Charlie 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.
Category Features
Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Charlie LeBeau
Charlie 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.
Point #72: BPA Exhibit – Matte Erickson
Matte 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.
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.
Point #72: Raffle & Sponsor Thank You
CONFERENCE SPONSOR THANK YOU
Every year the APP relies heavily on vendor sponsorships to assist us with the expenses incurred for our special events, services, and scholarships. If it wasn’t for these companies the APP Conference would be less than what it is every year. We urge you to consider supporting these companies throughout the year when stocking your shops. Please support those who support the APP!
LEVEL ONE: Banquet Dinner
Industrial Strength Body Jewelry
Anatometal, Inc.
LeRoi, Inc.
LEVEL TWO: Opening Party
NeoMetal, Inc.
Buddha Jewelry Organics
Safe Products
Body Vibe
EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP: Attendee Lounge
Anatometal, Inc.
EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP: Volunteer Support
Body Vision Los Angeles
Body Art Pro
LEVEL THREE: Exposition Coffee & Refreshments
Anatometal, Inc.
Omerica Organic
Oracle Body Jewelry
LEVEL FOUR: Al D. Scholarship
Anatometal
Gorilla Glass
Quetzalli Jewelry
Intrinsic Body, Inc.
Industrial Strength Body Jewelry also donated two complete packages for two additional Scholars (in the names of their company and Shannon Larratt).
Sponsors of our smartphone app include: Industrial Strength Body Jewelry, Blessings to You, Eleven44, Kraken, Buddha Jewelry Organics, Namaste Adornments, Nakaztli, Tawapa, Prysm Body Piercing, Body Art Solutions, and Anatometal, Inc.
We would also like to thank Anatometal, Inc. for providing the Conference with badge lanyards this year.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO MAKE THIS CONFERENCE WHAT IT WAS.
RAFFLE THANK YOU
Each year at Conference, lives are changed. One of the catalysts for change is the big raffle prizes. In the past, these raffle prizes have been enough to allow winning piercers and/or shops to completely switch over from externally threaded jewelry, or meet standards for APP membership. This type of change can indeed be life altering. By providing such substantial prizes, sponsors Industrial Strength Body Jewelry and Anatometal, Inc. change our attendees lives and generate funds which help sustain the APP and its programs all year long. But remember it isn’t just our big donors; every vendor that donates and every attendee that purchases a raffle ticket helps the APP.
The APP would like to offer a very special thank you to Industrial Strength Body Jewelry and Anatometal, Inc. for their continued support on a grand scale!
Industrial Strength donated $15,000.00 Grand Prize and $10,000 in smaller prizes
Anatometal, Inc. donated $12,000.00, plus an additional four surprise prize packages given out at the banquet!!
The APP would also like to recognize our other top donors: BVLA; H2Ocean; LeRoi, Inc.; Glasswear Studios; Omerica Organic; and NeoMetal, Inc.
Thank you to all of our donating vendors and our attendees who made this a record year for the raffle!
Top prizes & winners from our banquet dinner.
Industrial Strength $15,000 of jewelry—Chrissy Shull
Anatometal $1000/month for 12 months—Brand X
H2O $1450 of product—Kim and Aya
Industrial Strength $1000 credit—Trisha; Will VonDoome
Omerica $1000 credit—Chris Norris
Namaste $1000 credit—Amanda Waters
APP free 2016 pass and 1/2 off a new attendee—Shorty; Woodstock
Buddha Jewelry Organics $500 gift certificate—Stealy Tattoo and Piercing
Industrial Strength $500 credit—Leo Cabrera; Gladix Porca Miseria; Alien Ink; Blake Williams
Safe Products Stone Plugs $500 credit—Stephanie Hill; Jesse V.
Anatometal also surprised us all by giving away an additional 5 prizes of $1000/month of credit for 12 months!!!!
The lucky winners were; Precision Body Arts, Adorn Body Art, Rick Hartwick, and Steph Devotchka.
Point #72: Volunteer Thank You – Caitlin McDiarmid
Caitlin McDiarmid
APP Administrator
Every year I have the joy of working with an ever growing group of people who volunteer to help before, during, and after the Conference. Of all the things I do for the APP—of all the tasks that I do in my job—meeting, training, assisting, working alongside of, and getting to know these people is my favorite thing. Mentoring these young women & men to meet their own personal challenges through the act of service is the thing I am most proud of professionally.
This year our Al D. Sowers Scholarship recipients came from all over the world and came together to tackle all the new-ness that is Conference.
Gladix (Gladys) Porca Miseria
Sydney Harbaugh
Jason Heeney
Mariona Huertas Riera
Aiden Johnson
Charlie Remy LeBeau
Paul Rainer – “Shannon Larratt – Industrial Strength” scholarship recipient
Jose Carlos
Mandy Thiel — “Industrial Strength” scholarship recipient
Lucina Ayelen Ugarte Basulto
JD Lorenz and Industrial Strength donated two complete scholarships. Gorilla Glass, Quetzalli Jewelry, Intrinsic Body, Inc. and Anatometal all contributed to the scholarship fund in 2015. Stephen DeToma from Anatometal also ran a contest at the Expo challenging attendees to test their core strength, in the Plank position – and raised money towards next year’s fund.
