Category From the Editor

Point 83: Conference, 2018 from Editor Jim Ward

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It warms my heart to see this issue of The Point and brings back fond memories of issue 49 of Piercing Fans International Quarterly. Published by Gauntlet in 1996, it featured more than a dozen performance artists active at that time.

In 1996, suspension had not become the popular pastime it is today. Only one photo in the 64 page issue features it, but there were plenty of imaginative ways in which artists found to express themselves with piercings and blood.

The opposite page features the editorial Michaela Grey and I wrote for the issue. The names may have changed, but perfomance art is as vital today as it was in 1996.

The cover of PFIQ issue 49 with Spike the Holocaust Girl photographed by Christine Kessler
Back cover featuring Ron Athey in the “St. Sebastian Enlightened in a Zen Garden” scene of The Casting Out/A Crown of Thorns performance at L.A.C.E., Los Angeles, November 13, 1992.
Photo by Dkon Lewis.

Point 83: Conference, 2018 from Editor Kendra Jane B.

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By Kendra Jane B., Point Editor

It is hard to believe that yet another Conference is right around the corner. It is always so odd to me that something can feel so far away and yet so close all at the same time.

As you dive into our annual pre-Conference issue I know each of you are excited about a different aspect of Conference. For some of us it is the once a year family reunion. For others it is the endless supply of knowledge at hand. Yet for others it offers a break from the everyday; a week to get away from the everyday humdrum of life and revitalize themselves for another year. This will be my  eighth  Conference  (I have attended every one since I began piercing) and every year I take away a different and yet equally valuable lesson which often not only applies to piercing but to life as a whole.  This year as I prepare for Conference I am trying to do so in a more mindful way.  I am going into it knowing what I want to get out of it. This is what I urge all of you to do as your compose your check-lists and cross off the to do’s as we get closer and closer; think about what it is you want to gain from our week in the desert. I urge all of you to be mindful of the process, the preparation, and the prospects that will all be a part of your conference experience.

This year I hope to find a renewed connection, a connection with the people of our industry. I want to know why you do what you do. The fact that we are highlighting performance art means I can gain a better understanding of others’ connections to the industry. I am beyond thrilled that we have so many great classes as well as the Body Piercing Archive (BPA) exhibit devoted to performance art. To me performance art is the physical embodiment of someone’s connection with their emotions as art. I can’t wait to hear their stories and learn why they do what they do. So turn the page, read on, and get a taste of what this year’s Association of Professional Piercers Conference has to offer.

Point 83: Conference, 2018 – from Editor Marina Pecorino

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As a brand new mom—my son will be less than four months old in mid-July—the decision to attend Confer ence this year was a difficult one. I absolutely adore my newfound role as a full-time caregiver, but maintaining my work responsibilities while caring for my son is certainly a balancing act. I look forward to the reprieve of Conference, where for a week, my only responsibilities will be to the organization and community that I’ve worked for and been passionate about for over ten years. That said, I have plenty of photos and videos of my Tummy Monster to share with anyone who’s interested.

Again this year, I’m looking forward to experiencing the Body Piercing Archive, delving deeper into our rich history and learning about interconnected art forms that make up the body modification community. Another high point for me is reconnecting with my Conference volunteer family; we stay connected throughout the year online, but it’s different to be able to give and receive hugs and in person support.

Beginning last year, the Alternative To The Bar (ATTB) activities are offered in the evenings; a perfect fit for the more introverted among us and those hoping to avoid drinking and smoking. Unfortunately, my Conference responsibilities often keep me late into the night, but I do my  best to participate. Playing board/card/table-top games and watching body mod related movies with fellow piercers is right up my alley, so this is my favorite place to be after classes are over and my work has been completed.

And then there are all the amazing classes to get excited about. My agenda this year includes Photography For the Modern Studio: Crop it like its hot!, In the Beginning There Was Gauntlet, Investigating Cross Contamination, Color Theory for Body Piercers, and Women in Leadership. Honestly, the registration process is always a struggle for me. The class offerings are expansive and there are only so many hours in the day. Inevitably, I can’t attend everything that I would like to, so prioritizing is important. This is one of the many ways that the Mentor Program assists new attendees; providing guidance during the class selection process, to tailor fit the needs, skill level, and schedule of participating mentees. Read further into this issue to find out more about the Mentor Program.

For those of you attending Conference this year, I can not wait to see you. If we haven’t met yet, don’t hesitate to stop me in the halls or find me after class to say hi. If we have met, chances are I’ll be too shy and introverted to strike up conversation first, but don’t let that stop you from taking the lead. For those of you who can’t be with us, I encourage you to try for next year. The experience is unforgettable, and the knowledge and networking is unsurpassed.

