Tattooing, a form of art and appreciation, has become the subject of exhibitions in museums and galleries all over the world. Peeling off from the past seedy and disreputable practice, it now exudes an air of respectability in the art arena where new tattoo artists have introduced many original ideas and influences, causing the repertoire of tattoo designs, or 'flash', to expand enormously and become much more adventurous. There are now so many different designs to choose from a tattoo gallery or entering a tattoo parlour. It can be rather an overwhelming experience for many.
Do people who submit themselves to the tattooist's needle actually pick out designs for their meanings or for their decorative properties? Obviously, some would have a vision of what sort of image they are after and also, more importantly, some idea of why they are having it done. Still, there are some who would very much like to adorn this form of body art but are still indecisive on the design for tattoo.
I always consider tattoo more than a form of art piece. It shares a life with its owner once it is inscribed onto the body part. It literally becomes alive. Tattoos come in different symbolic, spiritual and religious meanings. There are tattoos who are more inclined towards a particular gender. Woman often choose butterflies and flowers, presumably because they are pretty but maybe also because they are feminine. Woman often see their tattoos more as an ornamentation or permanent 'body jewellery', opting a pretty bracelet wrapped around the wrist.
Male tattoos tend to be identity symbols rather than decorative devices, with traditional images such as snakes, eagles, black panthers or skulls being particularly popular. Men are keener on dagger dripping blood or dragons breathing fire, traditionally masculine images which speak of strength and valour. The tattoo is a masterpiece of non-verbal communication.
Some of the messages the images convey are specific and intended only for a particular audience, while others are more generalized. In traditional japan, the royal household has been represented by the chrysanthemum, which has now taken on the connotations of determination and steadfastness. The peony, on the other hand, symbolizes wealth and good fortune. One of the most popular motif in the west and east is the dragon which combines fire and water to indicate power and true wisdom. In Thailand, it is not uncommon to see good fortune tattoos as they are said to protect the wearer from evil spirits.
Of course, the only factors that will really limit your choice of tattoo are the skill of tattooist you choose, your own imagination and the depth of your pocket. There are aplenty tattoo galleries online or offline but that does not stop you from personalizing your tattoo and making it unique and special to you.
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