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The Piercing Edition
Piercing Gurus
COMPILED BY: ROCHELLE ANDERSON
Brit Popin
The Creative Extraordinaire Stefan Clarke
Ancient Art meets Modern Expression
Contents 04
Exploring the Art
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Understanding the Culture
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Painting the Picture
Editor's Note
I had a vision -to create the most authentic and stylish
body modification magazine that takes you on a journey through time.
Though not an easy task, I am delighted to introduce Bodified: The Piercing Edition , the first of a series of magazines on body modification. Bodified provides an exciting opportunity to consider and explore true self expression. The objective of Bodified is to publish insightful and original research alongside relevant and unique photographs. I wanted to create something that I can one day take beyond the pages of a print magazine. My goal was to create a magazine worthy enough for my readers and show that the capabilities of a person does not rely on outward appearances. There are varying opinions about body piercings but nevertheless it is a unique art form that I had a great time exploring. The most interesting thing was learning the stories behind the stories. The past few months were not the easiest, but I had a clear vision and I had to make it a reality. I must reflect on how courageous I was to push my own expectations so that you can see that your vision, goals and dreams can be attainable if you pursue it in your own unique way. It’s a new beginning. I hope you enjoy this first issue. You’re a part of the team now and I look forward to walking the journey with you. Continue expressing yourself both in Bodified and outside. We welcome your comments. You may reach us at bodifiedmagja@gmail.com Best wishes,
R.Anderson
Body piercing as a form of body modification has a rich and diverse history. Piercing dates back to over 5000 years when the oldest mummified body,Otzi the Iceman was found with signs of pierced ears. Everything from ears to noses to nipples can be dated back to extremely ancient civilizations. Piercing as a concept is amazingly different and carries a great deal of cultural meaning in many societies. Many years ago, piercings were affiliated with many things such as prostitution, wealth of a husband, ceremonies and rites and even to ward off evil spirits (yes, that was a thing, it may still be). In certain traditions, certain piercing were only worn by royal families to show wealth and leadership. The meaning of piercings vary from culture to culture and were not always adorned with traditional types of jewellery, it could be feathers, bone shards, metals, rocks, animal horns and other interesting objects. These adornments usually had symbolic meaning for the wearer, and would have to be carefully chosen.
We are not makers of history.We are made by history". 4 -Martin Luther King, JR. Exploring the Art//bodifiedmagja@gmail.com
Historically, nose piercing is more frequently connected with cultures outside of Europe and dates back to the 1500 BC. This type of piercing was mainly done by women and was worn in the left nostril which signified a sign of fertility once they were of age. Lip piercing also developed as a symbolic body modification or as a status symbol, rather than an aesthetic one. Examples of sculptures and statues with labrets (lower lip piercing) have been found dating back about 4000 years. It is believed that lip plates and other lip stretching devices were modeled by different tribes as part of their beliefs. Nipples and genital piercings were historically associated with sexuality and gender. It is easy to go on all day about the history of piercings because almost all types can be dated back to many years ago, each symbolising something important. The1970s saw the emergence of various subcultures who embraced body piercings. Although diverse historically, many cultures still practices the art form. Even though it varies in style, each is unique and interesting in its own right.
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Body piercings has had quite the turnaround within the Jamaican culture. Once associated with femininity, it has become so commonplace that it is now a unisex practice. A decade ago, a male sporting a nose ring would be considered an act of making quite the bold statement in our homophobic culture. Harry Toddler's smash 90's hit "Bad Man Nuh Dress Like Girl" vocalized the sentiment, in poking fun at men who pierced their noses, indicating that it led to a slippery slope of cross dressing and by extension, an indication of
homosexuality. Back in the present with the popularity of septum rings, different styles of ear piercings, nipple rings and even those tailored for the genitalia, we have come to realize that the new generation has become more open minded with their experimentation. Is this new sense of openness a result of a progressive mentality? Or should we worry about cultural erasure? After all, these new piercing practices and possible disregard for former cultural norms have been influenced by a more western way of life. Our media is bombarded with American and eurocentric lifestyle practices, the majority of which is centered around self expression 8
Understanding the Culture//bodifiedmagja@gmail.com
through body modification.
Another form of this exposure comes from the fact
P ier c
that we become aware of other cultures when we travel, and it becomes easy to immerse oneself in the selves overtime. All in all, it boils down to a sense of self confidence, to take the necessary steps to defy speculation and disregard the perceptions of the general public when one is considering daring or bold piercings. Remember once when it was unthinkable for a male to pierce his right ear? Or even that debate about whether a popular dancehall artiste had pierced his tongue? Now many of our own male entertainers have both ears pierced, more have even taken things further by piercing other body parts and making it public. Little by little we see where attitudes have been quickly changing, and the popularity of piercing is not going away any time soon. Our society is slowly opening its collective mind to allowing people to enjoy their freedoms, especially in light of the fact that we all have our own personal problems to deal with, without taking on an additional burden of another
-Leighton Williams Journalist
person's style choices. What was once taboo, has now become the trend.
