The Point: Journal of Body Piercing - Issue 88 - Autumn 2019

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LeRoi, Inc. 21 S 2nd Street I Fulton, NY 13069 www.LeRoi.com I PH: 315.402.2136 I FX: 315.297.4167 I INFO: sales@leroi.com

the point

The Quarterly Journal of the Association of Professional Piercers

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cody Vaughn—President Becky Dill—Vice-President Cale Belford—Outreach Coordinator Monica Sabin—Membership Liaison Brian Skellie—Medical Liaison Jef Saunders—Public Relations OFFICERS Aaron Pollack—Secretary Paul King—Treasurer ADMINISTRATORS Caitlin McDiarmid—APP Administrator Marina Pecorino—Membership Administrator EDITORIAL STAFF Marina Pecorino—Managing Editor Jim Ward—Art Director & Contributing Editor Brett Graham—Copy Editor Jacob Spjut—Copy Editor Kristina Outland—Copy Editor ADVERTISING editor@safepiercing.org Front Cover: Lysa Taylor, 2019 APP Conference.

Photo by Autumn Swisher ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS 1.888.888.1APP • safepiercing.org • info@safepiercing.org Contributions to The Point are always appreciated.

The Association of Professional Piercers is a California-based, international non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination of vital health and safety information about body piercing to piercers, health care professionals, legislators, and the general public.

Material submitted for publication is subject to editing. Submissions should be sent via email to editor@safepiercing.org.

The Point is not responsible for claims made by our advertisers. However, we reserve the right to reject advertising that is unsuitable for our publication.

IN THIS ISSUE 4

FROM THE EDITOR

7 THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

8 THE SILENT AUCTION

10 VOLUNTEERS, THANK YOU

18 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

28 PIERCERS OF COLOR CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP

30 BPA: FAKIR MUSAFAR, IN PURSUIT OF THE SPIRIT

34 CREATIVE INNOVATOR AWARD

38 TECHNICAL INNOVATOR AWARD

40 THE GOLDEN TICKET RAFFLE

42 THE REMEMBRANCE ALTAR

44 APPE

46 2019 MEMBERS’ MEETING UPDATE

48 THE BPA CONTRIBUTES TO THE MUSĒE DE L’HOMME

50 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE UPDATE

52 LBP 2019 REVIEW

56 FGM & PIERCING IN THE UK

59 HEALTH CANADA WARNS ABOUT GENTIAN VIOLET

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POST-CONFERENCE 2019

FROM THE EDITOR MARINA PECORINO The Point Editor

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onference this year featured several sessions on the topic of representation and accessibility. I attended a fantastic discussion from Vanessa Delgado of Eastern Washington University on the topic of Cultural Competence and Inclusion, where the distinction between equality and equity was discussed. I was also allowed to share space with some of my POC colleagues during the POC: The Power of Color and Representation roundtable. I came home more aware than ever of the importance in using our individual platforms to help elevate those around us. Since returning from Conference, I have had more industry professionals than usual reaching out with an interest in volunteering or submitting articles. I love this!

Bring it on.

APP membership is not a requirement for submissions to this publication, although we do encourage Members to submit. We welcome writing, images, and video submissions to editor@safepiercing.org.

Is industry related writing, photography, drawing, and/or videography not your forte, but you’d like to help the organization and industry flourish? Or are you frustrated with an aspect of the organization that you’d like

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to see change? Maybe you just have an incredibly keen eye for details, fantastic organizational skills, or are particularly tech savvy. If so, I strongly encourage you to email volunteer@safepiercing.org. Julie Taylor has a survey to help identify your areas of skill and interest, enabling the organization to pair you with an appropriate APP Committee or project.

There are dozens of people working behind the scenes for the Association of Professional Piercers all the time, sometimes from across the globe. Join us and our companion organizations like, LBP1, UKAPP2, RuAPP3, APPE4, and the brand new AUPP5. You can read about some of their international conferences and contributions later in this issue.

Representation is imperative in all its forms to ensure the diversity and wellbeing of our community. Get involved. Be seen and heard.

Add your perspective to our shared history. https://www.lbpiercing.com/ https://www.ukapp.org.uk/ 3 http://ruapp.pro/ 4 https://www.appepiercing.org/ 5 http://safepiercing.org.au/ 1

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THE POINT

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POST-CONFERENCE 2019

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER CODY VAUGHN

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ello dear readers of The Point: Journal of Body Piercing! I am incredibly humbled and proud to introduce myself to you all as the new President for the Association of Professional Piercers.

I would like to start by sharing with you all a little about myself. I was born and raised in Monterey, California. I have an amazing wife, Brittney Vaughn, and we both own and pierce at Vaughn Body Arts. We have three children and a big goofy dog named Lobo.

My love of body piercing started as a teenager while watching MTV late at night. I saw a pierced nipple for the very first time and well, here I am now (thank you, Red Hot Chili Peppers).

I started piercing in 2004. I became an APP Member in 2009 and have been a volunteer with the Membership Committee ever since.

I have also volunteered on other various APP committees on and off throughout the years, and have been serving as a Board Member since 2014. In addition to my volunteerism, I am a dedicated educator.

I have been an instructor for The Fakir Intensives since 2011. Over the years, I have also had the pleasure of teaching at APP Conference and Camp APP in the United States, LBP in Mexico, and ruAPP in Russia.

During my APP Board terms I have served as Vice President, Membership Liaison, and now as President.

Needless to say, things have been very busy and exciting these past five years! But that is enough about me, let’s talk about APP Conference!

A few years ago a survey was sent out to APP Members requesting their feedback for Conference. The overwhelming response was that Conference makes the most sense in Las Vegas from a financial and enter-

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tainment standpoint. At the request of the membership, we started looking at other hotels to host our Conference. Some were too small and couldn’t physically house all our attendees. Others were simply too expensive for the daily room rates.

Then we toured Planet Hollywood.

Making a very long and work-intensive story short, Planet Hollywood looked like the perfect next step for our growing conference.

Now, I’m one of those people that gets used to things and am fine with familiarity. I was always quite fond of Bally’s. I knew where everything was located. Huge group hangouts at the bar were always a sight to see. So why change it? I walked into Planet Hollywood thinking, “well if everybody wants a change of scenery, so be it, but what was wrong with Bally’s?” I am happy to say that I was wrong. So very, very wrong.

Our Conference at Planet Hollywood was simply fantastic.

The overall look of the hotel felt updated and refreshing. The rooms were comfy and felt new and modern. And every room had a fridge!!

(It’s the little things.)

The easy walk directly from the elevator to the conference space and Expo was incredibly convenient. It felt wonderful to travel to and from classes without having to go through all the cigarette smoke on the gaming floor. I had the opportunity to speak with a lot of first-time attendees, long-time attendees, and vendors. The overwhelming amount of positive and enthusiastic comments about the new location were simply amazing.

It felt so good as a Board Member to hear how happy attendees were.

Personally, this Conference was truly memorable because of the tributes for Fakir Musafar.

Fakir was a friend of mine, my boss at The Intensives, and an altogether fun person to be around. He always seemed to have a new story I had never heard about something he did at some point. Did you realize Fakir was a puppeteer on a children’s television show for a little bit?

The Body Piercing Archive’s Fakir exhibit was breathtaking. In my biased opinion, it is their most amazing exhibit as of yet. Seeing all the amazing pictures and original items from Fakir’s body play journey and photography up close and in person was surreal.

Docent tours were lead by Cléo Dubois, Ken Coyote, Ian Bishop, Jef Saunders, Dustin Allor, Allen Falkner, Annie Sprinkle, Cynthia Wright, Betty Ann Peed, and Paul King; the tours were wonderfully done. Hearing each person’s unique relationship with Fakir was a memorable treat that I’ll never forget.

What a Conference! Smiles, tears, hugs, laughs. It was an emotional rollercoaster for sure.

I don’t want to give away any surprises, but with our next Conference in 2020 being our 25th anniversary, it is safe to say it’s going to be a special one.

Thank you for having me as a Board Member these past five years!

I look forward to one more year of service and I look forward to learning with you all at our next Camp and Conference!

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THE SILENT AUCTION

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ur Conference Sponsors contributed generously, allowing our first Silent Auction to be a tremendous success. This year, many auction certificates were snagged early for their Bid Now price (75% of the wholesale value), allowing auction participants to take home a guaranteed discount on future inventory for their studios. Some bidders went the patience and risk route, which resulted in an exciting Thursday afternoon in the Auction booth. A small number of auction certificates were awarded for as little as 20% of their wholesale value!

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Silent Auction. Your participation provides the Association of Professional Piercers with support that makes Conference happen and allows the organization to operate throughout the year.

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Thanks again to our Conference Sponsors who contributed charitably to the Silent Auction: Anatometal Inc. Auris Jewellery Buddha Jewelry Organics Fakir Intensives Gold Heart Woodworks Industrial Strength Body Jewelry LeRoi Inc Maya Jewelry NeoMetal Inc. Pupil Hall Quetzalli Jewelry Regalia Sleeping Goddess Jewelry Steri-Wash

THE POINT

POST-CONFERENCE 2019

VOLUNTEERS, THANK YOU JACOB SPJUT

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Above, Pre-Conference Volunteer meeting; photo

by Darrin Walters, courtesy of Paul Rainer

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very year The Point publishes a thank you letter from Caitlin McDiarmid after the annual APP Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity to express through writing, and with a readership that may not have attended that year, or ever, appreciation from an individual in a leadership position. Caitlin does wonders to remind her “ducklings” that their contribution is noticed and has an impact. This year, though, we are trying something different.

I was very fortunate to be asked to write a thank you letter to the volunteers this year. Most volunteers are aware, but for those who do not know, I, during my first year as a volunteer in 2013, created the tradition of the “bus stop speech.” So, being able to compose a piece of writing that illuminates the thanks that I feel to those who work so hard is humbling.

The dedication of those involved with helping to create the APP Conference every year is astounding. It would not be mischaracterizing to say that the contribution made by every volunteer, every year, helps to continue the single greatest educational and social event our industry has ever had. While there are great opportunities for piercers to join together in the name of education at events all over the world, the event held every year in Las Vegas is paramount to the future of our industry.

Why is it important to have this image of grandiosity in one’s mind when reading a thank you letter? Because this grand event—and I mean to use that word, grand, in its full power— would not, and could not, exist if not for the volunteers that place their time, energy, resources, and soul into bringing it to life. It is easy for a lot of these volunteers to disappear from what is seen when an attendee is at Conference, as they are almost always on the run to their next task, but their contribution

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“ �

Caitlin, who is the first to interact with all new volunteers, welcomes all that want to progress the group and industry forward.... We find we can accomplish anything, thanks to the strength we garner from her.

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Below, volunteers at the closing party; photo by Autumn Swisher

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Josh A. Prentice Volunteer Appreciation Award:

Mark W. Montgomery

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THE POINT

Pre-Conference Volunteer breakfast at Bouchon at The Venetian

must be noted. The volunteer family, which I am honored to have a part in, truly creates something otherworldly.

