Category President’s Corner

Point 78: President’s Corner – Jef Saunders

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As you may know, I currently serve as both President and Membership Liaison. I feel that this is a very exciting time to be involved in all aspects of APP Membership; there are more tools at our disposal than ever before.

Technological advances have made shooting videos and photographing documents easier than ever. In years past, a new applicant would have to shoot a VHS or DVD, along with photocopies of all of their compliance documentation. They would then ship it in the mail to our office, where it was forwarded to a person on our Membership Committee, who would review it. Then it would be shipped to a second person on our Membership Committee for review.

If an applicant made a small mistake, it could take months of letters and phone calls to make an important change and appropriately document it. Now, we can instantly respond with requests for missing documents or quick fixes of minor mistakes in an applicant’s piercing studio. This means far fewer declination letters have to be sent over minimal errors. The Membership Committee sees these mistakes and then gets to engage in one-on-one health and safety education that makes a real difference in our community. The current Membership Committee (Cody Vaughn, Monica Sabin, Coyote Black, Johnny Velez, Aaron Pollack, Darrin Walters and now Sean Phillips) have my thanks for the extreme amount of applications and renewals they have processed during my term as Membership Liaison.

It is impossible to fully understand the impact of internet forums, such as the Body Modification Learning Forum and the APP Non-Member Forum, in popularizing the use of safe jewelry and up-to-date health and safety practices. There was a time when jewelry compliance issues were the chief hurdle for most piercers in joining the APP. With these forums, safe piercing jewelry has become more and more the norm in shops all over the world. This welcome exchange of ideas has illuminated the path to APP membership, but more importantly safer piercing practices worldwide.

The entire APP benefits from the assistance so many of our Members have given to prospective applicants. The volunteers within the APP work so hard to make the organization effective, and they have my sincere gratitude. I also want to say thank you to those of you within our organization and within our community that supply piercers with so much health and safety information and education. The growth our organization has experienced wouldn’t have happened without you.

To maintain this growth and continue to fulfill our mission of health and safety education, the APP is taking steps to streamline the membership application process. We are doing this by developing a digital application which we are hoping to unveil very soon. This digital application should result in fewer missing documents, as well as making each step easier for applicants to understand and committee members and the office staff to process. It is my hope that this simpler, digital application will allow the APP to continue growing the way it has over the past five years.

In addition to a digital application, the APP is in the process of automating certain aspects of membership compliance and recordkeeping. Soon, internal documents will be uploaded directly to Member records, and Members will be granted access to upload external documentation (like First Aid and CPR). These records will be available to the Membership Committee and APP staff for review. This is an ongoing project in the beta phase, but I have very high hopes that it will be a huge success in making membership accessible to more and more piercers, while also making maintaining membership even simpler.

Stay tuned over the next months as we hope to see these great projects revealed to the membership.

Point 76: President’s Corner – Jef Saunders

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Jef thanks Brian for his service as APP President

Jef Saunder headshotJef Saunders
APP President

The first time I ever heard Brian Skellie’s name was in a discussion about “how crazy people can get about cleanliness.” This was in 2001 or 2002 and I kind of just assumed Brian was some nut who wanted to turn body piercing into surgery. Little did I know I’d become an enormous fan of Brian’s, a proponent of much of his philosophy, a fellow Board Member and a friend.

Brian’s tenure as President was really a joy to behold. For those not in the know, Brian is a spectacular navigator of choppy waters. To him, no problem seems insurmountable; every issue fraught with emotion has a rational conclusion. Brian is the rare worker-bee that is also an expert boss.

During Brian’s tenure, the APP had it’s largest conferences to date. He helped process the application and renewals of literally hundreds of Members and applicants. He acted as a resource to the Legislation Committee. He served as International Liaison, supporting piercers all over the globe with their questions about piercing and the Association of Professional Piercers. He also filled in as Medical Liaison by committee. He spoke at industry related conferences all over the world. During all of this, he also ran businesses on two continents. Did I mention he did all of this from France, while raising two young children?

