Posts by Marina Pecorino

Point #73: From the Editor – Marina Pecorino

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Point-70-From-the-Editor-Marina-0.jpgMarina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics

I realized that in planning my pieces for this issue, I composed my outlines in terms of an almost methodical past—present—future format. As a result, it has become apparent to me that even when planning to discuss the current events of our industry, I can’t help but relate it back to where we came from and what has brought us to this point.

In the past, current events within the body modification community were defined within small regional groups, making the reach and influence fairly limited. Then as piercing enthusiasts became less closeted and more prevalent, conferences like the APP Conference and BMXnet, publications like PFIQ (Piercing Fans International Quarterly), and internet communities like BME became available. With this, the barriers of geography were broken and current events were defined more by the shared interests of individual communities. This allowed for a broader reach of knowledge and experience, and for enthusiasts to have more choice available in their involvement with specific interests. But information still had a trickling spread; trends were slower to be replaced with a newer, better, shinier thing.

With the overwhelming prevalence of social media and technology, the wealth of knowledge available is incredible and the reach of information is limitless. Trends change almost as quickly as they are born; in a matter of days, sweeping interest in a particular piercing placement or jewelry style can become global. Unfortunately, the same can be true in regards to misinformation and misconceptions surrounding placements, techniques, jewelry, and aftercare. It is our shared responsibility to ensure the quality and validity of piercing specific information available to our peers and the general public. Please be mindful of what you are sharing with the world.

However, even with this global reserve of knowledge, there are still specific concerns that only affect certain areas. In this issue, we are sharing some of those concerns seen during the revision process of body art laws and rules and regulations within the state of Ohio. You will also get a glimpse into the newly formed UKAPP and the issues specific to body modification artists in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

We hope that these articles help you gain an understanding and greater world view of what is happening within the professional realm of your peers.

Point #72: 2015 Camp APP Member’s Retreat

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The Association of Professional Piercers is proud to announce our first ever APP Members Retreat. The retreat will be held at Hard Labor State Creek Park in Rutledge, GA from September 29, 2015 to October 3, 2015. Attendance is limited to APP Business Members and Business Members at Large and registration is limited to 100 people. Registration closed September 20. We can’t wait to see you there.

How to get here:

For those who are driving from Atlanta:
Take I20 East from Atlanta
Get off at Newborn Rd. Exit and go left
Follow signs to Hard Labor Creek
Follow sign for main park entrance
Continue on that road until you cross a small bridge and then take an immediate right- this is the road to Camp Rutledge. Pass through the gate, entry code is #1234. (Directions)

Permits are required—we will have them for you when you arrive at the camp.

For those taking our transportation from Atlanta:
First, to get to the pick up location:
The Atlanta MARTA train system is VERY simple. There are only 3 trains! The system is convenient and safe and starts at the Atlanta domestic airport terminal. The DORAVILLE train, northbound will take you to the Chamblee station.

Our transport to and from the camp:
Shuttle service will pick up and drop off at the Chamblee station. Departure time September 29th will be 4:30pm. Shuttle will depart from the camp October 3, at 9:30am and arrive at the Chamblee station at around 11:00am.

2015 Camp APP
Camp APP is providing an opportunity to explore previously unused advanced curriculum as well as more thoroughly presenting topics that can only be touched on in Las Vegas. Workshop leads and instructors will be posting about their sessions in the main forum and on the event page. The certificates for this event will both read and be distributed differently than ever before. Attendees will receive their certificates during the closing session.

We also understand how important eating well is when you are in the forest. We are striving to cover all of the bases here. There will be plenty of vegan and omnivore options.

We will also be fortunate enough to have some extra special additions to our menu.

Some other important things to know
No procedures will be performed
No Wi-fi
Limited phone reception
Fishing licenses are available at the ranger station
No pets
No projectile weapons of any sort.

Special events

• Grounding and Public Speaking
(John Johnson)

APP member John Johnson first started teaching Bedside Manner and Grounding in Las Vegas in 2008 and this fall he’s teaching Public Speaking and Grounding at the member’s retreat. The mission of the APP is to disseminate health and safety information relevant to body piercing and public speaking is a great way to fulfill that mission. Our members often get this opportunity and this class will help them be prepared. As a professional piercer you may be asked to speak to groups like schools, health departments, and professional organizations.

Public speaking doesn’t come naturally for anyone. This is a skill we all have to work on and develop through experience and hard work. If you speak to any group about piercing you represent yourself, your studio, and the association. We want you to be confident, competent, and prepared. After attending John’s course you’ll have the tools to prepare both yourself and a presentation that impresses and engages your audience.

• Movies
(Paul King)

What camp out would be complete without a movie night? We will have an assortment of films including action, comedy, body piercing classics, as well as horror films situated in the woods of course!!!!

We even have a surprise Hollywood blockbuster filmed on location at our camp! How terrifying 🙂 Don’t blame us for your nightmares, you guys get to compete for what you watch.