But, though we have a great number of volunteers who, over the last number of years, have ascended themselves to become great leaders in our group, the very foundation is built squarely upon the shoulders of the tiniest giant, Caitlin. To say so is not to dismiss the tremendous amount of work put in by so many other people every year, but, as a group, we are guided almost exclusively by Caitlin. This is what I am here to give thanks for.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once remarked that if you want to build a ship you must not just gather men to collect wood, divide the work, and give orders. One must instead teach those building to yearn for the endless sea. A great leader creates a community that is driven to greatness by establishing a common goal and aspiration. In a time when a word like “leader” is greatly diluted to mean any number of qualities required by an individual working together with others, finding the exceptional qualities in an individual that represents something bordering on ethereal must be undertaken. It is not so difficult with Caitlin.

When a volunteer becomes tired, yearns for home, and is overexposed to the infinite possibilities presented at Conference, they seek the guidance of such a leader as Caitlin. We seek solace in Caitlin’s empathy and are rejuvenated by her desire to see us succeed. She drives any individual to work towards what they, deep inside, feel is right and worth accomplishing.

This is most apparent in her approach to the Al D. Scholars that grace our group every year

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with new skills and with new eyes.

It is almost a cliche to say that coming on as a Scholar creates a great deal of internal turmoil that makes the very act of walking into the hotel the first day feel burdensome. When that level of apprehension poisons the well of one’s experience before it even begins, it takes an exceptional personality to bring that individual back above water and into a space that helps to build them up again.

In the atmosphere Caitlin has cultivated, many have risen to make real change outside of their specific Conference duties, as well. Some are elected to be APP Board Members. Others become teachers. A few have even found work in studios they had once viewed as unattainable.

Caitlin, who is the first to interact with all new volunteers, welcomes all that want to progress the group and industry forward. In her kindness we find acceptance. In her diligence we find strength. We look to her because she not only gets us to love the endless sea, she paradoxically tames it for us while also allowing us to ride its tumultuous waves. This helps create, in those that allow it to be created, an antifragility, to use a term from Nassim Nicholas Taleb. We find we can accomplish anything, thanks to the strength we garner from her.

To many who attend Conference she is a recognizable name; a quiet speech giver at the closing party; a name at the bottom of an email from the APP. To us, her volunteer family, she is Mama Duck, and I do not think I am out of line to speak for every volunteer in expressing our gratitude for her presence and guidance.

Thank you, Caitlin.

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Right and below, David Kelso and Alicia Lowe working the Registration desk during the week

Right and below, Reuniting and welcoming new Volunteers during the pre-Conference meetings and meals

VOLUNTEERS AT WORK PHOTOS BY MARINA PECORINO

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Volunteers working classroom doors Right, past and present Al D. Scholars, Victoria Rothman (2019) and Jamie Biggers (2016); below, Mark Montgomery and Ryan Clark

Above and left, Celebrating and relaxing after a successful week at the post-Conference Volunteer dinner in the Bellagio after pack-out

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VOLUNTEERS AT PLAY PHOTOS BY AUTUMN SWISHER

Top to bottom, Shorty and Seven Wolfe; Marita Wikström and William Spencer; Marina Pecorino, Kendra Jane B, Caitlin McDiarmid, Jezzy Voulé

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Top to bottom, Jose Carlos Calvo Salgado; Jesse Enz, Theo Sheffler, Seven Wolfe; Gus Diamond

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Al D. Scholar—Branko Branislav

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Photo by Autumn Swisher

My very first thought on the 2019 APP Conference is simple: Hell yeah, that was so great to experience. I’m super motivated to do things better, to test and try different techniques, to get things done smoother. Here and there small but important tricks were shared. Presentations were interesting and gave me new angles on topics. There were so many beautiful people all around smiling and saying hello. You can talk to any person and connect on topics immediately. The days are long and full, and worth the time and effort. Oh, and yes there is a lot of fun.

I have to admit that even attending thanks to the Al D. Scholarship, still Conference was quite expensive for me. Not only the flight, but Vegas is damn expensive. However, I believe it is worth it. The Conference is simply a mind bomb: the brain is on full speed, the notebook with 30 pages of notes, and all those insights.

It was not for me that I would discover a whole other world, as I’m a piercer of 15 years, and I already have a foundation of knowledge. But still having this collective knowledge of a thousand piercers for a week in one place will make you discover a lot of thoughts from techniques, safety, materials, and how to best work with social media.

And here comes the best; I now realize that piercers are super easy to share what they know. They are eager to share and that is very special. I know many communities and this is not the case always.

Often people keep their tricks for themselves as that makes them work for a living, but that is not the case with piercers at Conference. Piercers didn’t mind telling you the trick they developed over 20 years of practicing. They made a presen-

tation out of it for anyone at Conference. That is great. That is bringing us forward, keeping things even safer, and that is a top priority for all of us; having in mind that whatever I do should be beneficial for clients. That is about what we do at Conference. We care. We share.

I was a bit pushed to apply for Al D. Scholarship, and I’m very happy that I did apply. It was all fine, and I got the chance to come and volunteer at Conference.

Volunteer work was great. I liked it very much, as you can experience the conference also from behind the scenes. Who would not be curious, right? The work itself isn’t very hard; it’s more the length of days that make it a bit challenging. But having the chance to say hello at the classroom door to 300 people each time, or being at the merch and getting to see the happy eyes of guys who just bought stuff… worth it! Not a surprising side effect is the big growth on the number of real friends (yes, also on FB) that I can call anytime. I already miss them as I’m based in Europe.

To sum up, I’m so glad I had the chance to come and experience it, and I’m already looking forward to coming back again. I will go through the door, and if they are closed I will climb up the window to get in.

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Al D. Scholar—Danica Kamakana

Photo by Caitlin McDiarmid

From the moment I was told I was receiving an Al D. Scholarship, I felt an overwhelming sense of appreciation.

The thought that I was deemed worthy of this opportunity warmed my heart and gave me a sense of confidence I had not yet experienced during my evolving career.

The time had come.

It had been years in the making and caused an accumulation of emotions, seemingly becoming bottled up in my throat: excitement, anxiety, worry, wonderment. Feelings I just had to swallow in order to take that first step. As I walked into Planet Hollywood, I realized I was one of the last volunteers to arrive and that sent me even more into a panic. Would people even like me? Would I just belly flop through this whole week?

The volunteer meeting was just beginning, and we were all making our introductions, when I stood up amongst the group of over fifty people, most of them strangers to me, and I managed to shakily say my name, a few other facts about myself, and promptly sat right back down on my butt. As the meeting progressed, I started to feel my shoulders surrender, my smile went from nervous to elated, and I gained more confidence in my voice. A realization flooded over me; this group of volunteers was far more than a bunch of random people sitting in a room, they were each amazing, special, and here for one another. I began to feel less like a lone wolf and more like a little duck.

A little duck under the loving wing of such a special person who became so dear to me, as she does to everyone in the volunteer family.

If it were not for Caitlin, I’m sure we would all have been a little more hungry and dehydrated than we’d like and we would definitely be lacking caffeine.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you do every conference and throughout the year, Caitlin. You are irreplaceable! Each volunteer made running Conference seem effortless and without worry. I know that is be-

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cause we had such amazing guidance from Caitlin and our super volunteers! I appreciate every single one of you!

Later, once I was able to go up to my room for the first time, I took a deep breath and looked at my badge. There it was, “Association of Professional Piercers 24th Annual Conference,” and it had my freakin’ name on it! I had my own badge. I had finally made it to my first conference! At that moment I made a promise to myself, that I would get out of my comfort zone during the week. I would talk to anyone and everyone, even when social anxiety tried to creep up. I would make a point to participate in each class I attended and I wouldn’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.

I was so grateful that, even though I was a volunteer, I was given ample time to attend the classes I wanted and still was able to take a moment of downtime. Volunteering is not easy, though! The days are long: going to classes, working the doors and booths, attending office meetings, making sure to eat, stay hydrated, and being social. This can all seem like a daunting task, but taking valuable advice like “TAKE NAPS” definitely helps. Thanks, Zakk.

Each class was insightful, inspirational, well organized, and welcoming. All my apprehensions about raising my hand to ask a question quickly resolved itself and I felt like everyone in the room was there for the same reason: growth. I left each class highly motivated and looking forward to being able to put into practice all the knowledge I had gained.

As day five ended and I sat on my bed, I had this sense of sadness float over me. I thought about how soon this week would end and this community I loved would dissolve. I’d have to wait over a year to have this same feeling again. as soon as the sadness came so did the joy, though. I had found my place. Being born and raised on an island, in one of the most isolated places in the world, I rarely see modified people, and hardly get to be around such like-minded and inclusive folks. Yet, here I was, ending my search and finding my home away from home. Thank you to all of those who welcomed me without question, who reminded me of self-care, who shared their wisdom and experiences, and who hugged me when I needed it most. All these memories will be carried with me each day until, once again, I can greet you with a smile and be welcomed home.

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As I sit at the airport waiting to board my flight home, I reflect on the past week. I think about what this experience was for me, what it has meant to me, and what I have learned.

When applying for the Al D. Scholarship, I wasn’t very confident I would even be accepted. I made what I thought was a mediocre video in somewhat of a hurry. But I thought, “Oh what the hell, I’ll just give this a shot.” I was at a breaking point and a little lost, unsure if my career in piercing was even going to continue. I told myself if I didn’t get the scholarship I was going to hang it all up and go back to the healthcare field. The mere thought and excitement of possibly getting accepted is what helped get me through the winter months.

Upon finding out I had been accepted, I felt slightly rejuvenated. As I waited for Conference, I was overwhelmed with excitement and nervousness already. I knew there was a lot of work ahead. Daily, I looked forward to the various emails, phone calls, and messages I would receive during the six months or so leading up to Conference. With each one, my emotions shifted back and forth. There was so much to read and learn beforehand, but I made it a point to read the information given each day.

Once it was time to fly out, I was a mess. Completely engulfed by the stress of leaving home, being alone while traveling, and flying for the first time in 10 years. I felt confused, lost, and alone as I started my emotional week before even leaving home. I collected myself, boarded my plane, and before I knew it, I was in Las Vegas. I scrambled to find my luggage and find fellow Al D. Scholar, Christy. I honestly couldn’t have had a better buddy to ride to the hotel with. Quiet, but kind, Christy helped ease my nerves

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with her presence and calm demeanor.

The first few days went by so fast they were a bit of a blur. Every part of me was exhausted come Monday morning. At that point, I wasn’t sure whether or not I would make it through the week. I didn’t partake in any drinking or after-hours activities. While I could, I got as much sleep as possible. Without that, I certainly wouldn’t have made it through.

By the time Thursday rolled around, the realization that the week was almost over had set in. Overcome with not getting out and socializing, I became fully aware of how lonely I am/was. At best I have two people I’d consider acquaintances, but no one I felt I could sit and talk to, like that long lost friend we all have. So I sat in my room and cried; I knew I needed it. The months leading up to these moments have been a rollercoaster, even the week itself.