-Raynor Allen Photographer/Videographer Understanding the Culture//bodifiedmagja@gmail.com
t he
ce
I believe body piercings come down to the work you do. If you are in a conservative profession such as law, medicine, banking and teaching then doing lobe gauge, industrial piercings or orbital piercing might be interpreted the wrong way. If you work in graphics, web design or any of the creative fields that are more liberal then you are free to pierce as you see fit. But you also should not show piercings that are in certain areas in an office regardless of the field.
practices of the cultures in which they integrate them-
nd ing a
pla k r o w
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Beyond the Surface
By Quickore' Bennett
Cuts, scars and scrapes Dated back to frozen tribes men days some tribual affiliations yet the varying conceptions has begotten it’s way through commonmerative generations. I can find my preference with this contingent placement a memorium it must be but not one that melts inside me. A prominent will makes them mark still. for the rosier few that a mark would appease renowned too. No longer complexions, but favorful rights of colorful alterations and careless decision, with diverse medical implications, why dost thou make cuttings in your flesh for a image of signification that you now are obsessed with.
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From noses to ears to navels to tongues, piercings have become so commonplace and sufficiently mainstream; it is a little hard to imagine that there was a time where this act was frowned upon, deemed unacceptable and even taboo. But, if you are fascinated with the culture and the lifestyle of piercings, then you will be delighted to meet Culhane Green a.k.a Popin, a piercer extraordinaire who is the proud proprietor of PopinJamaica. Green, who fell in love with piercing, is best known for his growing reputation in practicing the fine art for four years now. For one, business has been steadily growing, which one can attribute to his energetic and quite vivacious personality, well in addition to his “mad� piercing skills. Of course, as a stepping stone into the piercing industry, he learnt from some of the best by gaining hands on experience. Green admits that it wasn’t him who chose this profession; you could say it chose him. Notably, he has progressed quickly by building a respectable portfolio to be one of the most requested and gifted piercers of his time. Green explained that he ensures that his equipments are clean and sterilized at all times since piercing includes the breaking of the skin, afterall he produces nothing but the best for his clients. With an ever growing portfolio, a thirst for innovation and a burning desire to expand, it is certain that you will be hearing more about the PopIn boss, Culhane Green. Bodified Magazine asked him some questions for those readers who are considering piercings or loves the art. Q&A 12 Understanding the Culture//bodifiedmagja@gmail.com
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Q. What steps do you take to ensure that your tools are clean? A. My Piercing equipment are always properly sterilized. Q. Do you think piercings adds to individuality? A. Everyone wants to be an individual. At least a little bit, I think we all want to stand out, look cool, call attention to ourselves. Piercing is certainly one way to do this. Q. How long each piercing take to heal? (specify body parts) A. Healing time is different depending on the part of your body. Piercings on your ear lobes usually take about 6-8 weeks to heal. However, piercings on the side of your ear (cartilage) can take anywhere from 4 months to 1 year to heal. Q. Are there specific/preferred piercing methods for certain skin types? A. Yes, Different types of skin require different piercing techniques and tools. Q. What is the best tool to do a piercing? A. A Needle Looking into getting a piercing? Well, you now know the perfect person for the job just pop in to PopInJamaica.
Inspired by ideas that are out of the box, Brittney Hughes and proud owner of Britink Tattoos is undoubtedly one of Kingston’s finest body modification artist. Brittney has created an impressive niche she’s managed to carve in a mere four years. Her true passion is doing tattoos but since it goes hand in hand with body piercings she delved into the scene, “I decided to learn the trade, no harm in being a Jane of all trades”, expressed the bubbly artist. She has no problem embracing her talent and believes body piercings are a means for people to stand out and increase their individuality. "For me, it's a beautiful thing to come across different anatomies". Brittney explained that most piercings are discriminated against,“If it's not some religious backlash then it's some stereotype”. However, she has no problem embracing her talent and design’s things that her clients will love sporting. With a fast growing portfolio, Britney’s has her own unique technique and expressed with a chuckle that she enjoys doing nipple and tongue piercings as they are less of a hassle. Her most requested piercings to date are nipples, nose and tragus with the most unique being a multiple cross shaped cluster comprised of unique belly rings. Fittingly enough, when asked what her favourite quote was, she sites "I like storms. They let me know that even the sky screams sometimes."-AJB. Brittney’s inspiration behind her work all stems from passion, joy for life and the people around her. We had to ask some questions, for those readers who may want to learn a few stuff about the art. Q&A Q. What steps do you take to ensure that your tools are clean? A. All needles are one time use. All other tools are sterilized by high pressure steam after being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, if that cannot happen it is disposed of.