So bring your comfy PJs and enjoy the snacks, popcorn, and soda.

• OSHA— It Isn’t Just About the Blood
(John Johnson, Rick Frueh)

We all know that OSHA is about worker safety. We have all taken a Blood Borne Pathogens courses, many many times. Need to renew your certificate? Well, sorry but this isn’t that class. In this 2 hour seminar we will be going into detail about some other aspects of OSHA that apply directly to the body piercing industry. Topics will range from Fire Safety to Electrical Standards and several points in between. John Johnson and Rick Frueh will be co-instructing. They are both Authorized OSHA Outreach Instructors for General Industry. If you have ever had an OSHA specific question this is the course to ask it.

• Social Media Workshop
(Social Media Committee)

Ever wonder how to make pictures look their best working with the equipment you already have? Do you have poor lighting in your studio or outside and are looking for ways to improve your media content? Join us for our content creation workshop! We will be covering everything from equipment, lighting techniques, apps, detachable lenses and setting up a photo studio in your piercing shop. Bring your smartphones, or even your full sized cameras!

The second part of our workshop will include a round table discussing ways to increase your media reach beyond Facebook and Instagram. We will cover utilizing the social functions of review sites such as Google and Yelp, as well as some newer options like Reddit and Foursquare. See you there!

• Dialing in Jewelry Sales Workshop
(Bethrah Szumski lead)

We have had numerous presentations about how to up-sell. Particularly for gold and genuine stones. The skill involved in selling people not only higher price point products but items that fit their style and personality has been generally under addressed. This session will cover three main points. First how color theory works both in metal/stone combinations and skin tone. Second, how color forecasting effects fashion and design. Third, ways to assess and talk with clients, incorporating these concepts and their personal preferences, to fit them with jewelry that they will be happy about buying.

We will also have four other workshops available, including a hand positioning workshop, we will be sure to update you as details are available.

• Hand Positioning Workshop
(Luis Garcia lead)

Whether you work freehand, with tools or somewhere in between, hand positioning is crucial. This session will focus on this for all style preferences. Participants will be able to focus on areas they find difficult as well as demonstrate the techniques they excell at.

• Fine Tuning the Eye Workshop
(Chrissy Shull lead)

Just as athletes can always find small ways to improve their performance, body piercers can and should as well! Accuracy and consistency can be fine tuned by a better understanding of visual perceptions and how they apply to marking and performing a piercing. This workshop will utilize a series of exercises that will give you the opportunity to discover your blind spots and how to work with them, how you personally perceive depth and shape and how to use your perception to your advantage, and visual illusions and how they might be affecting the quality of your work.

• Advanced Industrial Concepts Workshop
(Rob Hill lead)

Techniques that can apply to the most advanced industrial piercings. Starting off with some modern tips for traditional industrials, we will build off that with some key tips and tricks to help you nail those multi point and curved industrial projects taking your skills to the next level.

• Practical Asepsis Workshop
(Brian Skellie lead)

This workshop will include discussion and demonstration of achievable means to establish and maintain asepsis for procedures. Brian will facilitate a roundtable to concentrate upon the interdependent concepts, methods and equipment available for aseptic contact and non-touch techniques.

This should be an extension of the concepts discussed in the workshops, designed for members to go further. Come share your thoughts and learn more about safety and quality.

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Lucina Ugarte

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Lucina UgarteLucina Ugarte

 

English Translation:

The moment I received the call from Caitlin informing me that I had been granted the Al D. Scholarship will be one I never forget. Honestly, I never thought it would be awarded to me. From that day forward everything that occurred was and has been indescribable.

I began to realize that there was a considerable amount of work to do even before the event itself: talks, videos, entertainment, and getting to know people, even if it was only virtually. I had no idea of the grand family that had been forming during the many, many years of volunteer work at each of the Conferences in the past; a family that I was so welcomed into. There were so many lovely people all with the same goal. Initially I felt overwhelmed, knowing that the majority of the attendees already knew each other and I was a complete stranger who didn’t even speak the same language. It didn’t take long for me to realize that all of my preconceptions had no place among the grand and delightful family of volunteers, who not only took me in from the beginning, but were also concerned for me, knowing how far I was travelling in order to participate in such an honorable task. The departure day arrived. It wasn’t an easy trip and during the first layover, I began to feel ill and I thought I wasn’t going to make it to my destination. Despite the situation, I convinced myself that I was fine and that I didn’t have the luxury of missing this opportunity. I found ways to deal with the pain and continued my journey. It wasn’t easy, but arriving in Las Vegas made everything that much more real; I was there!!!

My best memories? After a whirlwind week it is hard to pick just one. The journey by bus to the restaurant where we shared the last supper at the end of Conference was priceless. I enjoyed every minute. That and Caitlin’s final discourse was the perfect finishing touch to such a magnificent experience.