On Friday we attended our volunteer dinner. As we all ate, conversed, laughed, and cried, I finally realized I am not alone; my family has been here all along. I am just too damn stubborn to reach out sometimes.

I cannot thank each of you enough for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Conference this year. I have gained so much knowledge and appreciation, and I feel the love of such a connected group. A group that I am so proud to say that I am a part of now.

Photo by Caitlin McDiarmid

Al D. Scholar—Kyla Hoffert

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Al D. Scholar—Ryan Caruana

Photo by Caitlin McDiarmid

I am from Montreal, Quebec and I was an Al D. Scholar during the 24th annual APP Conference in May 2019. This opportunity could not have come at a better time, and was absolutely life changing.

I am beyond grateful for not only the opportunity I was given, but the family I was welcomed into warmly. I would like to start off by sincerely thanking Caitlin “Momma Duck” McDiarmid and the entire volunteer team. Their hard work, dedication, and family mentality made my first Conference a week I will never forget. I would also like to thank Sleeping Goddess for making my trip to Conference this year possible!

Being a volunteer is a labor of love, and this year’s event has absolutely made me love every aspect of Conference. I was extremely excited to start my week, and was always looking forward to the next project. Upon completing setup I thought I understood the feeling that brings the other volunteers back every year, but that understanding came later. It wasn’t until I saw a first year attendee with tears of excitement looking at the crowd that I knew: this type of experience is what keeps us all coming back. This is what being a volunteer is all about, uplifting and giving

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back to our community.

As a first time attendee myself, I was quite nervous about meeting some members of the community I look up to (there are quite a few of you), but being part of the volunteer team made this experience so easy. The people I was once afraid to say hello to were now part of the same project as me, or were having coffee together before the day and just talking as friends. I was terrified to speak to Jim Ward until I was asked to help him set up the Gauntlet booth.

While there were too many moments and classes that I absolutely adored, I must draw attention to Fakir Musafar: In Pursuit of the Spirit. I credit Fakir with my introduction to body piercing, and my first inspiration to become a body piercer.

Fakir’s influence has provided me with experiences and memories that are more valuable than words could ever describe.

Meeting Fakir in 2017 was the start of my career, and more importantly the beginning of a new life. Fakir, your energy transfers to every person I meet, and for this I am truly grateful. Thank you for showing me the new path I now follow.

I will be returning to Conference every year for the foreseeable future, and I would absolutely be honored to volunteer each and every year. For anyone who wants to get even more out of their conference experience, I wholeheartedly suggest joining the volunteers if possible. For those who need it, I encourage you to apply for the various scholarships. The Al D. Scholarship has improved not only my career, but my quality of life and confidence immensely. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and my new volunteer family: I love you all!

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Originally, I was working in a subpar shop in Mississippi; low-quality jewelry, carpet in the lobby. Do I need to say more?

My mentor said we would do our best to make it to Conference in 2018, which, unfortunately, didn’t happen, but thankfully I did learn of the Al D. Scholarship.

My mentor wouldn’t let me shadow at other shops because he didn’t believe we should train our “competition,” even though these shops were in other states. I once “made the mistake” of liking another shop’s Facebook page and it was over for me at that particular sub par shop. I was more than okay with leaving at that point. After about three months of no work, I got the opportunity to create my own space for piercings inside of a tattoo shop; specifically, the one I liked on Facebook. Go figure.

I felt even more responsible to learn and be the best piercer I could be after leaving the previous shop. It seemed impossible for me to get to Conference, but I knew it was something I had to do. It was all my online peers would talk and rave about. I knew this scholarship could help me as I was now opening up a new business, taking care of my family, and trying to balance self-care along the way. It was easy to apply and to honestly lay it all out on the table. I didn’t have anything to lose; they were either going to say yes or no. I pulled the trigger and applied as soon as the application became available in 2018.

I’ll never forget the process—from interviews, to receiving a call from Cale. I was busy when Cale called so I had a nice little voicemail that’s now a keepsake, in a weird way. I waited until my lunch break to call back to get what I thought for sure was a “we’re so happy you applied but...” speech. Instead, I found out I was one of twelve recipients of the Al. D Scholarship!

I couldn’t believe it.

Everyone told me, “you are so lucky,” and I believed them, but one of the things I learned after going to Conference and thanking everyone for giving me the scholarship is that I, and those eleven others, earned that spot. We weren’t “lucky,”

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we earned our keep. Every Scholar worked their ass off to be where they were and that is why we were chosen. It felt so nice to be seen and valued by the people in the industry. They saw my struggle of working a full-time job outside the industry in order to afford better for my clients. They didn’t see me as less of a piercer because of that. Instead they celebrated the means I would go through to provide better for my clients. When I say “thank you,” this is what I am thankful for.

I’ve sort of isolated myself at home, as I don’t have a community to share my piercer thoughts with. I didn’t know this yet but that all changed as soon as I got off the shuttle that Friday in May. I was welcomed by such warm people in the volunteer family. I was so used to feeling like an outcast back home, I could feel myself drawn back to that feeling of isolation even there surrounded by all that love. I just want to tell others that may feel this way that it’s okay. It’s not easy going to an industry event feeling like you came from something lesser than.

Honestly, though, most people that attend are just trying to better themselves.

They’re not there to look down on you.

I’m not saying it was easy opening up to people, but it was worth it, in my opinion, because it allowed me to learn more.

I feel like I learned as much about myself as I did about this industry, and I do know that I’m grateful. Thank you, again, to Pupil Hall for sponsoring my Al. D Scholarship. Also, thank you, Caitlin, for always listening when I needed you to and to the volunteer family for being so freaking awesome.

Photo by Caitlin McDiarmid

Al D. Scholar—Shelby Tarpley

THE POINT

Al D. Scholar—Šimon Svěrák

When I received the Al D. Scholarship to attend the APP Conference and Exposition, I was very happy and had the highest expectations. I must say, those expectations were fulfilled almost completely. I personally had four main goals: 1. To learn new piercing techniques. 2. To try and supply my country with high end, quality jewelry. 3. To experience the culture of the country where the modern piercing industry started, and to meet people involved in the beginning of this industry (even if postmortem like the Fakir Musafar exhibition.) 4.

To establish contacts to start a Czech and Slovak association of professional piercers, along with Branko Branislav Blascak who was also an Al D. Scholar this year.

1. To learn new piercing techniques.

For the last three years I have attended BMXnet. I think the information taught at BMXnet and at the APP Conference and Exposition, specifically concerning piercing, is quite similar; there are a lot of the same speakers. So, there was not that much new information for me to learn, just some small tips and tricks or some inspiration. It the end, though, this was very encouraging for me, because I discovered I am probably more experienced than I thought I was.

2. To supply my country with high end jewelry.

There is little or no high-quality jewelry market in my country. I would not say we use low quality jewelry; I would say it is rather mediocre. The main reason is it is simply not affordable for our customers. I think that, given the economic situation of the EU and the level of development in the piercing industry in Prague, now is the right time to work towards changing that. New people I met during Conference were very helpful in this;

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they gave me a lot of tips about what jewelry I should buy, how I should present it to my customers, what the pros and cons of this better jewelry are, etc. They even went with me through the Expo and introduced me to brand managers.

When I came back to my country I found that selling this jewelry to customers was more difficult than I expected, but I think there is a way. It just needs a lot of patience and more education for my customers. I am planning to do some blog or vlog posts about the importance and design of jewelry to provide our customers with information they need and hopefully it will help to start a new market.

3. To experience the roots of modern body piercing industry.

I was very excited about the opportunity to attend a class by Jim Ward concerning his relationship with Fakir and I was excited to visit the Fakir exhibition (not to mention classes with speakers like Annie Sprinkle and others.) I have read Running the Gauntlet, Modern Primitives, and other books and getting the opportunity to meet the people involved in the creation of our subculture was more than enriching. It helped me to better realize the importance of sexuality in the development of the modern body piercing culture and I learned of its relation to spirituality. Caitlin also encouraged me to speak with Paul King who recommended a few books to study.

Another part of this was experiencing the USA itself. I understand much better how the culture of the Native Americans affected the characteristics of American rationality in relation to spirituality, religion, sexuality, and the body piercing experience. I am going to gather my thoughts on this topic for a public presentation titled “Body Piercing as Fetish” by the end of this year.

4. To start Czech and Slovak association of professional piercers.

I managed to establish contacts with a few people who provided me with a lot of valuable info about starting our own association, mainly Nicole Holmes and Cale Belford. There is still a great deal of work to do. I plan to focus on this more after the holidays, likely in September.

To conclude, I must say the APP Conference was, for me, a very strong and good experience. It was very well organized and all the people were very nice. I think I managed to meet most of my goals while there.

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Rick Frueh Memorial Scholarship—Melissa Ray

“As someone who struggles with social anxiety and being a generally introverted person, I was astounded at how the energy of Conference could melt so many of those symptoms away, leaving room for the kind of growth one can only achieve outside of their comfort zone.”

—Melissa Ray

Photo by Caitlin McDiarmid

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My first APP Conference has come and gone, and I am still awestruck by the entire experience. I had the incredible fortune of joining Caitlin and the rest of the volunteer family as an Al D. Scholar. Thanks to LeRoi Fine Jewelry, the Rick Frueh Memorial Scholarship, the Scholarship Committee and many others, I was able to not only attend the conference that I had longed to be a part of for many years, but to play an integral role in making things run smoothly while participating. Try as I might, words fail to convey what a rewarding experience this was for me.

As someone who struggles with social anxiety and being a generally introverted person, I was astounded at how the energy of Conference could melt so many of those symptoms away, leaving room for the kind of growth one can only achieve outside of their comfort zone. Volunteering at Conference provided me with a profound feeling of purpose; I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if attending in a non-volunteer capacity.

My volunteer schedule was thoughtfully crafted, allowing me to attend an abundance of enriching classes that already have undoubtedly made a difference in how I think and work. Applying and perfecting new techniques learned at Conference is so rewarding, especially once you begin to see the positive results in action. Being in the presence of over a thousand people who share the same passion for body modification and vehement enthusiasm to learn as oneself is nothing short of inspiring. I can’t wait to see how my peers have evolved when we all meet again a year from now, having benefited profoundly from these experiences we shared at Conference.

As impactful as classes were for me, I must remark on how absolutely humbling it was to experience the Fakir Musafar: In Pursuit of the Spirit exhibit, put together so exquisitely by the Body Piercing Archive. I feel so lucky to have had this touching experience, and I can’t think of better hosts than Ken Coyote and Cléo Dubois herself. I will forever treasure their stories and the history they shared with us.

A successful Conference is defined in many different ways depending on who you speak with. This was the first Conference I attended; it was a huge success that met and exceeded every expectation I had, and the ones I had never imagined. I can’t thank everyone enough for the many roles they have played thus far in my personal and professional growth. I am endlessly thankful for this experience. It allowed me to learn so much more about piercing, my own goals and visions, and the endless possibilities of our profession. I absolutely cannot wait to do it all again in 2020. Until then, I will continue to do my best to evolve, learn, and contribute in the most meaningful ways possible to this industry that I adore and that has done so much for me.