It really is difficult to imagine body piercing being quite what it is without Brian’s influence. Whether the discussion centers around health and safety, freehand technique, material standards, anodization, StatIM autoclaves, or disposable studios, Brian’s name will come up. He’s a master of all things piercing related.

If Brian’s tenure as President marked his departure from APP work, I’d write about how much we’d miss him. Of course, that’s not Brian’s style at all (and we are very thankful for this.) He will continue to assist the Board in all things technical and web related. He is now deeply entrenched in the work of updating the data processing of our ever-expanding membership. Thus giving the organization, and all APP Members, a modern and streamlined method of maintaining membership standards.

Brian hasn’t done this alone. I know this from my own personal experience. Without a dedicated partner, the kind of volunteer hours someone like Brian puts in are simply not possible. His wonderful wife Sandrine is as much a part of this work as Brian is. Thank you Sandrine!

Brian has taught me a lot about piercing, but he’s also taught me a lot about being a dad. One of my favorite experiences with Brian was talking about fatherhood in Mexico late one night while we attended the LBP Conference. It was one of those conversations you think back to and say, “I really needed that at that point in my life.” He may not have thought much about it, but I did… and still do.

So thank you, Brian. You’ve been an exceptional Board Member and President of the Association of Professional Piercers. Thank you for your ongoing support of not only the APP, but the entire piercing community.

Jef thanks Brian for his service as APP President
Jef Saunders honors Brian Skellie at the 2016 APP Conference

Point 75: President’s Corner – Brian Skellie

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Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April Berardi

Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBrian Skellie
APP President

As I eagerly anticipate our next meeting, the gratitude that I feel towards my colleagues in this organization is responsible for a reliable renewal of enthusiasm. The APP mission, presence, and conscientiousness are core to my personal experience, education, and priorities. My purpose remains the same although my responsibilities change after this Conference.

Getting to know the membership better over these years working within the organization and at the helm has been a privilege. By making certain sacrifices and spending a lot of time on the road, I have appreciated real life meetings with quite a few of you. It has been both informative and delightful to visit with you, your studios, and manufacturing facilities.

These days, it is much easier (via the myriad of technological advancements available) to find out more about our colleagues and their work and attitudes. I’m convinced that this friendly professional espionage/stalking following is one of the best things for collegiality in our business. Evermore accessible technology has facilitated a greater sense of familiarization and a willingness to communicate. This development has provided a foundation for friendships and interaction with people who I may have otherwise been more reserved with, and I live with a daily appreciation of how online translation provides access to the world.

Our community seems to be rising, bolstered by social media and a culture of sharing among peers. Access to current information and peer review alongside beautiful examples of our work have created a level of accountability for achieving our goals and is keeping this trade lively. Aptitude and quality are continually improved upon and excellence may be recognized.

Even as I step down from Presidency this summer, we have committed to participate internationally to keep the momentum with fellow trade organizations going. I find it refreshing to see the progress of LBP and the UKAPP, along with the continuing success of our Associate Corporate Members, APTPI, ASAP, BMXnet and meetings in Germany, Spain, and France. Let’s make this happen!

Point 74: President’s Corner – Brian Skellie

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Brian Skellie working with asepsis

Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBrian Skellie
APP President

Technology for infection prevention:

Why the introduction of more technological advances help to reduce cross contamination risks

The benefits of thousands of years of advancements in infection control are applied and built upon daily: a brief history of sterilization.

Charles Chamberland’s Autoclave (1880), the first steam sterilizer
Chamberland’s Autoclave (1880), the first steam sterilizer
Denis Papin’s digester (1680), the first pressure cooker.
Papin’s digester (1680), the first pressure cooker.

Chamberland’s Autoclave (1880), the first steam sterilizer patterned after Papin’s digester (1680), the first pressure cooker.