Point 82: Women of our Industry – Editorial by Marina Pecorino

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Marina Pecorino, Point Editor

There have been a large number of influential and instrumental women in modern body piercing. This issue has been cultivated specifically to highlight some of these figures. As you might expect, it would be impossible to cover all the incredible females of our industry’s history within one issue, but we hope to initiate a dialogue and bring awareness to the often overlooked female pioneers.

From the early years of Gauntlet to current, women have played an integral role in the development and progress of our industry. All too often though, these piercers and body modification practitioners have not been represented in the forefront of the movement.

My personal journey within the body modification world has been greatly influenced by my female clients, coworkers, and predecessors, but probably the biggest impact on my life within the industry has come from Caitlin McDiarmid. Without her, this organization and my own personal journey would be in a very different place.

As you read through these pages, we hope you find knowledge, inspiration, and empowerment.

Point 82: Women of our Industry – Editorial by Kendra Jane B.

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Kendra Jane B. , Point Editor

I could not be more proud to showcase a topic so important to me in this pivotal issue. I give you  The Point: Journal of Body Piercing; not only a new name but a new, modern look!!

This issue and the exciting new changes we are bringing you have been in the works for months, as has my “From the Editor”. The women of our industry; an issue dedicated to the women who came before me, who made my role today possible. Wow! What an honor and a privilege for me to be able to highlight some of these groundbreaking powerhouse female figures. It has also been the most daunting task to this point in my career and by far the most difficult. I felt that I needed to provide the 100’s of female (and female identifying) piercers that would read this worldwide with something profound, especially since we just celebrated International Women’s Day. So I have written and erased more times than I would like to admit, and I have decided that instead of attempting to be profound I will be REAL.

Lately everytime I read through my social media, I read account after account of how females in our industry are treated in their shops. They are made to feel unsafe, they are harassed by clients and co-workers, they are made to feel inadequate and sub par. Well I say enough is enough. It is time to stop walking on eggshells because of your employer and this industry. Many of you constantly worry that they will let you go over ridiculous little things. They often treat many of you as disposable and do not respect your boundaries or you as a person. I think it is time we turned the tables.

Instead of going to work everyday worried you may lose your job or be belittled or what have you, turn those tables. Make your bosses fear that everyday you may find something better and leave. Let them feel the stress of “not being good enough”. It is time for us all to know our worth.

I know many of you are terrified of not piercing or not finding a job. But in all reality our industry is greatly lacking in high quality Piercers and there are many great jobs at great studios for those that are willing to work hard. It is time we all saw our value and worth and stopped letting our bosses tell us or use their actions to show us they see no value in us! Instead of telling you all about the accomplishments I have had over the last 8 years of my career, here is my definition of a successful female leader. They are someone who believes in who they are and what they can offer. They are able to fully utilize their skills and talents to capture the imagination and win the hearts and minds of those that choose to follow them. They are a role model. We hope the women leaders we have highlighted in this issue inspire you to start kicking ass and taking names.

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” -—Dolly Parton, singer-songwriter

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles contained in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of The Association of Professional Piercers.

Point 81: From the Editors: Kendra Jane B.

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Kendra Jane B.
The Point Editor

“Let the improvement of yourself keep you so busy that you have no time to criticize others.”

—Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

Many piercers will tell you that once you are an apprentice you are always an apprentice; that there is always something to be learned or improved upon. Yet our career choice has an odd dichotomy that sees many of us not only as the student, but as the teacher as well, sometimes in the same day.

From our earliest school days, most of us can recall specific teachers or mentors that had a profound effect on not only our learning, but on what is the core of who we are and what we believe. Some people were simply meant to teach others, to give the knowledge that they have to the masses. The need to share what they know is in the core of who they are and how they go about their day to day business. It is their archetype.

The psychologist, Carl Gustav Jung, used the concept of archetype in his theory of the human psyche. He believed that universal, mythic characters—archetypes—are contained within the collective unconscious. Jung defined twelve primary types that symbolize basic human motivations. Each type has its own set of values, meanings, and personality traits. The ones I am most interested in currently are those that further our learning; The Mentor, The Teacher, and The Student. What I hope is that I can get each of you reading this to find the parts of yourself that identify with each of those three archetypes; embrace them. If you identify the most with the mentor, nurture that – use those traits to enhance your life and career and those around you. If you identify as the student, open your mind to all that is around you and think outside of the box to become the best that you can be.

The Mentor

The mentor archetype not only invests in the student learning certain material, but takes interest in the route the student goes with the knowledge. By definition, the mentor imparts advice.