Would I do it again? Without a single doubt! I hope to see everyone again next year.

 

Spanish Translation:

Cuando me llamó Caitlin para contarme que me habían otorgado la beca fue un momento que nunca olvidaré. Honestamente nunca pensé que me la darían.

Y desde ese dia en adelante fue indescriptible todo lo que fue sucediendo.

En seguida me di cuenta de que había mucho trabajo que hacer aun mucho antes del evento, charlas, videos, entrenamiento y conocer aunque sea de manera virtual a los que serían mis compañeros en ésta aventura. No tenía idea de la gran familia que habían estado formando durante años y años de trabajo voluntario en cada conferencia. Mucha gente linda empujando todos para el mismo lado. Me sentí abrumada al principio, sabiendo que la mayoría ya se conocían hace tiempo y yo era una completa extraña que ni siquiera hablaba el mismo idioma que ellos. No tardé mucho en darme cuenta de que todos mis prejuicios no tenían lugar en ésa gran y hermosa familia de voluntarios que no solo me integraron desde el principio, sino que se preocuparon por mi sabiendo de lo lejos que yo iba a viajar para participar de ésta tan honorable tarea.

Y llegó el día del viaje. No fue un viaje facil, ya en la primer escala me empecé a sentir enferma y pensé que no iba a lograr llegar al destino; a pesar de eso me autoconvenci de que debía estar bien, y no me podía dar el lujo de perder ésta oportunidad. Compré una tableta de analgesicos y seguí mi camino. No fue facil pero al llegar a Las Vegas todo se tornó mas real, ya estaba ahi!!!

Concerté con un colega para compartir viaje desde el aeropuerto al hotel y así fue. Cuando llegamos me estaba esperando mi compañera de cuarto, ella también habia recibido la beca Al D.

El día siguiente comenzó temprano con una reunión para conocernos en persona todos los voluntarios. Wooow! Eramos muchos mas de los que me habia imaginado, y algunos eran voluntarios desde hacía más de 15 años. Luego siguió un pequeño tour por los distintos puestos que debíamos ocupar los siguientes cinco días.

Llegó el momento de empezar a trabajar, durante toda la semana ademas de tomar las clases que habíamos elegido, nos rotabamos en distintas tareas, y así se pasó la semana. Con muchas cosas nuevas aprendidas y lo mejor de todo, la hermosa gente con la que compartimos una semana intensa pero que sin dudas volvería a repetir cada año. Los mejores recuerdos? El trayecto en bus hasta el restaurante en el que compartimos la última cena al final del congreso fue impagable, disfruté cada minuto a la ida y a la vuelta. El discurso final de Caitlin fue el broche que cerró tan maravillosa experiencia.

Lo volvería a repetir? Sin absolutamente ninguna duda!!! Espero verlos a todos el proximo año.

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Gladix Porca Miseria

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Gladix Porca MiseriaGladix Porca Miseria

 

English Translation:

This was the first time I have seen so many people come together and become emotionally united. It left such an impression on me! Since it was my first year, I don’t have anything to compare those connections to, but from the outside, one can witness the strong connection amongst the attendees and the bonds being built between one another. There was laughter and very strong emotions.

The days went by and finally the Banquet and Raffle came and I won!!! Incredible! I have never won anything in my life and I got a small share of the Industrial Strength prize.

The next day was our last day and you could tell there were a thousand emotions in the air. That last night all the volunteers went out to dinner together. We got on a bus where everyone was singing like crazy and laughing; dinner was hilarious. When we got back we made speeches for each other, which I hate. I find expressing my feelings on paper much easier than in front of everybody, especially when everyone else who did it before you was moved and emotions were high. I got emotional. I didn’t say everything I wanted to say, but I am not sure I could ever find the right words. After a full week it is clear that there are a lot of people who work hard all year long so that everything runs smoothly and so that everyone can enjoy Conference.

I was astounded by Caitlin “Mama Duck”, she is efficiency personified; someone who can carry so much work load effortlessly. Her organization is more than admirable. Thank you for letting me be one more “duck.” I also find it admirable seeing people who have been volunteers for more than 17 years all working toward a common goal, knowing that they won’t get anything in return.

In Europe many believe that the APP is an elitist piercing association that has been dedicated to demonizing anyone who did not meet their standards. Now I know the importance it really has, since going behind the scenes at Conference and seeing there is so much more to the abbreviation. There are people who are so involved for the greater good of the industry, because of us. That is the real APP; the people who really help the industry and do everything possible to teach and nurture those who need it, all to help us progress. Thank you so much for choosing me to share this experience with all of you, I hope I can be a part of it for many years to come.

 

Spanish Original:

Era la primera vez que veía a tanta gente junta tan emocionalmente unida , me dejo impactada. Para mi es mi primer año,quizás no puedo comparar pero desde fuera se ve la conexión tan fuerte que hay entre los asistentes y lo fuertemente unidos que están unos a otros. Hubo risas y emociones muy fuertes.