Asepsis is the most effective technological advancement for a purposeful reduction of microbes to an irreducible minimum. This begins with policy and training, and follows through with checklists, review, and reminders for implementation.

Primum non nocere = above all else we should do no harm.

Antonj van Leeuwenhoek’s microscope (1683)
Antonj van Leeuwenhoek’s microscope (1683)

Physics was the first step in decontamination, using thermal energy: fire and the effects of the sun. Advances have been made in E-beam and radiation, both ionizing and non-ionizing, for sterilization. As a result, new equipment and supplies are now available providing an almost infinite sterilization shelf life. Part of what was found useful from the sun, apart from drying, was the power of short wavelength ultraviolet light to disrupt the DNA of cells. This has been harnessed for disinfection of exposed environmental surfaces, air, and water, but this form of sterilization is not appropriate for initial piercing jewelry. Further study of properties of the sun have resulted in functional plasma etching and cleaning processes and H2O2 gas plasma sterilization. At some point, gadgets for disinfection of procedure rooms such as UV-C robots and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) vapor foggers may have an application in scale for our trade.

Joseph Lister’s antiseptic sprayer (1867)
Joseph Lister’s antiseptic sprayer (1867)

Chemistry was the next big step in the fight against preventable iatrogenic infection with germicides, from chlorine solutions and carbolic acid to EO gas. Recognizing the potential for stopping infection transmission during procedures by thoroughly cleaning the worker’s hands and the subject site with a germicidal product was an enormous step that has become part of our established thinking. Materials themselves can be used to leverage the natural properties of copper (Cu+) and silver (Ag) that make touch and transfer surfaces inhospitable to microbes, and other embedded compounds have been developed for similar purposes. Some even work with nanotech surface treatments.

Instrument cleaning technology is constantly improving on the basic two fronts of physical action and chemical reaction. Advancements in products safe for the worker and environmentally friendly have brought forth alkaline or enzymatic detergent, or peracetic acid options.

surgical tools from the late 1800s
outmoded surgical equipment from the late 1800s

Consumables have long been a source of worker and client protection and potential oversight. Gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) do create a barrier when used correctly, but do not take the place of adequate hand hygiene and application of asepsis. For further protection against exposure to environmental hazards, wearable vapor detectors can be used to alert the worker of chemical hazards from cleaning and disinfecting products. Essential detectors for sterilization or cleaning parameters should be used for validation of each process. Test Soils with protein detection for washing instruments, even manual cleaning should be tested, and Chemical and regular Biological Indicators for sterilization loads.

Cleaning appliances have made validation tests easier and more repeatable, with the availability of small automated instrument washers and medical and dental ultrasonic cleaners. Our last line of defense against cross contamination comes from our environmental air quality, which can be improved with air cleaners equipped with HEPA filtration and UV, thermal or plasma disinfection, and floor scrubbers to vacuum up the dust, wash and dry the floor automatically and robotically.

The health and safety of our clientele and personnel depend on adequate sterilization and disinfection. The advancements listed have changed the way we do our jobs and protect ourselves from risk. As we look towards the future it is impossible to know the impact further technological advancements will have, but they will undoubtedly continue to change how we practice our trade.

Point #73: President’s Corner – Brian Skellie

2 Comments read Issue 73, Medical, President's Corner, Sterilization, Technology
Brian Skellie working with asepsis

Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBrian Skellie
APP President

The APP is always going to be a work in progress, since standards are ever changing with new evidence. Lauded among the guiding principles we maintain as safety standards for our membership is the practice of asepsis. We refer to many procedural acts as practice, as they are rarely ever perfect and require a profound theoretical understanding coupled with regular exercise and critical self observation for improvement. Asepsis requires the right combination of cleaning and sterilization with touching and not touching manual, instrumental and environmental surfaces for infection prevention and control (IPC).