We also had several piercers contribute passes and money to the No Excuses Scholarship fund which this year allowed Caleigh Bell-Morena, James Garvin, Jessica Stone, Emily Woods, Miriam “Loreia” Haslinger, Rob Gold, Anderson Reinkordt, and Matt Lyle to attend Conference.
The amazing amount of support the two scholarship programs receive is growing each year and this is a beautiful thing – we and the piercer recipients are so very grateful.
This year we invited a number of 2014 and 2013 scholars back to work with us, based on their outstanding performances:
Marita Wikström
Andre Nalin
Ismael Vargas
John Robberson
Zach Fitzgerald
Ryan Clark
Jacob Spjut
Nathan Grosvenor
Many of the following volunteers not only did all the things all volunteers do – but also served on the Speaker Operations, Product and Design, and Conference Operations Subcommittees.
I pushed some of the Super Volunteers to be involved in those committees, make training videos, and provided support to encourage them to do their own mentoring of the other volunteers. While most of them do a variety of jobs – they each have their “home base”.
Our Classroom Supers:
Kristin Young (Speaker & Conference Operations Subcommittee)
Seven Wolfe
Ryan Feagin *Super in Training
Chadwick Jackson
Mike McInnes *Super in Training
Our Merch Booth Supers:
Casey Hosch (Design / Product Subcommittee)
Danny Greenwood (Design / Product Subcommittee)
Monica Sabin
Mark Montgomery
Our Raffle Booth Supers:
Ken Seyler
Zane Nichols
Kenny Hughes
General Supers:
Dianna Brown *Super in Training
Andru Rogge
Our Registration Supers:
Kendra Berndt (Conference Operations Subcommittee)
Theo Sheffler
Anna York
Badur Ramji
David Kelso
Tiana McGuire
Marina Pecorino
Our Information Booth Supers:
Jezebel Voulé (Conference Operations Subcommittee)
Luna Duran
Our AV Supers:
Gus Diamond (Conference Committee)
Allen Falkner
Brian Moeller (Conference Committee & Speaker Operations Subcommittee)
Shana Gyure
Shorty Calma *Super in Training
Ryan Clark
William Spencer (Conference Committee) and I shared the management of the volunteers. He’s always willing to pitch in and he keeps me from taking things too seriously while at the same time making sure I don’t forget to feed and water the volunteers. He also reminds me that there’s more to our experience at Conference than work. He jokes around a lot, but he’s an essential part of the team and a critical support to me personally and to the event.
We had a lot of returning LOVE volunteers and a few new ones:
Amanda Badger
Arik Johnson
Aubrey Diebler
Brittany Kronbeck
Christina Blossey
Dae Jedic
Evan Quinno
Hika Kierkenupp
Julie Taylor
Kaitlin Siebken
Krystal Slager (Klos)
Lani Soleil
Rob Church
Robyn Johnson
Solo Paige-Turner
Stephanie Hill
Stephanie Savage
Trist’n Peterson
Vivi Contreras
Our mentor team worked hard this year to improve contact with their mentees and I want to make sure we recognize both the organizers and those serving as mentors—
Our mentor team:
Ash Misako
April Berardi
Billy Wood Jr.
Kendra Berndt
Our mentors:
Adam Aman
Dana Dinius
Brett Graham
Jake Hardman
Rob Hill
Richard Ivey
Mark Montgomery
Pablo Perelmuter
Brett Perkins
Shawn Porter
Monica Sabin
Jill Sans
Mick Swan
Chris Theis
Johnny Velez
Will VonDoome
Casey Wardell
Darrin Walters
Nick Wolak
As everyone here knows, the industry has been experiencing huge growth and this is clear at our Conference. The Conference Committee and the related subcommittees worked really hard to implement some new technology at Registration, the classroom doors, and booths, also creating new programs like the Conference smartphone app.
I need to give special thanks to a group of the volunteers. These folks worked extra outside of Conference and while at Conference to really make things happen this year. They are the best and the brightest of the bunch, reviewing countless spreadsheet-based schedules, doing research and writing merch proposals, proofing badge packets, proofing the website, and helping with the app. My job has grown too big and without my smarty pants team I wouldn’t have made it.
Marina Pecorino
Jezebel Voulé
Kristin Young
Theo Sheffler
Danny Greenwood
Casey Hosch
Shorty Calma
Brian Moeller
Kendra Berndt (Her first time managing the Registration Department also went smashingly)
I hope our readers and especially our attendees appreciate the efforts of these individuals to help make our event the amazing Conference that it is.