The mentor is the person you go to for help in making a decision. An empowered mentor artfully guides the student to an authentic resolution without getting in the way. The student not only attains their answer, but understands how to get there on their own the next time.

Intimately tied with wisdom, the mentor archetype uses their experience as a teacher, showing rather than telling. They consistently encourage their mentees to try things for themselves. The enlightened mentor is able to stand aside and watch mistakes happen, because they know that their role is not to control every move made by their student. A mentor feels that their job is to help the mentee learn how to think for themselves.

The relationship between mentor and student is one-on-one. The mentor dedicates a great amount of time to taking one student under their wing, accepting responsibility for them. Thus fostering that student through the entire process of learning a craft or skill. The goal is to see students fully fledged in the world, a master in their own right and no longer in need of advice.

The Teacher

On the other hand, the teacher archetype has to do with a classroom full of students. Thus, the teaching style is more generalized than customized. This is a common point of struggle for the teacher – wanting to reach every student, but not being able to given the constraints of working with so many personalities at once.

Teachers commonly  take  students  through  a specific phase of a learning process (such as a school year), unlike the mentor who covers the beginning, middle, and end of a topic. With the teacher archetype, the focus is shifted from mastery of a subject to measurable progress in ability. Like the mentor, the teacher also prefers to teach through experience, but understands that no two students learn alike. Some students need hands on activities, others need time to read information, and others still need to talk through things.

However it is very important to remember that the teacher is a constant student in their own way. They are always learning how to read their students needs and how to better meet them. For example: learning how to manage the classroom and teach life skills alongside algebra. The balanced teacher understands that lessons of conscience are as important as grammar lectures.

The Student

The student archetype is primarily interested in learning, period. Sure, if someone wants to hear what has been learned, they will be glad to share, but they often lack the patience needed to wait for someone else to get it. The student relishes acquiring new knowledge.

For the student, good grades and being the top of the class can be everything, leaning towards being a perfectionist. The enlightened student accepts oneself as a work in progress and knows when they have enough knowledge to stand on their own two feet. A true student sees everyone as an equal regardless of who may know more or less than them. It is important for the student to understand that there are many kinds of intelligence – including emotional intelligence, common sense, and intuition – and to be open  to learning on all levels. The student must walk in the world with equal doses of confidence and humility, understanding the difference between knowledge and knowing; the difference between wisdom and information.

So whether you identify more with the student, teacher, or mentor, we are positive that this issue will hold something to grab your attention and make you want to learn something new.

Point 81: From the Editors: Marina Pecorino

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Marina Pecorino
The Point Editor

This issue of The Point is primarily focused on extended learning opportunities. Unfortunately, since I spend very little of my  life in the piercing room these days, most of my learning opportunities now present themselves in the form of a computer screen and software tutorials; databases, spreadsheets, mail merges, and the like. Oh, how my career direction has shifted in the last few years!

That being said, I had the amazing opportunity this year to attend Camp APP. Since its inception, I’ve been eager to attend, but the circumstances never quite worked out. This year, it finally happened, and as I expected, it was a revitalizing and perspective-shifting experience. Read on to find out more about my time spent in the Georgia woods.

Over the past several months, our international colleagues have also celebrated extended learning with many other seminars, including annual conferences for the UKAPP, LBP, and the 1st annual GEP Brazil. If cross-country or overseas travel is outside your current budget and schedule, don’t fear; there are still plenty of other learning opportunities, which we talk about later in this issue.

Keep in mind that even within your own studio, surrounded by your regular clients, there are a plethora of opportunities to expand your knowledge. Our industry is ever-evolving and everyone’s individual experience and perspective play an integral role in their understanding. Don’t forget to keep your mind opened and be introspective. Some of the most groundbreaking epiphanies come from within.

Point 80: From the Editor: Marina Pecorino

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Marina Pecorino
Point Editor

As with any APP Conference I’ve attended, this year was a rollercoaster of a week. There were times where I was busy beyond words and others where I felt relaxed and totally at peace. There were moments when I was surrounded by people, activity, flashing lights, and a cacophony of sound. And then there were those solitary moments in my hotel room or the volunteer office, where I enjoyed total silence and introspection.