We apply two types of asepsis to reduce or eliminate infection transmission: medical asepsis which emphasizes protection for the client and their environment is more concerned with cleanliness and prevention of the spread of the clients own organisms to other clients, while surgical asepsis which focuses on sterilization and maintaining sterility for items that will be introduced to a wound or piercing cavity or penetrate the skin, thus preventing the introduction of organisms to the client. Medical asepsis can be referred to as clean technique, and surgical asepsis as sterile technique. A thorough and effective means of surgical asepsis should be implemented for all body art procedures. [CE resource]

“Sterile technique is not one set-in-stone method, this is a guideline for establishing your own individual technique.” Nor is it advocating precautions beyond what our sort of minimally invasive ear piercing procedures require for antisepsis and sterility. For those who are curious to learn more about Maximum Sterile Barrier precautions, the CDC HICPAC describes further steps that can be taken for more seriously invasive punctures such as a central venous or arterial catheter. For body artists, an achievable version of surgical asepsis (sterile technique) maintains barriers such as sterile gloves, masks and eye protection, and removes obstacles likely to compromise these barriers such as hanging earrings and necklaces, long hair, rings and watches.

“I think that when you say ‘aseptic technique,’ a lot of people automatically think ‘operating room’ or ‘surgical procedure,’” explains Kathleen Meehan Arias, MS, CIC, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and director of Arias Infection Control Consulting LLC. “That’s rightly so because that is where the bulk of it is. But whenever you are doing anything that bypasses the skin barrier, you should automatically think aseptic technique.” — Applying Aseptic Technique in all Clinical Settings

This outline of technique suggestions comes from the AORN, APIC and CDC standards and recommended practices as well as a number of textbook resources such as Asepsis, the Right Touch. Much of it needs very little interpretation for our purposes. Safety precautions should result in greater control of the procedure, clinical benefits, reduced harm, and limited liability for negligence.

Rationale: There exist standards for prevention of surgical site infection that apply to even minor invasive elective procedures, and piercing falls within this category by definition.

“When implemented, these guidelines should reduce the risk of disease transmission in the piercing environment, from piercee to piercer, and from piercee to piercee. Based on principles of infection control, the document delineates specific guidelines related to protective attire and barrier techniques; handwashing and care of hands; the use and care of sharp instruments and needles; sterilization or disinfection of instruments; cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces; disinfection and the decontamination room; single-use disposable items; the handling of previously worn piercing jewelry; disposal of waste materials; and implementation of recommendations.”— Piercing Experience adapted IPC standards from the CDC

My personal observation is that these policies have helped limit risk at my studio. They have been reviewed by legal counsel, qualified bioscientists, medical professionals, and university professors. That said, I’m sure that they could always use more input and adaptation. Body art safety is an ever-evolving field of interest.

One might say there is no single right way to pierce. Many variations are possible with an understanding and application of asepsis. We are an industry in which studios market based on their specialties, and for some that is participation in continuing education, gaining knowledge, and raising standards. Maintaining a positive tone one can show those as strengths without diminishing others. This is crucial to developing the bonds between us as fellow professionals. If you believe something you do has advantages, feel free to share that with your customers in a way that does not end up overly critical of our other colleagues.

2013 APP Procedure ManualIt should be clear that these position statements in support of surgical asepsis are neither contradictory nor accusatory of others currently using APP minimum standards for medical asepsis according to our 2013 revised Procedure Manual. They build upon them as we are all encouraged to do as Members, employing additional precautions and elective limitations based on evidence and strong theoretical rationale. My preference is to demonstrate best practices as an educator instead of the minimums. If we all did no more than what was required, the industry would not be as interesting.

I believe that it is the responsibility of each of us to uphold the values we feel are important, and to continually advance our standards in order to achieve our goals. I do have romantic hopes that over time the industry will move in the direction of pure, validated, ethical materials and practices that are as harmless as possible. A predictable, consistent, safe, simple, and gentle piercing experience is attainable today and can be refined based on these principles and open communication among colleagues. The recommendations that I make in addition to APP minimums result from a continually researched process of elimination and adaptation, and they are freely shared for peer review. Please consider this a formal request for comments.

