​The man responsible for Oscar-winning actor Johnny Depp’s Celtic knot tattoo has opened a studio in Bath.

Kouri Montana has designed tattoos for a host of celebrities, and has opened a studio and training academy to share his skills.

He started drawing cowboys and Indians at the age of three, copying his father’s work, and soon developed a love of art.

After studying fine arts at Cardiff University he has worked in studios all over the world, and exhibited his designs at the Royal Academy in London and in Paris.

Television work also came his way, and it was through MTV that he met Pirates of the Caribbean star Depp.

Following a chat with the actor, Mr Montana designed a Celtic knot and tattooed him.

He said: “Johnny was really nice, and it was a honour to tattoo him.”

Mr Montana has also worked on singer Pink, and Manchester City footballer Craig Bellamy.

His clients travel from all over the world for a piece of his artwork.

One serving soldier in Baghdad will soon be having 50 hours of tattoo work done during his three weeks’ leave in February.

Mr Montana finds his work spiritual, and likes to create unique designs for each of his clients.

He said: “Tattooing is about more than merely inking the skin or decorating, it is very spiritual.

“When the art of tattooing began it was based on spiritual circumstances and I like to believe that I carry it on in the same tradition as my ancestors

“Many tattooists see themselves as part of God’s unfinished world.

“He couldn’t decorate the skin, so he left it to us.”

Mr Montana has several tattoos that he designed and inked himself.

“My tattoos are personal for me, and tell a story.

“Tattoos are very individual, and reflect an individuals life.”

Tattooing is very much a family business, and Mr Montana is joined in his studio by his 29-year-old son Raphael.

He said: “He enjoys it, has grown up with it. It is a way of life for him.

“Raphael did a law degree, but art was always there.”

Montana Studios, in Westgate Buildings specialises in free hand and custom made tattoos.

It is also home to the Montana Tattoo Academy, where artists are trained, and there are plans to open a body piercing service.