THE POINT

Conference sprang anew in 2019. The reality of departure from our long-standing, home-away-from-home at Bally’s settling into our brains, sobering our emotions as we exited terminals, parked cars, and shut taxi doors, leaving the outer circle behind and entering the week-long marathon.

This year marked only my third conference, still malleable, for me the uprooting was minimal. Into Planet Hollywood we trickled -- our new dwelling. One by one, two by two; nervous, excited, and slightly missing home; we navigated ourselves through the hallways to find our (class)rooms like we did in elementary school, so long ago.

Hidden between the scramble to find new footing, I recall a sentiment of cleansing; and a healing joined by subtle release of customs staled throughout the years. For some we grieved, others we banished as no longer serving us. Practices established long before I came onto the scene, only described to me, let go silently; in unspoken agreement. Their only evidence of existence, a quiet inquiry, a gesture-- a nod, a wink.

We grieved not, as we re-learned that with every end comes the adjacent genesis; a clean slate upon which to build anew. Inception hung in the air. The Heart Bar, our new watering hole, ready in waiting for us to create the first of many traditions. Here I conversed with my APP family, my volunteer family, my Al. D 2019 (what what!) family.

Conference became new again to me, as 11 of my peers and I joined the APP’s volunteer crew. Like a rite of passage, we stood among giants, before conference veterans, 20 year+ volunteers, founders; and introduced ourselves as not just scholars, Al D. scholars. Elbow to elbow, sometimes literally, we worked our way through the week, pulling late nights and early mornings. We often reminded ourselves and each other that, if we made it so, it could be one of the most important weeks of our careers. When it came down to work or play, we reminded each other. When we had to choose between sleep and overtime, we reminded each other. Through uncertainty, we looked to one another for guidance. And in joyous celebration we praised each other and our achievements. For me, the Al D. experience fostered a sense of belonging, and a pride in that belonging. The feeling of camaraderie I experienced that week is one I look forward to fostering for years to come.

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Photo by Caitlin McDiarmid

Al D. Scholar—Victoria Rothman

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So, I’ll start by saying that I am not great with words or expressing emotions, but I will try my best to keep this from being a total cringe! Three weeks since returning from Conference, and it has definitely been a struggle to figure out how to sum up my experience in just a few words. As I feel like I could talk about Conference forever, I thought I would focus on my experience with the volunteer team. Here goes.

The volunteer team truly left a lasting impression on me. I was taken aback by how much of a strong family the volunteer team is. Everyone is there to look after each other, to work their butts off, and have a great time together.

And it’s true what everyone said; once you are a part of the volunteer team, you are a part of the family.

Even months before traveling from the UK to Vegas, it was immediately apparent the amount of care and love everyone has for the APP and Conference. Caitlin truly goes above and beyond, putting her all into making everything run smoothly, and it was clear that she deeply cares about every one of her ducklings. It is definitely clear why we all call her Momma Duck!

Honestly, it was definitely intense working with so many new faces and such big personalities in the industry. Applying for the scholarship as a small time piercer in the UK with only two years of piercing experience, I genuinely didn’t think I would be noticed, but every single person showed nothing but love and understanding, even when I was awkward and shy. My main regret from the week is that I didn’t speak to everyone more, as they were what made the week truly special.

The classes were invaluable, the people were nothing but loving, and I will never forget my first intense, exhausting week in Vegas. It has absolutely motivated me to go to more conferences (see you soon UK Conference!) and I truly hope that I have the chance to volunteer at APP Conference again.

I would like to add a huge thank you to Caitlin and the volunteer team for being so amazing, and also to the scholarship committee (Caitlin, Cale, and Ryan) and Sleeping Goddess for funding the Mark Siekierski Memorial Scholarship and making this insane opportunity possible!

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Photo by Caitlin McDiarmid

Mark Siekierski Memorial Scholar—Christy Guare

Below, Scholar, Sebastian Wolfe Pickersgill from United Kingdom, photo by Autumn Swisher

The scholarship recipients also included Gabby Ray and Yo Anna.

THE POINT

PIERCERS OF COLOR CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP KEIANA ‘KOOKIE’ LYNN

KonnichiwaKookie@gmail.com

“We have to build the things that we want to see accomplished, in our life and in our country, based on our own personal experiences...to make sure that others do not have to suffer the same discrimination.”

-—Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink

A

s the first US Congressional woman of color and first Asian American woman elected to the House of Representatives, Mink stresses the power of making contributions as a minority. Our country was founded on white, male patriarchal values, and we still live in the remnants of foundational inequality. It is truly up to us to be the change we wish to see.

Our annual APP Conference is a cardinal resource for piercers of every skill level. It allows us to rapidly and collectively further our educations, expand our networks, and build our reputations. With the dynamic nature of our industry, it is necessary to stay sharp and continue learning. While we can utilize internet forums and shadow opportunities, nothing beats an entire week of immersive learning and mingling with over a thousand industry professionals. Somehow over 24 years of conference progress—and the indigenous origins of body modification—we still aren’t seeing many attendees of color.

There is a unique set of challenges one may face when looking to attend their first conference as a person of color. One of the biggest is financial adversity. People of color in the US face cumulative disadvantages: educational, wealth, inheritance inequality, casual prejudice, wage discrimination, and historic op-

pression. When we actually began collecting income and asset data in the ‘80s, the median household wealth for white families was $102,200. African American families made $6,800, while Hispanic families made $4,000.

In 2013, we saw a rise of $116,800 for white families, a decline to $1,700 for African Americans, and $2,000 for Hispanics. According to the US Tax Policy Center, sticking to Trump’s current tax plan would deepen our economic wedge.

The projected data for wealth in 2024 shows an increase for white families to $122,366, but a decrease for Latin families to $1,633, and a decrease for African Americans to $1,2331. “Households headed by a black person earn on average little more than half of what the average white households earns. And in terms of their median net worth, white households are about 13 times as wealthy as black households.”2 When comparing intergenerational economics by race, there are so few parents of color in the top two income quintiles (population broken into five equal groups), that there isn’t enough data to examine their children’s financial futures.

Finances are a big factor for the POC community when it comes to attending events, or even just becoming a piercer via formal apprenticeship. The practice of mentors charging money for apprenticeships practically gate-keeps opportunities for those who can afford them; I'll save that rant for another article.

Conference goers know how expensive Conference can become once you factor in travel, boarding, registration, food, and the loss of wages. Some of us have even further expenses, as we may need sitters for children, pets,

“The Road to Zero Wealth,” Prosperity Now, accessed September 4, 2019, https://prosperitynow.org/sites/default/files/PDFs/road_to_zero_wealth.pdf.

2 “Demographic trends and economic well-being,” Social Trends, Pew Research Center, accessed September 4, 2019, https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/06/27/1-demographic-trends-and-economic-well-being/#fnref-21776-13.

3 “Piercers of Color Scholarship Fund,” PayPal, accessed September 4, 2019, https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8fZyu8xjfm.

1

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THE POINT

Piercers Of Color Scholarship Propos

Piercers Of Color Scholarship Proposal and studios. In light of these circumstances and personal experiences with racism in the industry, I decided to crowdfund an annual scholarship. The projected cost of sending two piercers to the APP Conference with admission and boarding is $1,807. As of the beginning of September, our community of piercers raised over $4,000 from more than 55 contributors in less than three months3. With the overage of funds, I am now considering flight assistance, food stipends, and more scholarship recipients.

I chose crowdfunding because it gets everyone involved and creates real unity. Having an open contribution pool also keeps the focus and conversations centered around the cause, Dear Artists & Owners, rather than the organizers and donors. WorkArtists & Owners, Dear Artists & Owners, Dear ing on this scholarship has cultivated more As Body Piercers & Makers, our trade rooted in- in indigen meaningful conversations and relationships

As Body Piercers & Makers, ouristrade is in rooted digenous practice, as ancient as 320 CE. Since then, body with my peers than I’ve had throughout my en- Asas Body Piercers & Makers, our body trade ismodification rooted in indigenous practice, as ancients 320 CE. Since then, has been co-opted, modification has been co-opted, suppressed, condemned tire piercing career. Piercers of all backgrounds as 320 CE. Since then, body modification has been co-opted, suppressed, condemned &&re-popularized inthe theWestern Western World. thecoulast couple de re-popularized in World.

OverOver the last have come forth to share experiences and opin& re-popularized in the Western World.

Over the last couple decades, we’ve incredibly solid industry on health & safety.

As built our an field e ple decades, we’ve built anbased incredibly solid industry based ions on things that they felt they couldn’t menincredibly solid industry based on health & safety.

As our field expands further on health & safety.

As our expands further farther,This & farther, the diversity of field our members must &follow. year we tion before. I think that’s amazing. I have been farther, the diversity of our must follow.

This yearThis we celebrate 24th is th the diversity of members our members must follow. year wethe exposed to a wealth of perspectives regarding Anniversary of our Professional Piercing Conference.

2019 celebrate the 24th Anniversary of our Professional PiercAnniversary of our Professional Piercing Conference.

2019our is the first year thatethnic we’ve d classism, racism, inequality, and exploitation. formally broken the silence, regarding community’s ing Conference.

2019 is the year that we’ve formal As an African American woman, when I formally enbroken the silence, regarding our first community’s ethnic disparity.

After attending the 1st ever Inclusion our Course & POC Roundtable Discus ly broken the Cultural silence, regarding community’s tered the industry in 2011 I searched for high the 1st ever Cultural Inclusion Course & POC Roundtable Discussion,ethnic it has become very apparent that we need to actively create spaces for our visibili disparity. After attending the 1st ever Cultural Inclusion quality safe spaces that looked like me. Findapparent that we need to actively create spaces for our visibility & accessibility. We Course POC Roundtable Discussion, it has become history, very can aid & our profession and honor our extensive by cultu ing that they didn’t exist caused me great fruscan aid ourapparent professionthat and we honor our extensive history, byspaces culturally socializing our need to actively create for our tration, until I realized that I just had to create industry. We believe attendance & representation are the first industry.

We believe attendance & representation are the first frontier.

With your visibility & accessibility. We can aid our profession and them. Initially, it was difficult to find hands assistance, we can offer a full scholarship to foster higher educ assistance, we canour offer a full scholarship highersocializing education for the POC honor extensive history, to byfoster culturally our willing to reach out to mine. Therefore, I don’t community, by the POC community. industry.

We believe attendance & representation are community, by the POC community. plan to stop reaching mine out for others.

I the first frontier. With your assistance, we can offer a full know how it feels to have limited resources

scholarship to fosterto higher education the POC send to 2 conference, piercers conference, need tocomraise least $ and access. Now that my arsenal has grown,To I’llsend 2To piercers we’ll need to raisewe’ll atfor least $1,807.