Q. How long each piercing take to heal? (specify body parts) A. Tongue piercings typically take 4-6 weeks, lip roughly 2-4 months, ear piercings vary from 4-10 months, nose/septum roughly 2-3 months, facial piercings (eyebrow, sideburn, etc) roughly 2-4 months, navel roughly 8-12 months, nipples (women) roughly 4-12 months, nipples (men) roughly 2-6 months, genital piercings (female) roughly 2-6 months and genital piercings (men) roughly 2-6 months. Q. What is the best tool to do a piercing? A. Needles or guns? NEEDLE. I cannot stress it enough. Piercing guns are very bad for you. They use force to shoot an earring through your skin, which ultimately just creates a ripped hole. Piercing needles are hollow and come in different gauges, which means the ring and needle will be the same thickness. The hollowness allows the needle to cut out the perfect sized hole and is more likely to have a smooth healing process.
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Understanding the Culture//bodifiedmagja@gmail.com
"Stand for what you believe in, not what people or society thinks."-Stefan Clarke
The Creative Extraordinaire
M
eet Stefan Clarke, a Studio Manager at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, a sculptor by graduation and Art director for commercials, TV shows and movies.
This creative individual, describes himself as “an artistic hustler." He expresses, “I believe work hard, play hard, live hard. I’ve always been a creative individual and figured I would fall in one of the many creative fields.” There is no dispute about how accomplished Stefan is, he was commissioned for the “Trinity” sculpture piece
C n tS efa
at the University of Technology, Jamaica. He also boasts another piece in the sculpture garden called “Embracing the Universe”. Additionally, he has worked on the highly popularized show, Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall for 10 years as set builder and set director. Not to mention he has worked 6 years on Wray and Nephew Contender as set director. One of his biggest career highlight to date is working on America’s Next Top Model when it was filmed in Jamaica, where he contributed as an art director. He has also worked on Ghetta Life, Sprinter, Destiny and the list goes on and on. Besides his impressive career Stefan has another quality that stands out about him that you cannot help but noticing even by mere glance. Of course, I am talking about his piercings and tattoos.
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For Stephan, piercing and tattoos are a form of self expression he says, “Any form of body modification is a form of self expression, if it’s to show rebellion to parents or authority, to show ownership of oneself, maybe to even stand out amongst the noise in society and be different from the rest. In other cases it’s to follow the crowd because it’s the in thing to do.
e k r a Cl
My piercings and tattoos have been a way of me taking further ownership of myself and making my body beautiful in my eyes; I’ve always been interested and fascinated in body modification.” He admits that what attracts him to piercings especially is the beauty of it firstly, then the pain of it, but also the cultural aspect and meaning behind it all, ponder on that for a moment. In terms of the cultural aspect, he finds it fascinating that in some cultures they wear the bones or trinkets of their enemies they fought or the animals they hunted. It was their way of
tapping into the spirit of the creature or foe to gain strength over this being. So it is not just a matter of getting piercings on a whim, but there is a deeper, more significant meaning underneath it all. “I pierce firstly because the pain is beautiful. Then the look of it after makes me enjoy how I look. I’ve never felt myself until I got my first tattoo and once I started expanding my body piercings I found I felt more myself in my own skin.” His inspirations on the other hand stem from the art that he sees; sometimes it is dependent on the books that he reads, even the movies he watches. He expresses, “My designs and my piercings come from more a cultural research. From many cultures from around the world, Aztec, Mayan, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, some African, Babylonian, American Indian, Hindu, Japanese, Hatian just name a few.” Clarke is an interesting persona that we loved chatting with. He takes his own uniqueness, stands out as different, and he creates the life he wants. He embraces everything that makes him unique and is in complete control of his life as perceptions does not deter him from his true love, body modification.
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Unleashing Your True Self Photography by Raynor Allen "Body piercing is a form by which I express myself"-Culhane Green
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It comes as no surprise that indulge in the art ,sports the because it has meaning to t that is of great importance. we do,IT MUST HAVE MEAN It all comes down to prefere style. Body piercings are not just a trend, it is a LIFESTYLE. Art lovers co push the boundaries.
It all comes down to preference and momen-
tos. Explorations of body modification, has become a practice so widespread in some circles that it can be deemed a movement. The most popular types includes microdermal ,navel,tongue,new types of ear piercing such as forward helix, industrial, rook, orbital, tragus and the list goes on. Oh! Let us not forget the genital piercings. These type of piercings has grown in popularity in recent years, sporting one can be interpreted in a number of ways, from the straightforward to the psychological. Painting the Picture//bodifiedmagja@gmail.com
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those who em openly them and In whatever NING. ence, and
a growing
ontinues to
We asked a few persons
who sports some form
of body piercing and their answers reflected inner personalities,interests, life goals, fashion trends and life philosophy. We here at Bodified can say this generation definitely loves the bling. Self-expression is an opportunity to show who you really are. Even though social acceptability of the practice varies, one cannot deny that this practice is unlikely to change anytime soon. 21
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“History gives answers to modern expressions�-Rochelle Anderson bodifiedmagja@gmail.com 24