Y empezó la rifa y me toco!!! Jajajajajja increíble! No me ha tocado nunca nada en mi vida y me toco un pellizco del premio de industrial Strength.

El día siguiente era nuestro último día y se notaba en el ambiente, mil emociones se mezclaban, por la noche todos los voluntarios fuimos a cenar todos juntos, nos montaron en un autobús en el que todos iban cantando como locos y riendo, la cena fue una risa, cundo volvimos nos tocaba hablar enfrente de todo el mundo…. Cosa que odio Jajajaja quizás expresar mis sentimientos en un papel, sea bastante más fácil que delante de todo el mundo jajaja mucho mas cuando las personas que lo han hecho antes que tu se han emocionado y la carga emocional del ambiente era bastante alta jajaja pues nada me salió horrible, me emocione… No dije todo lo que quería decir … Así que horrible… La conclusión que saque de mi estancia allí, es que hay un montón de gente que realmente se esta dejando la piel y que trabajan todo el año, para que todo salga perfecto y un montón de gente pueda disfrutar de la conferencia.

Estoy realmente impactada con Caitlin “mama Pato” es la eficiencia personificada, como una persona puede llevar semejante carga de trabajo y que parezca que no es nada? Es admirable la forma de organizarnos a todos. Gracias por todo y por dejarme ser un “pato” más. Me resulta también admirable ver a personas que son voluntarios desde hace más de 17 años y trabajan por un bien común , sabiendo que no recibirán nada a cambio.

En Europa muchos crearon la idea que APP era una especie que asociación de la élite del piercing, que se dedicaba a demonizar a todo el que no trabajaba bajo sus estándares. Ahora realmente se la importancia que tiene, y que detrás de unas siglas hay gente que involucra sus vidas por y para nosotros. Esa es la verdadera APP , gente que realmente ayuda a la industria y hace todo lo posible por tender la mano a quien lo necesite sin importar su nivel para ayudarnos a progresar. Muchas gracias por haberme elegido para compartir esta experiencia con vosotros, espero ser parte de ella durante muchos años mas .

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Jose Carlos

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Jose CarlosJose Carlos

 

English Translation:

When I was informed that I had been awarded the Al D. Scholarship to attend the 2015 APP Conference I was overrun by many emotions. Joy, a great sense of joy. It felt as if all the hard work and effort I had put into this for months and years prior was being rewarded. Fear, the fear of not being “up to par” and disappointing those who had put their trust in my abilities, and my maturity to not waste the opportunity that had been given to me. Excitement, the excitement for the great adventure that was to come; the adventure of sharing and learning, surrounded by friends old and new. Peers and colleagues, great professionals who all share the same connection and love for body piercing regardless of city, country, or continent of origin.

With all this in mind, the weeks went by. Each week brought detailed emails more frequently, all with a ton of information to help with the work that was to come. This made me even more anxious to arrive in Las Vegas. At last the day had come and there was no turning back. From the very first moment I arrived, all my fears, nerves, and anxiousness that had me worried vanished, like a magic trick. From the first encounters and meetings with the volunteer group I realized that apart from working and attending classes, Conference was going to be something special and even more beautiful than I had imagined. As those first hours passed, I felt welcomed into a new family. A family that loves and supports one another. A family that works together so that this great event can grow and be an integral part of many piercers’ year.

So many people work so many hours, yet do it with a smile and kind words. They also bring so many hugs! Hugs that can make the stress melt away in seconds. And so the days passed. The lack of sleep and fatigue were noticeable, but it didn’t matter. It was all worth it. It is very difficult to describe in writing the great experience that was my week and volunteer work, how it has changed my view towards Conference and the effort involved in making it happen. People don’t realize how much work is involved until they are part of it. The experience and hard work was all worth it. Watching the large group of volunteers work together with Caitlin was wonderful. Without her this whole event would be impossible. Watching her work was incredible, inspiring and admirable. I know for sure that I’ll be back as a volunteer next year. I am sure that each year will be better than the previous year. There is only one thing left to say, and that is thank you from the bottom of my heart. In my heart I hold you all.

Thank you very very much.

 

Spanish Original:

Cuando me informaron que había sido seleccionado para poder ir a la conferencia de la APP 2015 con una beca me sentí invadido por muchas y diferentes sensaciones. Una gran alegría que el trabajo y esfuerzo de meses y años ahora se veía recompensado de una manera que nunca habría imaginado. Miedo, miedo de no estar a la altura y decepcionar a quien había puesto en mi toda su confianza. Confianza en mi capacidad para trabajar y para no desperdiciar la oportunidad que me estaban dando. Emoción, la emoción del que va a vivir una gran aventura, una aventura de compartir y aprender rodeado de viejos y nuevos amigos. Amigos que son grandes profesionales y que todos tienen el mismo nexo en común independientemente de su ciudad, país o continente de origen, el amor y el respeto por su profesión el body piercing.