Point #72: President’s Corner – Brian Skellie

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Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBrian Skellie
APP President

Some of the most interesting figures in our history have been those who have taken me and others under their wing to share insights and build community. These avuncular aspects I liken to having a peculiar aunt or uncle in the trade. This year, this feeling was shared by many of my colleagues as we celebrated our 20th Conference with memorials to Tía Raelyn Gallina and our self proclaimed Freakunkle Sid Diller, and a reunion of our extended family. Over the years as much as I’ve gleaned from my familiar mentors in technical and business development, it has been paired with conscientiousness and compassion. To my delight, I have discovered I’ve become one of these figures for some of you.

APP Conference FamilyThis opportunity is appreciated profoundly in my reflection on the 20 years of experience interacting with the participants of this organization. Over this epoch I’ve started my own family with Sandrine. We met at the 2004 Conference, introduced by a dear mutual friend and colleague whom I knew from previous years at the event. This year, our daughter was delivered shortly after the Conference, requiring more family compromise than usual to uphold my commitments to travel and share my knowledge. Observing similar efforts from so many of my peers who brought their children, including those who work as a family, filled me with hope, and keened my focus.Body Piercing Archives 2015

The Body Piercing Archive we, the APP have committed to has shown a promising beginning, exceeding my expectations. My first walk through had me transfixed by the images and left me feeling inspired. I eagerly awaited my chance to be a docent and impart memories and observations of important participants and watershed events in our trade and organization as we followed along with our exhibit materials.

The great responsibility to give the President’s Award for 2015 was a subject which I had the privilege to ruminate upon from the moment Elayne Angel handed one to me in 2014. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to get to know this person, who represents a synthesis of the principles, talents, and open perception that has served to elevate so many others in our profession. I am elated to present to Jef Saunders this award, to confer and recognize the potential of our colleague.

#skellfieIt seemed this was our volunteers’ strongest year yet, showcasing their customer service talents to help their peers. Our scholarship recipients appeared to have given their best efforts alongside veterans as the cogs that keep our event moving forward smoothly.

2015 Brian Skellie swagAs a speaker, each invitation to prepare and practice sharing a subject has delighted me. The members’ advanced technique round table and needle theory presentations were highlights for me, and a joy to collaborate with other instructors. All in all this was an absolutely outstanding Conference. I even have my own hashtag: #skelfie

Point #71: President’s Corner – Brian Skellie

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Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBrian Skellie
APP President

In an organization comprised of exceptional participants who have gladly offered countless hours of work and traveled across the planet to share their ardor for safe body adornment, it is the privilege and great pleasure of the President each year to shine a light upon one who has exemplified our mission. To offer a special award in esteem of the outstanding contributions of this volunteer is equally to recognize the potential we all have to achieve the goals set forth by our Association.

In a field of iconoclasts, in which we must each be self reliant during our daily procedures, some of our fellow piercers have demonstrated proficiency at organizing and working together for the benefit of our community.

In a time where our colleagues have researched, debated, and negotiated fair regulations to respect and protect their fellow piercers and body artists, there are certain among us who excel at diplomacy and bringing forward our purpose. These individuals are honoured with the President’s award. We have showcased the winners of this award in several previous issues of The Point, starting with Issue 26 in 2003 (pg 3-5) as well as in 2009 with Issue 48 (pg 2-3).

Since 2009, when the sitting president James Weber presented to Raelyn Gallina, we have had five new honorees, including yours truly in 2014.
• 2010 Danny Yerna, presented by Jim Weber
• 2011 Allen Falkner, presented by Jim Weber
• 2012 Steve Joyner, presented by Elayne Angel
• 2013 Sarah Wooten, presented by Elayne Angel
• 2014 Brian Skellie, presented by Elayne Angel

Jack Yount Memorial Certificate of RecognitionBefore the existence of the President’s award, the Jack Yount Memorial Certificate of Recognition for Promoting Excellence in Professional Piercing was dedicated to Michaela Grey, Founder of the APP, as a special award chosen by the appointed Board in 1998. This can be recalled as a time when people who had worked alongside her felt a need to show respect for her efforts in coalescing the Association, and as a nod to the gentle persuasion towards exploration and excellence Jack Yount had shared with us.

