book heroes as a child. "He had Spiderman all over the house!" laughs his British-born wife, Lauren.

Keng's talent for drawing was discovered when he began sketching at a temple in his native Thailand. The monks encouraged him by arranging some drawing and painting classes and when he was ten they asked him to paint local temples with ornate Thai designs.