Con todo esto en la cabeza pasaban las semanas, la fecha se acercaba, los mails explicativos llegaban cada vez con más asiduidad con una cantidad de información para facilitarme el trabajo. Y yo cada vez más nervioso deseando llegar a Las Vegas. Por fin llegué, ya estaba allí, ya no había marcha atrás. Desde el primer momento mis miedos, mis nervios, todo lo que me tenía preocupado desapareció como por arte de magia. Con los primeros encuentros y reuniones comprendí que aparte de trabajar y asistir a conferencias, iba a ser algo más, algo más importante y bonito de lo que yo podía imaginar. Según pasaban las horas sentí formar parte de una nueva familia, una familia en la que se apoyan y se quieren, en la que trabajan todos juntos para que el gran evento salga adelante sin fallos. Muchas horas de trabajo y siempre con una sonrisa y una palabra amable.

Abrazos, muchos abrazos que hacían que el stress desapareciese en cuestión de segundos. Así transcurrieron los días, la falta de sueño y el cansancio se notaban, pero no importaba valía la pena. Es muy difícil describir con palabras la gran experiencia que ha sido trabajar y como ha hecho que cambie mi visión de la conferencia

y todo el esfuerzo que implica llevarla a cabo. Uno no se da cuenta hasta que no está dentro formando parte de la organización, solo por haber vivido esa experiencia  todo el esfuerzo valió la pena. El maravilloso trabajo de los voluntarios y el gran grupo que forman con Caitlin al mando—sin ella sería imposible—Ver cómo trabaja ha sido algo increíble e inspirador, es admirable. El gran esfuerzo que hace la APP para llevar a cabo la conferencia, usando todos sus recursos tanto humanos como materiales. Ha sido genial formar parte de algo así. la única idea que tengo fija en mi cabeza es volver el año próximo como voluntario. Porque estoy seguro que la experiencia siempre será mil veces mejor que el año anterior y ahora que he entrado en la familia no quiero dejar de verla. Solo me queda dar las gracias de todo corazón, y en el corazón los llevo a todos. 

Muchas, muchas gracias.

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Aiden Johnson

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Aiden JohnsonAiden Johnson

 

For me, Conference was a week long riot of love, laughter, and learning all culminating in a new outlook on life. Whether it was the time spent in meetings with the volunteer team, in class with fellow piercers, or trying to build the courage to talk to industry greats at the bar, I have built long lasting relationships with people that I will go to the ends of the Earth (literally with the flights I’d need to take) to help out.

I first arrived at Conference nervous and feeling very lonely. However, within minutes of meeting my fellow scholars and volunteers I was put at ease. These were people that all had the same passion for piercing and our industry. These people were also willing to accept me and take me as one of their own before knowing anything about me. Before the week came to an end, though I knew these people in detail, sometimes details I never would have expected.  I can’t wait to learn and work alongside them again.

In our volunteer group we are told that self care is very important throughout the hectic week. However, this wonderful family will also take care of you when you forget to do it yourself. That is one memory that remains the strongest for me; after forgetting to care for myself I needed to retire to my room. I awoke to find 3 of my new friends tickling my feet, smiles surrounding me, and a cupcake on my night stand. This was an induction into a new family I knew that I would never forget.

In between attending classes, carrying out my volunteer duties, and having fun, I changed. My outlook on life became broader. A focus on self-care and quality of life crept in. A new level of love for what I do came to me and I never want to let that go. I can’t wait to attend APP 2016 and volunteer my time.  Conference is a life changing experience and is so difficult to put into words. To everyone who has anything to do with Conference, all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those of you who have never attended, I urge you to go; you won’t be disappointed.

See you next year!

Best Wishes

2015 Volunteer Team

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Charlie LeBeau

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Charlie LeBeauCharlie LeBeau
When I was first told about the Al D. Scholarship, I almost didn’t apply. The idea of going was quite scary. I feel I come from a fairly humble background; I didn’t receive a good apprenticeship, I don’t stock any high end jewellery, and I felt very intimidated by the people that I knew would be there. I can honestly say that taking that step outside my comfort zone and filling out the application was one of the best decisions of my life.
Coming to the APP Conference this year was a truly mind blowing introduction to a part of my industry I had always felt was out of reach. I’ve never felt so at home so quickly with a group of strangers (although Facebook for all its trouble, has definitely made that easier). The friendliness and warmth of the volunteers, members, and attendees took me by surprise in the best of ways.
Working with the other volunteers was made incredibly easy, with the meetings we had and the good nature of everybody I spoke to. I never felt stupid for asking a question or for reaching out for help; this is something I usually struggle with. I am very independent and that has been a problem for me in situations, in the past, where I really could have used help. The volunteers (especially Caitlin and Kendra) were welcoming and helpful, even when they were stressed out and they probably wanted to be focused on other things!
It wasn’t until I met Jim Ward that I felt completely and utterly overwhelmed. I sat in a large room, filled with people from all walks of life, and before us stood the man who made it all possible. His talk was funny and mesmerizing and I could’ve listened to him speak for days on end. I eventually mustered enough courage to go up and speak with him. I’m pretty sure I must have sounded like a gibbering idiot, but he was so friendly, smiling and talking. He even let me act like a fan girl, taking a photo with him—which is getting printed, framed and hung in my piercing room back home.
There were, of course, a couple of down points; missing out on a lecture or two, not having enough time for certain talks to be completed and at points feeling a little too shy to speak out or ask questions, but they are so outnumbered by the good times, I can barely remember them.
I’m sure I’m not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last, to say that because of the generosity of the scholarship that I received, I know I have become part of this big, weird family. One where learning never stops and, although there may be oceans between us, it is as if we are right next door.
This experience has changed my life for the better and I will fight tooth and nail to make it back next year to volunteer again.
Thank you, for everything.