“He passed away in Hospital in Copenhagen Denmark on July 15, 1995 at the age of 68.”

— http://sacreddebris.com/jack-yount/

Michaela Grey was again recognized in 2005 with a special Lifetime Achievement award from a subsequent APP Board, for her contributions to our industry.

Jim Ward and Michaela Grey at the 2005 APP Awards ceremony
Jim Ward and Michaela Grey at the 2005 APP Awards ceremony

Point #70: President’s Corner

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Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April Berardi

Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBrian Skellie
APP President

Sir Arthur C. Clarke’s Third Law states: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Had I been at Arthur’s elbow as he wrote those words, I’d have suggested adding: “to the uninformed observer.”

— James Randi, WHY MAGICIANS ARE A SCIENTIST’S BEST FRIEND

 

“As piercing professionals, what do you seek from the organization?”

It may seem from appearances that the APP has been conjuring constant advancements and results from our common mission. For more than two decades, behind the scenes this question has been the focus of enthusiastic volunteers aided by an astute administrator. We have had eight changes of leadership before our current board, most of whom I have had the pleasure of working alongside. They have contributed significant guidance, accomplished projects, and made decisions that have helped our field grow. I thank each of you for choosing to engage. In regards to this question, progress and development is an excellent answer.

“What if a piercer exceeds the basic requirements of their APP membership agreement?”

Another very pleasing question that comes up more often than ever before is in regards to where we might go to improve upon the minimum standards. These years of educational outreach have been fruitful, and we have received outstanding applications from an increasing number of supporters. I affirm: please excel. Impress us with your intuition and invention! Sharing your ideas raises the level for all of your fellow members.

“Do you feel the need to make changes before you apply?”

I’d like to think that there are many piercers out there who are not yet members, but who meet and exceed the skills and criteria required by APP membership. The fact remains that we encourage each piercer to feel welcome to start the application process and join. Our membership committee is here to help with your questions and to facilitate the process with a regular online APP Future Members group, and round tables both at events and online.

Participation in our educational events can demystify the technology and techniques important to our work and provide the foundational aptitudes so that you can become an APP member.

See you at Bally’s in Las Vegas for our 20th Conference, June 7-12, 2015.

 

*The Point Spring 1994 issue lists the first Board of Directors as Crystal Cross and Richard White, Ahna Edwards, Kent Fazekas, Gahdi Elias, Michela Grey, Blake Perlingeri, Rob Petroff, Maria Tashjian, and Alan Falkner.

In August of 1996, Maria and Blake stepped down and were replaced by David Vidra and Al D. Sowers.

June 1997 Kent Fazekas is named Chair

June 1998 Gahdi Elias is named Chair

From June of 1999 until June of 2002, Pat McCarthy held the position of President.

As of June 2002 this position was assumed by Bethra Szumski. She sat on the board as President until June of 2005.

In June of 2005 Alicia Cardenas became president. She remained president until June of 2008.

James Weber succeeded the position of President from June of 2008 until June of 2011.

In June 2011 Elayne Angel took over as the President, where she served until June of 2014.

Our most recent President is Brian Skellie who has been President since June of 2014.

Point #69: President’s Corner

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Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBrian Skellie
APP President

Some of the most fundamental ideas about piercing are those that are most intriguing and still relevant to question. What materials are available now to make jewelry for initial healing and prolonged wear in the body safe? How does one accurately direct an edge while traversing a body part to get consistent results? What can be done to minimize harm to the client and risk to the worker?