We’veat prepared munity, by the POC community. share as much of it as I can to generate more a Paypal Pool for the POC Fund.

Paypal will a Paypal Pool solely for thesolely POC Scholarship Fund.Scholarship Paypal will issue a debit/credit card is resources and access for others. This is my way

To send two piercers to conference, we’ll need to raise to charge tickets & hotel fees/holds, accordingly.

to charge tickets & hotel fees/holds, accordingly. of contributing as a minority. at least $1,807. We’ve prepared a Paypal Pool solely for the If you are a piercer of color looking for POC Scholarship Fund. Paypal will issue a debit/credit - Full Conference Expo Pass : $425.00 x 2 = $850 - Full Conference & Expo Pass : & $425.00 x 2 = $850 community, they are popping up all around card to charge tickets & hotel fees/holds, accordingly.

- 5 +Day + Daily Resort Fees + Incidentals Planet Holly - 5 Day Stay DailyStay & Resort Fees & + Incidentals @ Planet Hollywood =@ $900

us. In addition to this scholarship, Eduardo • Full Conference & Expo Pass : $425.00 x 2 = $850 Chavarria created a Piercers of Color Group - Paypal 3.3% Fee =3.3% $57 Fee = $57 - Paypal • 5 Day Stay + Daily & Resort Fees + Incidentals at Planet on Facebook. Miro Hernandez and I moderate

Hollywood = $900 this forum. Stephanie Mariano and I moderate To make To a contribution, please donations to paypal.me/pools/c/8fZyu8xjfm make contribution, please send your donations to paypal.m • Paypala 3.3% Feesend = $57your a @PiercersofColor Instagram account, where With this With link, you can view our progress until we’ve met the until goal. Ifwe’ve we exceed the you can view oursend progress we feature and promote POC-owned companies To this makelink, a contribution, please your donations to met the go goal, excess funds will stay in the pool for next year’s scholarship recipients.

goal, excess funds will stay in With the pool and piercers. Steph is also working on a paypal.me/pools/c/8fZyu8xjfm this for link,next you year’s can scholarsh

quarterly ‘zine to highlight modified POC view our progress until we’ve met the goal. If we exceed worldwide. Events and hopefully classes will be the goal, excess funds will stay in the pool for next year’s offered during APP Conference in 2020. These Sincerely, scholarship recipients.

Sincerely, are all inclusive platforms open to all ethnic

Sincerely, artists and makers. Please feel free at any time

Kookie

to reach out and talk, get advice, share advice, Kookie

rant, post a selfie, or anything you want. After

Keiana ‘Kookie’ Lynn + KonnichiwaKookie@gmail.com Keiana ‘Kookie’ Lynn + KonnichiwaKookie@gmail.com all, these spaces were created, just for you.

Keiana ‘Kookie’ Lynn + KonnichiwaKookie@gmail.com ISSUE 88

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BPA: FROM INSIDE THE ARCHIVE

BPA: FAKIR MUSAFAR, IN PURSUIT OF THE SPIRIT DEVIN RUIZ-ALTAMURA Photo by Devin Ruiz-Altamura

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THE POINT

“

All these years later with half a decade of counter work at Cold Steel under my belt and a relatively new position with the Body Piercing Archive, I couldn’t help but be so thankful for Fakir’s unexpected influence on my life.

”

I

wasn’t prepared for the magic I felt when entering the completed exhibit room for the first time. I had probably handled each object in that room more than a dozen times over the past nine months, and written down their item numbers or descriptions just as many times. It didn’t make this collection any less powerful for me. I hope everyone else who got a chance to see the exhibit found it as moving as I did.

This year’s Body Piercing Archive exhibit, “Fakir Musafar: In Pursuit of the Spirit,” was our most ambitious to date. It was also the most comprehensive exhibit that has ever been seen on Fakir Musafar’s life and legacy. Featured were over 2,000 square feet of original images, digital media, and fabricated items, many of which had not been collected or displayed together under one roof since their creation. Visitors were led through the exhibit by a diverse crew of docents, all who had unique and personal experiences with Fakir himself and the Fakir Intensives School.

The exhibit opened with a timeline of the life of Roland Loomis, also known as Fakir Musafar. The timeline acted as a guide through the room and the objects. Next, a series of banners displaying all of the various personas that Fakir inhabited: Roland Loomis, Yogi Ankora, Fakiki, The Perfect Gentleman, Ibitoe, Golden Apollo, etc. Some of the first items displayed were examples of early corseting inspiration, and original National Geographic issues that planted seeds in a young Roland’s mind. It was extremely gratifying to see what parts of Fakir’s history were a surprise to the various docents and speakers. These little surprises really showed the amount of dedication that Paul King and

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Becky Dill put into their research, and the generosity that Cléo Dubios showed us in sharing some never before seen photos and artifacts.

From there was a chance to see many of the various handmade masks, devices, jewelry, and tools that Fakir designed and fabricated for his own use in photoshoots and personal play.

The transitional space between the first and second half of the exhibit held some of the work that served as an introduction to Fakir for many people, myself included. The film Dances Sacred and Profane could be viewed here alongside a performance Fakir did with Cléo Dubois, his wife and partner.

Standing amongst the tour group for Paul King’s first guided tour of the exhibit, seeing Fakir on screen taking Kavadi, was another truly surreal moment for me. I remembered being 12 or 13 watching that clip for the first time and thinking this was exactly what interested me the most. All these years later with half a decade of counter work at Cold Steel under my belt and a relatively new position with the Body Piercing Archive, I couldn’t help but be so thankful for Fakir’s unexpected influence on my life.

The second half of the exhibit highlighted Body Play Magazine and the Fakir Intensives School. Printed media, photography, and graphic design were all large parts of Fakir’s life; Body Play Magazine was the culmination of all of these passions and interests. Original working layouts of the magazine could be seen alongside their completed counterparts and final editions.

The Fakir Intensives School was many people’s first hand experience with Fakir, and the foundation of so many memories. It was great

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Above, Fakir memorial altar, photo by John Balk; below, part of the exhibit, photo

by Devin Ruiz-Altamura

to watch people find themselves in the class photos or even be able to see themselves evolve over the many years they had attended or been an instructor. I love knowing that Fakir got to spend the second half of his life immersed in the community he desperately searched for in his early years. He got to witness first hand the impact he had on our industry, and on so many people’s lives—not something many get to experience in their lifetime.

The backdrop for this more recent history was a grand display of the most iconic hand fabricated objects and sculpture associated with Fakir. The Bed of Blades and Bed of Nails from his first public performance at the 1977 international tattoo convention in Reno, Nevada, the Sword Swing and wooden and aluminum “encumberments” seen in various photoshoots, the horizontal suspension rig used for countless people’s spiritual flights, the Witches Cradle seen in Body Play Magazine, and the Kavadi featured on the poster for Dances Sacred and Profane. The sheer amount of work and devotion Fakir put into his spiritual endeavors and “body play” was inspiring.

The culmination of the exhibit was a small curtained room that, once entered, dazzled the viewer with a bright display of red and gold.

Before this room had even been filled, the impact of the change of color and tone brought those of us there to tears. The alter that was set up within was lovingly curated by Grin, a Fakir Intensives instructor and close friend of Fakir and Cléo. Flowers, candles, and sentimental objects were all present and served as a beautiful tribute to a person whose vast career and extraordinary life could hardly be contained within any exhibit walls.

The Body Piercing Archive would like to thank all docents, speakers, and volunteers that gave their energy, love, and time.

Special Thanks to: Cléo Dubois Jim Ward Annie Sprinkle Veronica Vera Ken Coyote Paul King Becky Dill Ian Bishop Allen Falkner Dustin Allor Cody Vaughn Betty Ann Peed

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Jef Saunders Cynthia Wright Yossi Silverman Grin Paul Fox Jamie Biggers Matte Erikson John Balk Theo Williams Jenna Dittrich Rafael Diaz Pablo Perelmuter Danny Greenwood

THE POINT

Photos by Paul King.

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CREATIVE INNOVATOR AWARD Onetribe’s “Crystal Castle” Displays INTERVIEW BY MARINA PECORINO

Onetribe’s award winning “Crystal Castle” display.

Jewelry by Alan Dumond of Origins Handmade

For the second year in a row, Jared Karnes of Onetribe took home the Creative Innovator Award.

Last year it was the multidimensional “Topo” ear weight design. This year, the prize-winning pieces were the “Crystal Castle” displays. I, once again, had the honor of interviewing Jared about running a production queue based business in the piercing industry, and expanding horizons into working with a broader range of materials.

Marina Pecorino: In last year’s interview, you explained the metamorphosis your business

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made from having numerous employees across several continents, to a small, homebased, personal endeavor. Usually you hear of business models moving in the opposite direction. Can you tell us more about your vision for the future of Onetribe?

Jared Karnes: It’s been a wild ride. It’s easy to find a roadmap for growth, and I became accustomed to thinking about my business as something that should continuously grow.

It was much more challenging to take a step back and decide to be dramatically smaller. Go-

THE POINT

“ ”

Especially now that I am one person in a tiny workshop, the conference experience helps me feel connected to my customers and other makers in a way that the internet cannot replicate. ing forward, I’m very interested in play, agility, and unpredictability. I want to spend more time making because I love to do it and not because of a production queue. My sketchbooks need liberation! I will never stop making body jewelry, but I am less interested in being perceived as just a body jewelry company. I have been making a serious effort to explore new forms and use materials in new ways. Ceramic has been an exciting diversion and something I intend to spend a lot more time doing.

MP: I’ve been watching the development of the Crystal Castle displays on social media, and it has been fascinating. Can you explain the development process?

JK: I have always had a fascination with crystalline shapes. The unique facets of quartz crystals and the stacking of perfect pyrite cubes captivate me, but I found myself wondering what these shapes would look like in beautiful colors and textures. I wanted to see these shapes in coral, periwinkle, or sparkly matte black.

There’s been an explosion of body jewelry display options, and I have loved many of the unique shapes from display specific companies, but the use of wood does not inspire me.

I thought ceramic would be a great challenge, and it can fit well with a high-end aesthetic for displaying precious metals and stones. Also, a bunch of my friends are making outrageously good ends and hinged rings, and I thought it would be rad to give that work a stage.

I started working with clay in January as a way to let my hands and mind wander with a forgiving material and meditative process.

After hand-making solid prototypes of crystal forms, I realized they were far too heavy to have around glass display cases. I decided to learn slip casting, which uses plaster molds and liquid clay “slip” to cast thin walled hollow objects. After teaching myself mold making and slip casting, I was able to finalize a process and

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select (or in some cases custom grind) quartz crystals in suitable shapes for single Cryst displays. The larger Crystal Castles are then hand built by modifying and attaching single cast crystals into a more massive structure which I fire as one piece.

MP: Has the result diverged from your original vision at all? What joys and challenges did you face along the way?