No Excuses Scholar Loreia Bürgen with Al D. Scholar Charlie Remy LeBeau
No Excuses Scholar Loreia Bürgen with Al D. Scholar Charlie Remy LeBeau

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Charlie LeBeau

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Charlie LeBeauCharlie LeBeau

When I was first told about the Al D. Scholarship, I almost didn’t apply. The idea of going was quite scary. I feel I come from a fairly humble background; I didn’t receive a good apprenticeship, I don’t stock any high end jewellery, and I felt very intimidated by the people that I knew would be there. I can honestly say that taking that step outside my comfort zone and filling out the application was one of the best decisions of my life.

Coming to the APP Conference this year was a truly mind blowing introduction to a part of my industry I had always felt was out of reach. I’ve never felt so at home so quickly with a group of strangers (although Facebook for all its trouble, has definitely made that easier). The friendliness and warmth of the volunteers, members, and attendees took me by surprise in the best of ways.

Working with the other volunteers was made incredibly easy, with the meetings we had and the good nature of everybody I spoke to. I never felt stupid for asking a question or for reaching out for help; this is something I usually struggle with. I am very independent and that has been a problem for me in situations, in the past, where I really could have used help. The volunteers (especially Caitlin and Kendra) were welcoming and helpful, even when they were stressed out and they probably wanted to be focused on other things!

It wasn’t until I met Jim Ward that I felt completely and utterly overwhelmed. I sat in a large room, filled with people from all walks of life, and before us stood the man who made it all possible. His talk was funny and mesmerizing and I could’ve listened to him speak for days on end. I eventually mustered enough courage to go up and speak with him. I’m pretty sure I must have sounded like a gibbering idiot, but he was so friendly, smiling and talking. He even let me act like a fan girl, taking a photo with him—which is getting printed, framed and hung in my piercing room back home.

There were, of course, a couple of down points; missing out on a lecture or two, not having enough time for certain talks to be completed and at points feeling a little too shy to speak out or ask questions, but they are so outnumbered by the good times, I can barely remember them.

I’m sure I’m not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last, to say that because of the generosity of the scholarship that I received, I know I have become part of this big, weird family. One where learning never stops and, although there may be oceans between us, it is as if we are right next door.

This experience has changed my life for the better and I will fight tooth and nail to make it back next year to volunteer again.

Thank you, for everything.

No Excuses Scholar Loreia Bürgen with Al D. Scholar Charlie Remy LeBeau
No Excuses Scholar Loreia Bürgen with Al D. Scholar Charlie Remy LeBeau

Point #72: BPA Exhibit – Matte Erickson

Comments Off on Point #72: BPA Exhibit – Matte Erickson read Conference, In Memorium, Issue 72, Lifestyle

Matte Erickson headshotMatte Erickson
Alpha-Omega Body Piercing

 

“If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree. ”  —Michael Crichton

January 2015 started off with a bang. Emails, Facebook notifications, and text messages started flooding our inboxes, as serious discussion began in preparation of creating the Body Piercing Archives. It had begun. Months of casual conversations were now not so casual. They had intent and a purpose to preserve the history of the body piercing industry. The core players were in place with only a general idea of where this was going to take us. The boxes started arriving. Details were worked out. Goals were set. All the pieces were falling into place.

One month later, the three of us (Paul King, Becky Dill, and myself) sat on the floor of Paul’s apartment discussing proper handling of ephemera and other technical details before digging through the boxes and envelopes that had arrived over the last few weeks. Time flew by. We were completely lost in the moment. Eight hours later, we set a time for our next meeting and said our goodbyes.

Alter in memory of Raelyn Gallina
Alter in memory of Raelyn Gallina

It took three meetings to get all the items photographed and categorized by year. During this time we were constantly receiving data, more ephemera, and doing individual research on our off time. Finally, we got to sit back, admire our work, and decide just how we were going to put all this information together into a cohesive display. Over the next two months, we were averaging an eight hour, in person, meeting every two weeks. This involved an insane amount of reading and scanning, as well as at least a half dozen layout changes.