Part of what we can delight in as piercing practitioners is the potential for continued qualitative improvement in our work. Rumination upon these questions that can incite change, coupled with a willingness to progress and try new options opens us to the possibility that each procedure, each interaction and connection made with patrons can be our best to date. We have in our hands the means to find persuasive science and novel approaches to the challenges that we face, through access to libraries and communication with colleagues worldwide.

Presenters and performers preparing for the voyage to LBP 2014
Presenters and performers preparing for the voyage to LBP 2014

The constant flow of information among our peers engages this and advances our desire for better outcomes based on both understanding and inspiration. You are welcome to join in the conversation, add to it what you can offer, and benefit from the advantages of persistent educational opportunities. This organization exists to act as a crucible for bringing our ideas and skills together to make something more versatile, robust, complete, healthier, and easier to disseminate for the betterment of our craft and our society.

One of the aspects of this trade that I cherish most is the occasion to share with others what fascinates me about our work, and to learn from them in exchange. Whether that may be in written correspondence, a phone call, video conference, in person (or in a studio), or at an event. It is encouraging to observe that virtually every one of you seems to partake in them as often as possible—and this is evidenced by the many thousands of professional conversations logged online and the outstanding international attendance at several major educational events this year, including over twenty countries represented at our Conference.

Since the 2014 APP Conference, volunteer members working with the organization have traveled as educators to share ideas related to safety, theory, technique, technology, and history to conferences held by APP associate corporate members  in Germany, Mexico, and Italy. As a participant at each, I can say they have exemplified and improved upon some of the best aspects of our event, and at the same time were quite different and unique from one another, apart from geographic location and language.

IMG_20141004_114437
Bruno BMA describing the importance of asepsis at the 2014 BMXnet Conference in Essen, Germany

From October 2-5, the annual BMXnet event took place in Essen, Germany, and our business members Ana Paula Escalante, Christiane Löfblad, and Ryan Ouellette were welcomed back to the creative Unperfekthaus space to provide both informative lectures and hands-on demonstrations in technical skills workshops. The event is equipped to allow procedures to be performed live, and I had the privilege of demonstrating how to lose a connection and reconnect during a nostril piercing. (Sorry, David!)

Former APP Presidents Elayne Angel and Bethra Szumski (Secretary), Paul King (Treasurer), and I collectively taught a dozen classes and workshops during the event. An important element of our participation was to introduce the ideals and mission of the APP organization to new people. To that end we held a panel discussion with Ryan on how to continue our work to help fellow organizations such as BMXnet, ASAP, APTPI and LBP.

As an event that draws more international attendees than ever before, it seemed that this year English-speaking classes filled the schedule (38 in English/9 in German), and this was one of the topics discussed during the Future of BMXnet roundtable, led by one of the organizers, Stephan Strestik. They seem to have great potential, with their strong mix of educators and open exchange of ideas. The inclusion of an “all-you-can-eat” buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and all-day soft drinks, coffee, and tea was very helpful, especially for those who might have skipped a meal or had to eat on the run at other events due to a full schedule.

The LBP's well-assembled dossier for their 2014 event
The LBP’s well-assembled dossier for their 2014 event

A few short weeks later, a voyage to Mexico City followed for the LBP 2do Congreso: La Asociación Latinoamericana de Body Piercing. Along with board member Jef Saunders and officers Bethra and Paul, we reunited with Ana Paula, serving as LBP Secretary, and LBP President Danny Yerna, who was previously APP International Liaison. Registration and entry to the provided transportation was fluid, and the participants who filled the meeting place quickly made it into their seats with their necessities and a binder full of all of the lecture handouts, which was provided as reading material for the road trip. Even the APP materials and class details were translated into Spanish! This allowed for in-depth discussion en route, and prepared everyone to ask informed questions—and cut down considerably on live translation time. The translation of materials in advance was first rate, and gave me peace of mind as a non-native presenter, since my competence in Spanish is not yet what I aspire to. (Aprendo español, pero yo no hablo con fluidez.)