JK: They have manifested true to my original intent primarily because I used the crystals as a tool to learn ceramic processes. Early on in the project, I created a specific goal for the product that would require me to learn specific methods in order. It was a challenge to develop a product and processes in a new medium in a little over 90 days, but I enjoyed going for it. Watching something that was soft clay and gloppy liquid glaze transform into stone coated in a layer of glass is mind-boggling.

One of the hardest problems to solve was how to handle the bottoms of both the single Cryst and the Castles. I made several two and three-piece plaster molds that cast pieces with a solid base and a hole in the center. These were faster to cast and clean up, but the molds are more time consuming and fragile. This option also created more waste while building the Castles, limited my access to the interior for installing hardware, and prevented me from being able to adjust the angle of view. I went back to one piece open molds for most shapes and created a “pool” mold for casting a bottom onto each piece. With this additional step of adding the bottom last, I can trim the walls of a display and reduce the height or allow it to lean back for a better viewing angle in different kinds of display cases.

MP: How have you felt about working with these new mediums? What similarities and differences have you discovered that you didn’t expect?

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JK: Clay is AMAZING. I never worked it in high school or art school, but it has long been an interest. I recently dug up some notes from a meeting with my employees in 2008; we were discussing options for ceramic in our industry.

I started carving and polishing fired porcelain like a stone around 2012, but did not touch soft clay until this year. The profound differences in process and feel changed how I think about materials. Stone carving is both literally and figuratively abrasive. The hands take a lot of abuse, and the process is very loud. Clay is soft and nearly silent. It yields to the touch in a wet state, it maintains a memory of each contact with tool or hand, and it carves easily in a dry state. Through the process of introducing heat, it becomes a hard stone, made from the same essential elements as the stones I carve every day. Once I realized that working ceramic encompasses both this new soft character and the hard nature of the rocks I already work, I was hooked in a way that I did not expect.

MP: Do you have a favorite memory or story to share about this year’s Conference?

JK: My best memories from this year were the result of an unfortunate travel clustercuss. The airline canceled several of my flights, and my booth bag was incorrectly routed. I showed up to the Expo floor in Vegas with no jewelry or booth materials. Many people reached out to me to offer help or to check in and see how I was doing. I felt like I had a big community rooting for me, and that was wonderful. My bag eventually showed up, and all was well.

MP: Every time I walked by your booth this year, you had a small crowd. How has your vendor experience changed over time and in the new space?

more tense than usual, but I liked it. The Expo floor worked well, and I think most enjoyed the location of the classes, Expo, and rooms relative to each other.

MP: If studios or individuals want to contact you about Onetribe products, what is the best way to reach you? Is there a current average turn-around time that can be expected, or does it vary from project to project?

JK: The shop is always open at onetribe.net and I can be reached directly via the contact form there. I am most active on Instagram and post daily production process and material eye candy @onetribejewelry.

Turn-around times vary wildly on a per-project basis. Products ordered on my site usually ship within 10-14 business days. Custom jewelry work is on average three to four weeks, with complex projects taking longer. Stocked displays ship within a few days, while custom display sets and Crystal Castles depend on all of the other workloads, but are worth the wait.

MP: Is there anything else you’d like to share with The Point readership?

JK: I was delighted to see so many young companies showing great work at Conference this year. While there are some pervasive style trends, I have seen quality from a lot of people who deserve the opportunity to show us how far they can go. I encourage everyone to support small makers whenever possible. This diversity of ideas and the growing culture of positivity over pettiness are hella exciting to see.

JK: My first few years vending I was concerned about bringing a certain amount of product and meeting sales goals that I had set. My outlook overall has shifted, and my conference attendance is now far more rooted in teaching and learning. I am there to make money and create more opportunities for myself, but while doing that I want to see the evolution of our industry, build up newcomers, feel like I am part of a community, and be transparent about what I do and how I do it. Especially now that I am one person in a tiny workshop, the conference experience helps me feel connected to my customers and other makers in a way that the internet cannot replicate.

The new location made everything a little

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TECHNICAL INNOVATOR AWARD Gorilla Glass “Cells” Collection INTERVIEW BY KRISTINA OUTLAND

Above, Jason Pfohl and an assistant shaping glass using the Murrini technique; right and below, jewelry from the “Cells” collection

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here is beauty in the complexities of nature.

Gorilla Glass has done an incredible job capturing those complexities in their limited edition 2019 collection entitled “Cells”,winner of this year’s Technical Innovator Award.With this design, Gorilla Glass celebrates the building blocks of life; the creation of their jewelry is even environmentally friendly.

“The process used to make this collection involves up-cycling our waste glass to create a high quality, limited edition jewelry line. Reducing our impact on the environment is a major concern for Gorilla Glass, and the new techniques that we are developing are showcased in the ‘Cells’ collection. The ‘Cells’ line is a way to acknowledge and celebrate life on the most basic level,” Jason Pfohl, owner of Gorilla Glass, remarked.

Jason went into an in-depth description of the creation process, and it is incredibly fascinating. “The concept always comes first. In this scenario I wanted the technical innovations that we are developing at Gorilla Glass to be reflected in the design and theme of the collection as well, so the design is married to the up-cycling process. The ‘Cells’ collection is a contemporary version of a very ancient technique that the Venetians perfected, called murrini. The core elements of these pieces are made through a pattern bar technique, where stacks of different strips of colored glass are grouped together somewhat randomly and fused into blocks in a specialized fusing oven. You never see or touch the glass after it is shut in the oven. The result depends on the viscosity of each color, and how gravity manipulates the stacks. Afterwards, the pattern bars are picked up on a steel rod (punti) and dipped in a crucible full of molten recycled glass, creating an even layer of color around the bar. Using gravity, the encapsulated pattern bar is stretched into a long rod using heat as well.

Later, the rod is cut into sections and reassembled in a mosaic pattern. The mosaic design is fused again and then cut up, ground, carved, and polished into the final forms. It is a very labor intensive process.”

The process of up-cycling even helped determine the color scheme for this beautiful line.

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The designs include understated off-white tones, with an intense black for contrast. Jason mentioned the hidden transparent blue pictured, can only be seen when the pieces are backlit.

“I enjoy when the colors shift and are revealed, creating a surprise discovery for the viewer. The colors were also chosen from stockpiles of waste glass.”

Twelve different specialized artisans have their hand in this process, and usually work in teams. Jason is personally involved in the hot working of all the murrini up-cycling designs.

He mentioned he definitely enjoys being a part of the production process.

“I remember in high school looking at slides through the microscope. There was an amazing feeling of discovery looking at these incredibly beautiful alien and hidden worlds surrounding us and inside us. Cells are the building blocks of life, creating the basic structure, functional, and biological units of all known life. The word ‘cells’ come the the Latin ‘cella’ meaning ‘small room’. Every element in the ‘Cells’ designs are encapsulated in one or two layers of up-cycled glass, creating random geometrical designs in the finished jewelry. I do not try to control the designs, but allow the glass to find its own patterns. The artwork of the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel was also an inspiration for this collection.

Haeckel documented thousands of new species as a marine biologist, including many microscopic organisms. His book Art Forms in Nature, has been a big influence for me over the years. What I love about the cells theme is that on the microscopic level everything becomes disembodied and abstract.”

In summary, much time, consideration, curation, and research has gone into this line, making this an award-winning experience jewelry fanatics can wear and enjoy.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of my team at GG. I would also like to thank all our great customers and the body modification community at-large, for their long and ongoing support that made this innovation possible. Thank you!”

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POST-CONFERENCE 2019

THE GOLDEN TICKET RAFFLE

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hanks so much to the above Conference Sponsors that contributed generously to the Golden Ticket Raffle and allowed the program to be a success.

Adeline Roz Auris Jewellery Saint Petersburg Body Gems Buddha Jewelry Organics Danila Tarcinale Designs by Helen Andrews Diablo Organics Gold Heart Woodworks Gorilla Glass Grand Standard Displays H2Ocean Industrial Strength Body Jewelry Jewelry This Way LeRoi Inc Maya Jewelry Namaste Adornments Netherworld Body Piercing Jewelry Obscureye Designs Oracle Body Jewelry Origins Handmade & Onetribe

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Precision One Jewelry Pupil Hall Quetzalli Jewelry Sacred Symbols Jewelry Scylla Fine Jewelry Seasons Handmade Jewelry Sleeping Goddess Jewelry Steri-Wash Steve Haworth Modified LLC Tawapa Tether Jewelry Tsar Jewelry Uzu Organics

Golden Tickets were provided (at no additional cost) to the first 500 eligible attendees who registered for a full or partial Conference pass.

There were 50 unique winners, who received a $50 or $500 gift certificate from one of our Sponsors.

That’s a 1 in 10 chance of winning, just for registering early!

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Outreach Committee Upcoming Educational Conferences The 5th Annual APP Members’ Retreat Portland, Oregon: October 1–5, 2019

With the theme of ALIENS, the five year anniversary of Camp APP will be taking place at Mount Hood in the Pacific Northwest! Spaces are limited so register soon. Learn more about this amazing retreat on Facebook or by using the Member Login at safepiercing.org.

The 4th Annual UKAPP Conference

Manchester, United Kingdom: October 6–8, 2019 Join piercers from the UK and surrounding countries for another astounding educational conference at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel and Convention Center. Find out more information on Facebook or visit ukapp.org.uk.

T O A L L 2 0 1 9 A P P C O N F E R E N C E AT T E N D E E S

WE THANK YOU! for your business and your trust! see you in 2020

proud corporate sponsor since 2006

POST-CONFERENCE 2019

THE REMEMBRANCE ALTAR ALICIA CARDENAS PHOTOS BY MARINA PECORINO

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s the professional community grows in so many ways, we also have experienced some profound losses including industry pioneers, longtime vendors, and close supporters of the APP. This year at Conference and for the coming years, we will have a community remembrance space that is open to all to participate in. It is an ongoing movement to learn our past as we spring into the future. Each and everyone of us has also experienced loss and some of that loss makes us who we are. This is also the space to honor those people as well.

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THE POINT

APPE (ASOCIACION PROFESIONAL DE PERFORADORES ESPANOLES) LUIS GARCIA PHOTOS BY RUBEN MAC-LEAN AND KENT TONNING

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Above, APPE attendees; right, checking out the jewelry selection

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he APPE (Asociación Profesional de Perforadores Españoles) is a newer organization— about 4 years old—and I’ve been lucky to have been invited to teach at their conference for the last two years. Held an hour outside of Madrid at a camping style resort with cabins, it’s a relaxed and laid back event. Attendees meet in Madrid and then board buses for the hour-long drive to the resort. The conference organizers and instructors are taken a day early to the venue, so we can get everything ready for the attendees to arrive. I enjoy this time, helping the APPE Board, and watching how they’ve evolved and improved everything over the last year.

The next day around noon, the attendees arrived at the venue, got assigned to their cabins, and had a few hours to get settled before the welcome meal. APPE doesn’t mess around and had four classes scheduled for the first afternoon and evening of the conference.