As Conference drew closer, our lives became organized chaos to say the least. Long hours and late night phone calls became the norm. Contributors were pushed to their limits—thank you from the bottom of my heart, Barry Blanchard and Gus Diamond—and vendors were put to the test. We literally received the last printed items 3 days before I was to leave for Las Vegas.

The first day of Conference I found myself standing in Bronze 4 with stacks of boxes. With each box that was opened, our dream came closer to fruition. The next two days were spent unpacking items, filling flash drives, and building a beautiful tribute. With the help of several volunteers, the room slowly took shape and became the Body Piercing Archive’s first exhibit.

First thing Wednesday morning, the doors finally opened to the public. As our peers filed through the exhibit, there were a myriad of emotions. People laughed. Several people cried. People were chomping at the bit to give docent tours—thank you to all the people that volunteered—and even more were excited to hear the stories first hand. There was a definite energy in the air. One of my personal highlights (one of many) was David Vidra watching the slideshow, talking about all the people in the photos in a way only Mama could. Many attendees also brought with them personal stories to share and add to what our docents were offering. This all contributed to the experience. Many stories were passed back and forth between attendees as banners chocked full of data were read, analyzed, and discussed. The banner topics included key articles, Board Members, membership, Conferences, The Point covers (and evolution), volunteer information, Al D. Scholarship recipients, International Conferences, and a touching tribute to Raelyn Gallina. Information on the Sailor Sid archive preservation fundraising campaign and a sneak peek at next year’s exhibition was also included.

Over the two and a half days of the exhibit, hundreds of people filed through. Some reminisced, some learned a few things, many learned quite a bit. I think everyone who attended took something away with them that, I hope, will stay with them for many years to come. I believe our goal was met and exceeded based on the feedback from the attendees. It has truly been a labor of love.

This exhibit could not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of Paul King and Becky Dill. I would also like to thank Bethrah Szumski for never throwing anything away and for having a memory like a steel trap, Caitlin McDiarmid for keeping great records, Barry Blanchard for taking and keeping so many photos, Gus Diamond for having the foresight to shoot lots of video when nobody else was, Brian Skellie for helping fill in some of the blanks, Fakir Musafar and Babs McGary for their generous donations for the Raelyn tribute, and all the people that allowed us to pick their brains. Also a big thanks to The Point staff for getting the word out there for us.

If you would like more information on or would like to make donations to the Body Piercing Archive, please email us at archive@safepiercing.org.Images from the Body Piercing Archives 2015

Point #72: Innovator’s Award – Phoenix Revival

1 Comment read Awards & Recognition, Conference, Issue 72

Tiffany Diamond headshot

Tiffany Diamond
DV8 Body Art

 

From remote tribes to the rich and famous, jewelry has always played a significant role in personal adornment. While jewelry has been hand-crafted for thousands of years, it is n art that continues to evolve. The desire for unique modern body jewelry has inspired artists to create stunning pieces, these one off productions are sought after by collectors and take body jewelry to the next level. A truly unique piece was recognized at Conference this year. The ‘Double Daith Spiral’ designed and fabricated by Dustin Allor, brought attention to this first time vendor by winning the Innovator’s Award.

Tiffany Diamond: Congratulations, Dustin! Looks like your company’s debut at the 2015 conference was a success! Not only did you win an award for your unique daith spiral design, but I noticed quite a few of your pieces swinging from the lobes of my colleagues!

Dustin Allor: Thank you! I’m still feeling a whirlwind of emotions about it all! Shock, awe, floored by the recognition for my design and honored that people felt my work was winning material. I was speechless when it was announced at the APP Banquet! Had I had my wits about me I would have said thank you to a few people who have helped me recently, such as my super supportive husband, Gabriel who has been picking up my slack so I could focus on conference prep, my friend Philip Montoya for his guidance and help on outsourcing production, and my jewelry instructor Carianne Schulte who took extra time to help make sure I had everything together in a timely manner for the Expo. Seeing people wear my designs is thrilling and the best compliment ever! I have been designing in a vacuum for quite some time, so going to Conference and getting such a great response validates the path I’m on.


Tiffany: How long have you been designing jewelry?

Dustin: I have been designing jewelry since I was a kid. I worked at a bead store for a couple years as a teen and, really, I don’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t making some form of jewelry. At one point I worked at Dakota Steel which gave me insight into the manufacturing process for body jewelry. Five years ago I entered into the jewelry program at Austin Community College and my skills have advanced significantly because of it. I find that making jewelry is a way for me to fit many passions and things in my life together, in a way that really makes sense.

Phoenix Revival - Double Daith SpiralTiffany: Can you tell me about the process you used to fabricate the ‘Double Daith Spiral’?