We traveled with a large group of the attendees to the Centro Vacacional y de Convenciones IMSS Metepec, near Puebla, at the base of the Iztaccíhuatl – Popocatépetl National Park and namesake volcanoes. We drove through a beautiful nature reserve part of the park on the way. When we arrived, we toured the grounds and got a sense of the harmonious combination of natural and professional spaces the organizers found so attractive.

This event follows several successful APP Mexico conferences, and has evolved in a significantly different format in an all-inclusive setting—where transportation, lodging, and meals were all covered together with the event. Everyone was invited to take part in every class and workshop, and the planned social events, as well as to dine together. Even special guest Fakir Musafar and his partner Cleo Dubois spent a great deal of time mingling with the group outside of the auditorium.

The next week transported me to Venice, Italy where I met Paul and long-time APP conference participant Ron Garza for the Body Art Development International Piercing Class and Workshop event. This was a new offering by the APTPI affiliated organizers, with technique and theory lectures, coupled with hands-on supervised training. The format was punctual and could be repeated for focus on specifics with expert direction.

Our 20th Conference is in production now, with plenty of new ideas for you! See you at Bally’s in Las Vegas (June 7-12, 2015).

Point #68: President’s Corner

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Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April Berardi

Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBrian Skellie
APP President

As we approach our twentieth annual meeting, I reflect on the beginnings of the APP. When I discovered that a group—this group—had formed to take action and establish professional industry standards I was immediately interested and eager to help out in any way I could.

These first actions of the APP, organized by Michaela Grey and a small peer group, were for mutual aid against unfair regulation proposed in California. However, in a short period of time this movement became more, and this group evolved into an incorporated non-profit Association with hundreds of members and thousands of participants. And now, two decades later, I see our trade moving in a great direction—one of growth through participation and collaboration amongst peers.

With the closing of the 19th annual conference, our final board meeting vested five newly elected board members. Steve Joyner officially filled the legislative and regulatory affairs role he had temporarily covered in Mike Martin’s absence, and our outreach director Ashley Misako and myself continued our momentum from the previous election.

Our new board has already met since conference and discussed our motivations and ideas for the future. I feel confident we have a very functional working dynamic and trust in our competency to represent the needs of our membership and trade.

This year’s Conference saw Committee participation as well as Conference attendance at an all time high, and many local groups have been making significant contributions to the trade in sharing skills and discussing ethics and product quality. I’m very impressed with the ability of our legislative committee and membership to inform and persuade officials to work together to provide standards and prevent unreasonable regulations.

Membership has  become more accessible than ever before, facilitated by an application process that is now online and free (no fees due until acceptance) and an active public forum for prospective member questions moderated by the Membership Committee. I’ve helped the Committee make it fast and easy for the entire application and video to be submitted and reviewed online, which along with very effective teamwork by the committee has increased both our speed and number of new member approvals.

All of this means that more piercers than ever understand the importance and absolute necessity of quality jewelry. Jewelry makers who are APP Corporate Sponsors and participants are experiencing an affluence of new customers and it is in no small part due to our member efforts to promote and advance the use for quality jewelry, both in their studios and online in our social media that reaches out daily to tens of thousands of potential clients.

Now is the time to move forward with practical projects, such as having third-party validation for our initial jewelry standards and creating long-term plans for establishing credentials for qualified piercers through hands-on supervised training, skill review and aptitude testing. I am motivated to pursue our plans to provide more experiential workshops and educational services to the membership, more often during the year, and in new locations in addition to our yearly meeting in Las Vegas. I want your certificates for the continuing education we provide to have value beyond paper and peer recognition.

I also want to recognize my fellow members as independent thinkers. I welcome your ideas, and want to make sure that your voices are heard. I will be holding office hours, Tuesday and Thursday of each week from 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, available online for conversation through Google hangouts as president@safepiercing.org. You will also often find me accessible on Facebook as well, for impromptu interactions.