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Being a newer, smaller conference, there were only a few of us as instructors, with most of us teaching two classes. This year they had Anskar Caballero teaching Piercing History of Spain and Empathy and Laughter, and it’s Application in Piercing, Lani Soleil teaching Piercing Kids’ Earlobes, Eugenia Delphine teaching Optimizing Buying, Selling, and Displaying Jewelry, Laura Vikt teaching Nipple Piercing and Sterilization, Ruben Lew teaching Mystical Daiths and Photography and Portfolio, and lastly I taught Honing in on High Nostrils and Industrials: Keeping it Simple. The classes were all great, and it made me happy to see newer instructors like Lani and Eugenia kill it with their first classes.

The time between classes was designated to use in the Expo for jewelry buying. Expo vendors included Quetzalli Jewelry, Sacred Symbols, Millennium Body Jewelry, Kraken Body Jewellery, Maya Jewelry, Industrial Strength Europe, Auris Jewellery, NeoMetal, Tsar Jewellery, Neilmed Piercing Aftercare, and Inari Organics. The Expo and the classes were in the same area and separated by a curtain, so this worked well to keep people focused on classes when needed, and gave vendors some breaks in between rushes.

On the evening of the second day they had their gala dinner at the resort’s restaurant and then the closing party, featuring sideshow entertainment from Håvve Fjell, Princess Tweedle Needle, and then a dance party with Norwegian DJ, MDR. Spirits were high, and the dancing went on well into the early hours of the morning.

The APPE Conference this year was a great experience, and I hope to be invited back for next year, so I can continue to see the organization grow and evolve. Many thanks to Jesus “Sala” Cabanas, Gladix Porca Miseria, and Jose Carlos Calvo (who are the three sole Board Members for the APPE), and all the instructors, attendees, and vendors that helped make this conference so great!

Top, left to right, Lani Soleil, Luis Garcia, Jesus “Sala” Cabanas, Laura Vikt, Anskar Caballero, Gladix Porca Miseria, and Ruben Lew; center, Luis giving a presentation; bottom, Håvve Fjell performance being captured by an attendee

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2019 MEMBERS’ MEETING UPDATE APP Officers

Cody Vaughn, President* — president@safepiercing.org Paul King, Treasurer — treasurer@safepiercing.org Aaron Pollack, Secretary — secretary@safepiercing.org

APP Board of Directors

Cody Vaughn, President* — president@safepiercing.org Becky Dill, Vice-President** — vp@safepiercing.org Cale Belford, Outreach Coordinator** — outreach@safepiercing.org Monica Sabin, Membership Liaison** — members@safepiercing.org Steve Joyner, Legislation & Regulatory Affairs — legislation@safepiercing.org Brian Skellie, Medical Liaison — medical@safepiercing.org Jef Saunders, Public Relations Coordinator* — pr@safepiercing.org

APP Outgoing Board Members

Luis Garcia, International Liaison Kendra Jane B, Events and Operations Ryan Ouellette, Outreach Coordinator

* New position ** Incoming Board Member

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THE BPA CONTRIBUTES TO THE MUSĒE DE L’HOMME

THE BPA CONTRIBUTES TO The Body Piercing Archive contributed material and guidance for the Piercing exhibit at the Musēe de l’Homme1 in Paris, France. The exhibit will run March 13, 2019 to March 9, 2020.

Piercing: L’ Exposition Parallèlement à l’exposition Dans ma peau, Piercing propose un point de vue anthropologique sur le piercing. Mêlant représentations artistiques, objets préhistoriques, photographies et bijoux, l’exposition présente des pratiques du piercing depuis 45 000 ans.

Différentes traditions seront abordées : des Kayapos du Brésil aux Dayaks du Bornéo, des «Primitifs Modernes» aux États-Unis aux usages contemporains.

Trouer la peau et y placer un objet visible est une pratique qui remonte à la préhistoire et dont on trouve des traces sur tous les continents, une pratique qui a perduré jusqu’à aujourd’hui. Ces modifications du corps prennent des significations diverses : appartenance à un groupe, rites de passage, signes de prestige ou marques d’infamie, signes de soumission, de beauté et de force.

Si en Europe seule la boucle d’oreille semble avoir traversé les époques pour devenir une tradition bien

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Project Leader: Alexis Amen Scientific Commissioner: Franz Manni

ancrée, aujourd’hui les Occidentaux ont adopté de nouvelles modes et utilisent l’ensemble du corps comme moyen d’expression.

Parti de la Californie libertaire des années 1970, le renouveau de cette pratique ancestrale est inspiré par des précurseurs qui cherchaient à libérer le corps. Se définissant eux-mêmes comme « Primitifs Modernes », ils réinventent et réinterprètent les pratiques dans un nouveau contexte où le piercing se réalise désormais dans des conditions stériles et maîtrisées. C’est ainsi que le premier studio de piercing voit le jour en 1975.

D’abord réservée aux subcultures naissantes (gay, punk, SM), cette pratique va progressivement s’étendre à toute la société et s’imposer à l’échelle mondiale grâce à un phénomène d’imitation, soutenu par l’essor d’Internet, et s’imposer désormais sous un nom mondialisé : le piercing. http://www.museedelhomme.fr/fr/programme/expositions-galerie-lhomme/piercing-3791 1

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THE MUSĒE DE L’HOMME

From prehistory to the present day, discover the variety of piercing traditions and practices around the world.

Piercing: The Exhibition Piercing offers an anthropological perspective on piercing. Combining artistic representations, prehistoric objects, photographs, and jewelry, the exhibition presents piercing practices for 45,000 years. Different traditions are discussed: from the Kayapos of Brazil to the Dayaks of Borneo, from the “Modern Primitives” in the United States to contemporary uses.

Finding the skin and placing a visible object on it is a practice that dates back to prehistoric times and has been found on every continent, a practice that has continued to this day. These changes in the body take on various meanings: belonging to a group, rites of passage, signs of prestige or marks of infamy, signs of submission, beauty, and strength.

If in Europe only the earring seems to have crossed

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the ages to become a well-established tradition, today the Westerners have adopted new fashions and use the whole body as a means of expression.

Starting in liberal California in the 1970s, the renewal of this ancestral practice was inspired by precursors who sought to liberate the body. Defining themselves as “Modern Primitives,” they reinvent and reinterpret practices in a new context where piercing is now performed in sterile and controlled conditions. This is how the first piercing studio was created in 1975.

Initially reserved for emerging subcultures (gay, punk, SM), this practice has gradually spread to the whole of society and impose itself on a global scale thanks to a phenomenon of imitation, supported by the rise of the Internet, and now impose itself under a globalized name: piercing.

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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE UPDATE MONICA SABIN

Membership Committee

Monica Sabin, Membership Liaison* Pablo Perelmuter, Membership Coordinator* W. Barron Sabrina Egan** Vivi Madero** Johnny Velez Cody Vaughn

* New position

** Incoming committee member

APP Membership Corner (Series 1) Now that we’ve returned home after the 2019 APP Annual Conference and Exposition, are you feeling inspired to join the growing number of industry professionals becoming Members of the Association of Professional Piercers?

We have membership types1 for piercers, counter staff, jewelry specialists, business owners, and many more!

We would like to offer some tips to help you through the application process, including some of the common questions we receive!

• Shoot your 360° studio walk through video horizontally—or you will have to reshoot :( • Videos that are shot side-to-side (rather than upand-down) provide an easier and more comprehensive viewing of the studio.

• Generally this results in higher quality footage that makes the little details easier to see.

• Before starting the application, use the Membership Requirements2 as a checklist to gather all necessary documents.

• Each application is specific to the membership type. During the application process, the applicant will be prompted for each item on this checklist, so preparing everything in advance will make the application process much more streamlined.

• It can be handy to have all your documents organized in a folder on your computer. It will make life easier when it comes time to upload all your documents, since they’ll all be in one place!

• This is especially helpful in situations of multiple applicants (coworkers) applying for the same studio!

• Personal Criteria apply to all piercing membership types: Business and Associate Piercer.

• Environmental Criteria apply to the studio location where the applicant will hold membership. Items under this heading will be required on all Business

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and Associate (Piercer and Non-Piercer) membership applications.

• Renewal/resubmission of studio environmental criteria is required at least every two years if a Member joins the staff or if significant changes are made in the studio.

• Print out the ‘Video Walkthrough’ section and carry it around with you while shooting your membership video! Everything we are looking for is listed there, both requirements and suggestions. This will keep you from missing any areas or items, as missing items can cause a delay in application processing • Complete your application in one sitting • Neither yourself, the Membership Committee, or our Administrators will be able to access a partially completed application!

• We want you to become a member!

• We are our own worst critics. Many applicants tell us they fear rejection or harsh judgement. Our committee members work with every applicant directly and discreetly with any requirements or suggestions in order to help them achieve membership.

• Every committee member is an active industry professional, working in studios. Many of us have been where you are and have all worked hard to obtain APP membership, just like you.

• Think about it more like a mentorship, if anything!

• Want to gain membership by the time your business opens or to attend our events as a Member?

Plan ahead!

• Application review and decision turn-around time can be upwards of 6 to 8 weeks, although the committee tries to keep that time as low as possible.

• Pay attention to deadlines!

There are deadlines for obtaining membership for certain events such as our annual Camp APP: Members’ Retreat and our annual APP Conference and Exposition.

• Research your jewelry companies and ask for mill or material certificates • There has been an influx of jewelry distributors or manufacturers using non-conforming titanium and making claims to meet APP minimum jewelry standards. Buyer beware! You can read more about this in Issue 873 of The Point: Journal of Body Piercing.

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• Mill certificates are typically many pages and are updated as often as a manufacturer obtains new material stock.

• If you are provided with a one page mill certificate that is some years old, there may be an issue!

• When in doubt, reach out to a Membership Committee volunteer or email members@safepiercing.org.

• Checks & Balances • Committee members can not review applications for applicants that work in their own area.

• Acceptances and Declinations are based off a set of fixed, publically available criteria known as our

Membership Requirement.This means there is no room for personal biases to keep someone from gaining membership.

• In all cases, applicants are notified of additional suggestions from the committee to increase health and safety in the studio.

If you have questions, someone may have already asked it in the APP Future Members4 forum. Of course, you’re also always welcomed to contact the Membership Committee by emailing members@safepiercing.org.

“Membership Types,” Association of Professional Piercers, accessed August 7, 2019, https://www.safepiercing.org/membership_types.php

1

“Membership Requirements,” Association of Professional Piercers, accessed August 7, 2019, https://www.safepiercing.org/membership_requirements.php

2

“Issue 87,” The Point: Journal of Body Piercing, Association of Professional Piercers, published Summer 2019, https://www.safepiercing.org/docs/The_Point__Journal_of_Body_Piercing-Issue87-Summer2019.pdf 3

“APP Future Members,” Groups, Facebook, accessed August 7, 2019, https://www.facebook.com/groups/APPfuturemembers/

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LBP 2019 REVIEW LUIS GARCIA PHOTOS BY AUTUMN SWISHER

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had the pleasure to attend the 6th Congreso Internacional de Perforadores Profesionales, and as usual the Latinoamérica Body Piercing A.C. did not disappoint. Usually held in fall during Dia de los Muertos, 2019 brought a change with it being held in the first week of April. Many attendees and instructors welcomed this, as the warmer weather made for more recreation time by the pool. The conference was held in Taxco, Mexico for the second year in a row. Taxco is a small mining town known for silver mining and silver jewelry.