This year also had its fair share of firsts, including the first annual Alternatives To The Bar activities. Most of my work responsibilities occur late into the evening, which usually brings me great joy; I revel in the contrary nature of the Conference space during the quiet times. Unfortunately, it means that I missed out on ATTB: BYOF on Tuesday night. This Bring Your Own Fun evening drew a sizable group to the Grand Salon with board, tabletop, and card games galore. I stopped by several times and everyone seemed to be having a blast. This activity is definitely in my wheelhouse, so I’m planning to bring along a few games of my own and definitely make the time to attend next year. Thankfully, on Wednesday night, I finished up with my work a bit early and had a chance to watch some historic piercing films presented by Paul King during the ATTB: Movie Night. It was incredibly moving to sit in the Silver Room filled with piercing industry colleagues watching videos from the Gauntlet era. The Members Meeting on Wednesday brought a personal first. As part of my administrative duties to the APP, I had the opportunity to stand in front of my peers, assisting during several presentations from the Officers and Board of Directors. We announced the new and upcoming features of our MemberLeap software, which was (and continues to be) a very fulfilling project for me. One of my primary responsibilities for the APP is the maintenance of Member records, and this software makes it easier than ever before. It’s a work in progress; there’s always room for improvement, especially in the world of technology. Watch for future updates and system additions, and if you have questions about how the system works, don’t hesitate to let me know: mpecorino@safepiercing.org / 785.856.4540.

Thursday brings the Banquet Dinner, a time for all of us that work to relax just a bit. The grand prize raffle awards were drawn and marked yet another first. For possibly the first time in APP history, the same person won three of the top prizes, and it was an astonishing event to behold. Paul Rainer’s personal account of the events leading up to his improbable win, as well as video of the drawing and Paul’s reactions, are available later in this issue. It just goes to show that sometimes taking a gamble can be life changing, especially when you have the best odds in Vegas.

Now that the dust has settled from Conference, I am looking toward the future and the changes to come. As my responsibilities with the APP continue to broaden and change, so do the dynamics of my family. A few months before the 2018 APP Conference, I will become a first time parent. The thought is incredibly exciting, but also frightening. It may mean that I miss our last year at Bally’s, but I am still desperately hopeful to attend. Despite all the hard work, that week in Vegas serves to revitalize me. Being surrounded by my industry family has a way of recharging my batteries and refocusing my energy; it truly is remarkable.

Point 80: From the Editor: Kendra Jane B.

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Kendra Jane B.
Point Editor

It’s no secret how much I love donuts (or doughnuts), but to me these tasty little morsels have become so much more than some- thing delicious to stuff down my gullet. They have become a tradition, an expression of devotion and love, and a symbol of family.

Our volunteer team shares a special bond, one that is often hard to describe in words. We have held each other’s hands, each other’s babies, been there for each other through wed- dings and funerals, and of course at Conference. Conference is sometimes the only time we get to see each other, people that come from all around the world to sacrifice their time in order to help put on the best event they possibly can, for all our attendees and industry as a whole. They are the only people I don’t mind sharing my donuts with, and I tend to guard my sugary treats with vigor. So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to each and every person that gives part of themselves to Conference. I raise a donut in your honour and salute you.

Donuts are (usually) a circle, no beginning and no end, at least until I take the first bite. Our week in the desert is fleeting and before we know it, it’s over for another year. I hope you are ready to dive into this issue, re-living the ah-ha moments, the times filled with heartwarming laughter, the late nights, the smiles, and the hugs. I get to harness all that goodness year round now, so I feel like there really is no end to Conference for me anymore. I have already begun work for next year and the year after that. No beginning, no end; just goodness all around like my donut.

Point 79: From the Editor – Kendra Jane

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Kendra Jane B.
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

What can I say about the nineties? They shaped and influenced the rest of my life, more than any other decade I have  experienced thus far.

During those ten years, I graduated high school, had my first serious boyfriend, went to university, lost my virginity, found my feminist voice, became a registered voter, lived on my own for the first time, and got my first body piercings (other than my lobes as a baby).

My first piercing of choice came merely weeks after I turned 16 and could sign for myself. I had decided on something I thought I could easily hide from my parents, my tongue. Because although I was rebelling and going against the grain, I knew they would not understand or approve. I took the bus downtown to a local tattoo and piercing shop and signed myself up for a tongue piercing. A few hours later I had a very long externally threaded, acrylic beaded barbell in my mouth. That was my entry into the world of body modification, and although the bulk of my journey would not happen for two more decades, it all started in the nineties.

So flip the page and take a look back to where our Board of Directors may have been in the nineties. Read about celebrated photographer Charles Gatewood in a preview of this year’s Body Piercing Archive Exhibit. Matte Erickson’s teaser article on his jewelry exhibit will have us all yearning for the collector’s items of years gone by. So whether this is your first Conference or you have been to all twenty-one, get ready to strap on those Doc Martens and cut Footloose. This pre-Conference issue highlights the best of Conference and gives you a sweet taste of the nineties goodness that awaits us all June 11-16 in Las Vegas.