Dustin: It was absolutely grueling! The gold was a 24k pamp (a flat rectangle shape used by the Swiss when minting pure gold) that I melted down, alloyed to 18k and then poured into an ingot. From there I forged it until it was small enough to put it through the rolling mill, gradually reducing the size until it could be pulled through a series of holes in a drawplate, making it round and reducing it to the gauge desired, all while annealing it numerous times through each step. After I had the wire made, I hammered some out to make the bezel setting in the middle, bent all the pieces, soldered them together and set in an opal. The opal, I bought while visiting Australia ages ago, which goes back to jewelry-making giving purpose to things that I’ve had around forever. It was a lengthy process that was a HUGE pain in the ass, with numerous mistakes made, and although I’m glad to have learned to how do it and had that experience, I will be buying my wire premade from now on!

Tiffany: What inspired you to create this piece?

Dustin: I needed to create a piece of jewelry in gold for one of my classes and wanted something I could wear and would keep. I have had double daith piercings for ages and years ago had John Pecoraro of Pierced Out make a custom steel spiral for me to go through both piercings. It was a spiral made out of one wire, not two like my design, and I never quite got it to fit correctly before I lost it. After sorting through other design possibilities for those piercings I decided to revisit the spiral idea with a different take and a little more decoration.

Tiffany: This isn’t your first innovation, Dustin. I remember seeing your picture on the cover of a 1997 Body Play magazine showing off your split tongue! What gave you the idea and how did you execute the bifurcation of your own tongue?

Dustin: Body modifications have always resonated with me and I was a crazy teenager who started piercing at a studio after finishing an apprenticeship. I was living in my VW van in Santa Cruz, I was curious about how my body works, and how far I could push it and myself. Tongue spitting was totally uncharted territory, a leap into the unknown, and I was curious as hell. No one had any answers or experience with it so I had to sort it out on my own. What gave me the idea was the line of thought that if lizards could have forked tongues, why couldn’t I, why couldn’t I split my tongue?. When you think about the logic there, it’s about as ridiculous as thinking if I cut holes into my lungs I should be able to breathe underwater like a fish! After watching how tongue piercings healed and going over possible scenarios on how to get a freshly cut tongue to heal, I decided that with my limited resources, cutting it slowly and letting it heal as it cut was the way to go. Monofilament looped tightly through an established tongue piercing was what I came up with. It hurt and when the pain died down I knew it was time to put a tighter line in. It sucked, but I was in control, it was totally manageable and was the challenge that I needed. I felt like a stronger person on the other side and I got an awesome modification out of it too. It is hard to wrap my head around having been the initial drop of water creating ripples that have turned into such a popular modification! It is a bit surreal!

BP16coverTiffany: You were an instructor for Fakir Musafar’s Piercing Intensives for fifteen years! Please share a little about that experience.

Dustin: It’s the longest I have ever held a job and I really enjoyed teaching there. The instructors I worked with are family and have held me up numerous times in life when I was sinking. Working with Fakir was fantastic too. Just when I’d think I had heard all his stories twice, he’d bust out with a new one that left my jaw on the floor! Did you know when he was in the Army he was close to an explosive when it went off and still has shrapnel in his knee?! The man has lived a hundred different lives! Teaching at the Intensives opened doors in my life giving me the opportunity to meet and network with many people in the industry, including you, Tiffany! I have had awesome mentors and coworkers, great job opportunities, fantastic adventures, and people I can call any time, friends who take the time to give me explanations and advice. I feel like I have been given so much, working in this industry! Teaching was a great way to give back some of what was given to me, passing on the knowledge and experience.

Tiffany: What have you been focusing on since leaving the Fakir Intensives?

Dustin: It has been all about jewelry making! I have been a full time student working towards an Associate Degree for jewelry making at Austin Community College and will complete my degree requirements next semester. I’m focusing on getting better at CAD for jewelry design which I have a ton of fun with, learning new skills, and starting a new company. In my free time, I occasionally play supporting roles in a friend’s transgender burlesque routines, which is a blast and a break from my life of all things jewelry!

Tiffany: Your designs have a unique aesthetic. How would you describe the style of your creations?

Dustin: I love using bats, insects and skulls in my designs. I see beauty in darker things that many find more grim or disturbing. Decay, the eerie stillness that accompanies it, old things abandoned and repurposed and transformation are all things I find appealing. I hope that people who have similar attractions are drawn to my designs. Piercers tend to be an odd bunch, so I feel I’m in good company!

Tiffany: What can we expect to see next from Phoenix Revival Jewelry?

Dustin: There are a ton of design ideas that I want to experiment with! I’d love to collaborate on designs with other artists as it is a great way to work off of others strengths and create something bigger than I could do on my own. I’ll have my wholesale-only store up on my website soon. This will allow me to share my new designs throughout the year and provide a way for shops to place orders. I’m already brainstorming plans for APP 2016. It feels like I have so much going on and I’m just getting started!

CONTACT INFO

PhoenixRevivalJewelry.com

(512) 522-9353