The journey to the conference starts in Mexico City. Attendees and instructors met at LBP Board Member Axayacatl Nochipa’s studio, Ónix MX Estudio Tatuaje Piercing, for registration and to wait for the four large buses that would take us all down to Taxco for LBP. Many would dread a several hour bus ride, but the ride is always a lot of fun as everyone is excited for the conference and in great spirits. Before we knew it two hours had gone by and we were at the host venue.

We had a few hours to settle down and have some lunch. Then there were classes before the opening party; a relaxed dinner by the pool with traditional local performers and dancers.

Now, let’s get to the best part of the conference: the classes and instructors!

This year the instructors consisted of Sergi Tinaut, Didier Suarez, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Mauricio Torres, Aldo Gissi, Alicia Cardenas, Autumn Swisher, Paul King, Elayne Angel, Danny Yerna, Erika Gomez, Jef Saunders, Roberto Briseno, and yours truly. I got the chance to check out most of the classes taught by these instructors (except for the ones that were going on while I was teaching), and as usual all were stupendous.

A personal stand out for me was Mauricio and Aldo’s class How to Elevate Your Studio to its Maximum Potential.

They did some interesting things to make studio owners consider how they deal with their employees, and employees consider how they deal with their managers and bosses. Their approach

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created a great dialogue between the two groups. Another stand out for me was Paul King’s XXX History of Piercing in Porn, which isn’t shocking, as Paul’s classes tend to be very informative and entertaining.

Let’s not forget about the coveted jewelry expo, held in a lovely old church building. This year had more vendors than ever, featuring Namaste Adornments, Xamacalli, Gold Piercing, Tsar Jewelry, GL Pyrex Jewelry, Biometal, Industrial Strength Mexico, Diamonds MX, Kraken Jewelry, Ukuri Jewelry, Inari Organics, Quetzalli Jewelry, Gorilla Glass, Kiwi Jewelry, Sacred Symbols, Maya Jewelry, and Auris Jewelry. The expo hall was often packed between classes (and a little during classes), with everyone trying to maximize their time for buying all the gorgeous jewelry.

Mid week, the organizers set up a caminata (translation: walk or hike) through town to the center of Taxco and back.

Guided by locals with donkeys carrying beverages, and local musicians, we walked through the small streets taking in the local architecture and artwork until we reached the zócalo (or “main square”), where we milled about the lively area and mingled with the locals.

It made for an amazing evening.

As the conference came to an end, the Gala provided an interesting way to close out the event. After dinner we were treated to a very powerful performance from Grupo de Danza Ozomahtli and Alfredo Martinez. The performance was a fusion of traditional Mexica (Aztec) and traditional Japanese butoh dance. They took us on a journey of all the animal energies of the Aztec calendar using slow rhythmic dancing that paid homage to Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain.

The LBP always puts on a great conference for the Latin American piercing community, and I look forward to hopefully being invited again to participate in the future. If you are a Spanish speaker, I highly encourage you to go and take part in this amazing experience.

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LBP 2019 REVIEW PHOTOS BY AUTUMN SWISHER

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FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION & PIERCING IN THE UK LOLA SLIDER UKAPP Medical Liaison

Headline from The Times from April 12, 2019— Photo by Paul King

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What the piercing community needs are clear amendments made to the existing legislation that state cosmetic genital piercings on consenting adults, performed in licensed premises, are excluded from the classification of Type 4 FGM.

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n the United Kingdom right now there is a cloud over the legal classification of female genital piercings.

Their current legal status is effectively non-existent; they are neither legal nor illegal. This creates a vast cavity of misinformation available for gross misinterpretation.

I first contacted my local police department in September of 2016, after my failure to get clarification on this subject from my licensing authority, and got a response almost immediately. A short and clear, “yes, in a licensed shop on a consenting 18+ year old adult, this is legal.” Three short years later, in April of 2019, after three weeks of sending multiple reminders to two departments, I received a reply from the same police department. They told me, “I am not in a position to advise if any offence has been committed. In the event a complaint was made it would be a matter for the courts to decide.”

In that three year period no laws have changed in Scotland, which suggests to me it is the attitude that has changed. The Serious Crime Act 20151 is applicable only in England and Wales. Scottish female genital mutilation (FGM) law falls under The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 20052. Both acts, however, contain the key word “mutilation” at the center of all this legal ambiguity. With a word so charged with connotation, it can be difficult to find legal clarification on exactly what it covers. With the intention of clarifying and standardizing the definition, the World Health Organization has classified FGM into four major types3. Unfortunately, the term “piercing” is used in Type 4, possibly in reference to the stitching involved in infibulation or forms of Sunna, where the clitoris and labia are pierced and encouraged to bleed freely.

The National Health Service (NHS) is “collecting data about women and girls with FGM who are being cared for by the NHS in England. This collection includes data items that will be routinely discussed by the patient and health professional as part of the standard delivery of care and that are included in the patient's healthcare record.”4 Due to the classification by the WHO, “genital piercings are included” in this data collection, because “the data item FGM Type 4 Qualifier

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allows users to specify that the FGM was a piercing.”

The FGM Enhanced Dataset—Frequently Asked Questions5 text goes on to state that “labiaplasty and genital tattoos are not included.”

What the piercing community needs are clear amendments made to the existing legislation that state cosmetic genital piercings on consenting adults, performed in licensed premises, are excluded from the classification of Type 4 FGM. This will eliminate the current legal ambiguity we face and protect us from investigations that, even if ultimately do not result in prosecution, could be career ending. This will allow women in the UK parity with men seeking genital piercings and it will prevent the NHS from recording women with genital piercings as FGM suffers. Under current Department of Health policy, patient permission is not needed to do so.

From January to March6 of this year alone, an astonishing 1,990 cases of FGM were recorded in England.

We can only hope policymakers take the time, as I did, to find that only 1,015 of those cases were new and of that, 750 where recorded as “unknown” as opposed to being classified as Type 1 through 4. Of these, 85 were Type 4 and 65 were “not recorded”; how these 65 somehow became part of the statistics is anyone’s guess. By simply reading the first quarterly7 NHS Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Enhanced Dataset of this year, the number has potentially been reduced from 1,990 to 115.

It’s also worth remembering that the terms “women” and “girls” are equal and interchangeable in the existing legislation and that the average (mean) age of those individuals recorded in the latest statistics is 32 years of age.

Of these reported cases of FGM, 97% had occurred over ten years ago. Of all the cases reported, those that took place within the UK accounted for less than 5% of the overall statistics. The majority of that 5% were known to be body piercings.

Some positive news in this area is that the piercing community is not completely alone in seeking clarification and potential reform to the existing legislation.

The Scottish government developed a questionnaire

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Top, Jamie McCartney, The Great Wall of Vagina (2008). Detail.

Photo from Jamie McCartney; below, United Against FGM, from Not Again Campaign, photo Uncredited

in 2014 to be completed by the NHSGGC FGM Short life Working Group. Of 32 completed questionnaires, less than half were in support of mandatory data reporting at doctor appointments. This issue has come up against opposition from anti-FGM activists, such as Hibo Wardere, as many believe it will only discourage victims from seeking out gynaecological care and it does nothing to prevent the crime of FGM. Many completed questionnaires also called for better enforcement of the original or existing legislation instead of new legislation.

I will be attending the National Summit for Preventing and Eradicating FGM in July on behalf of the UKAPP. I’m looking forward to raising some of these issues. The purpose of this summit is to discuss existing FGM policy set to expire in 2020, and to potentially make changes for better efficacy. This will be the first time we have been present in the discussion about policy making regarding this issue, rather than reading about it after the fact.

The majority of the feedback and correspondence I’ve exchanged over the last three years with various official bodies has been quite positive overall and not particularly “anti-piercing.” It’s important to remember that there is not one piece of written legislation that exists in the UK today that polices the ways in which a man can alter his genitals. The female body is perpetually strangled in red tape and any consideration given by lawmakers to it are either to preserve it before, or repair it after, childbirth.

It’s hard not to read the following segment taken from “Strengthening Protections for Female Genital Mutilation, A Scottish Government Consultation”8 (published October 2018) and not see shades of Mr. Sebastian: “Type 4: This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for nonmedical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area. It can cover vaginal elongation, the practice of stretching the vulva using weights for aesthetics or enhancement of sexual pleasure.”

“Serious Crime Act 2015,” UK Public General Acts, legislation.gov.uk delivered by The National Archives, up to date as of August 13, 2019, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/9/contents.

2 “Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005,” Acts of the Scottish Parliament, legislation.gov.uk delivered by The National Archives, accessed August 13, 2019, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2005/8/contents.

3 “Female Genital Mutilation,” Fact sheets, World Health Organization, dated January 31, 2018, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation.

4 “Health professionals and NHS organisations,” Female Genital Mutilation Datasets, NHS Digital, last edited October 3, 2018, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/clinical-audits-and-registries/female-genital-mutilation-datasets/health-professionalsand-nhs-organisations#publications.

5 NHS Digital, “FGM Enhanced Dataset—Frequently Asked Questions,” updated May 2019, https://digital.nhs.uk/binaries/content/assets/website-assets/clinical-audits/fgm/frequently-asked-questions.pdf.

6 “Female Genital Mutilation January-March 2019,” Female Genital Mutilation, NHS Digital, published May 24, 2019, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/female-genital-mutilation/january-to-march-2019.

7 “FGM 2019 Q1 - Report,” Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Enhanced Dataset, NHS Digital, published May 24, 2019, https://files.digital.nhs.uk/18/643E66/FGM%202019%20Q1%20-%20Report.pdf.

8 “Strengthening protection from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): consultation,” Publications, Scottish Government, published October 4, 2018, https://www.gov.scot/publications/strengthening-protection-female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ 1

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THE POINT

HEALTH CANADA WARNS ABOUT GENTIAN VIOLET

A

t the beginning of June, Health Canada warned Canadians of potential cancer risk associated with gentian violet. This was concerning to many professional piercers in Canada and internationally, due to the fact that gentian violet is a product commonly used for marking before a piercing. There has been some debate in the piercing community over whether the gentian violet product recalls should affect our industry.

In Issue 89, we’ll have a thorough examination of the studies that triggered the product recall and what that may mean for professional piercers and consumers in general. Thankfully, in the meantime, there are non-gentian violet options available in the form of pressure marks and non-gentian markers. It should be noted that when opting for markers, skin specific pens and surgical markers should be used rather than permanent ink pens and markers.

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH AUSTRALIA ITALY MEXICO RUSSIA SERBIA SWITZERLAND UK

USA www.isbodyjewelry.com ISSUE 88

MADE IN CALIFORNIA - USA

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