Saving the best for last, thank you Thaddeous Love— not only for all you do for the APP (technology research; repair; maintenance; moving boxes; chauffeur; award designer/manufacturer; onsite taco delivery service); but for all you do to shore me up through long hard days, weeks, and months of Conference prep—and for knowing when to listen and when to tell me, “That’s enough. Enough work stuff.”
Point #72: Celebrating Some of our Special People – Kendra Jane Berndt
Kendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives
I have been trying to find the words to put on paper, to describe the evening of the 20th annual Banquet. This night was 20 years in the making; 20 years of history, progression, growth, and love. So much love that I do not think I will ever be able to adequately put into words, but I ‘ll try.
For many adolescents in North America, prom is one of the highlights of high school. When I think back 20 years to my own high school prom it is definitely a strong memory, but not necessarily a happy one. My own awards ceremony saw me accepting an award. As I graciously turned around to walk down the stairs, my heel caught the stairs and with a fumbling tumbling crash I laid in a heap at the bottom of the stairs, skirt over my head in front of 900 people. So when I found out this year’s Banquet theme was prom it was like I was given a do-over.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Conference, it seemed fitting to have its own prom awards. Brett Perkins was the captain of the ship for an evening under the sea. He had the job of loosening the crowd up with his charm and good looks. He also had the pleasure of handing out our prom awards which were voted on by all our attendees. (During the online registration process all attendees were asked to complete a survey in which they nominated the person they felt best exemplified the category in question. These results were compiled and the top three in each category were put forth to all registered attendees at Conference for the final vote. The votes were submitted through the Conference app or paper ballots.)
Well, needless to say I was speechless that my peers voted for me, and even happier that I made it up and down the stairs with more grace than in 1996.
Although the prom awards were a new addition to this year’s Banquet dinner, tradition was maintained with the dedication of long-standing awards. This year’s recipient of the President’s Award was Jef Saunders. You can read his response to winning in this issue. We also took time
to say thank you to our volunteers and this year’s Josh Prentice Volunteer Award, given to Jezebel Voulé. She is a long time volunteer and we are lucky to have her as part of our volunteer family. Her response to winning can also be found in this issue.
This year, some very special awards—fitting of a 20th anniversary—were also handed out. Conference would not be what it is today without some very important and long term supporters. This year’s Banquet took the opportunity to recognize two of those very important people and their companies.
Barry Blanchard is someone that inspires me both personally and professionally. In fact, I have a tattoo as a memento of a life changing day spent with him. I also know he has had that impact on many people within our community. It is only natural that celebrating 20 years also meant celebrating Barry and the Anatometal team. This award was to thank them for their support and inspiration over the past two decades, helping make this Conference what it is. From their raffle donations year after year, to the small details like the lanyards our attendees received and the lounge in the Grand Salon this year, Anatometal finds every way possible to support the APP and its mission. Anatometal was the APP’s first Corporate Sponsor and proudly adheres to the specifications and standards set forth by the APP. They want the best for both their customers and our industry.
This year, Anatometal also received the Multiple Booth Award for their display within the Exposition.
JD Lorenz also received special recognition for the constant and consistent support of Conference provided by Industrial Strength Body Jewelry. JD started out as a body piercer in the early 1990’s. At that time he realized there was a calling for a special type of jewelry and that it was his calling to produce it. Through perseverance and hard-work, Lorenz has taken his small one-room machine shop and has grown it into one of the largest manufacturers of fine quality body jewelry in the world. Industrial Strength has been a Corporate Member since 2002 and our Conference would not be what it is without them. I am fortunate enough to say that he also had a hand in changing my life, as his generosity has allowed many Al D. Scholars to come to Conference. I was one of those scholars in 2011. Between his generosity through raffle donations and scholar sponsorship, he has changed the lives of many piercers and is truly deserving of this award.
We also had the opportunity to recognize two women that have made a lasting impact not only on this Conference, but on our industry as a whole.
The first is an amazing lady. She is a powerhouse that has always pushed the organization to grow and evolve, Bethrah Szumski. The Banquet was the perfect place to honor her with an extra special thank you for her hard work and dedication. Through her years as either a Board Member or an Officer, she brought about numerous changes that have shaped the APP as we know it today. She has recently stepped down from the majority of her formal responsibilities, but she is still organizing our Members Retreat. To show our appreciation, Bethrah was presented with more than a few baths full of LUSH, one of her personal favorites. To read about everything she has done for the APP, please see the article in Issue 71 dedicated to her years of service.
The second woman that was recognized is a lady I hold very dear to my heart. I felt absolutely honored to present a special award to Caitlin McDiarmid for her hard work and unwavering dedication to the APP. Instead of trying to think of more to say about her I will simply give you some familiar words about pie, a special adaptation to a piece by her favorite diner.
“…So why bother? Pie is never going to be as pretty as its more postured peers Cake or Tart. When roused from its nap on the cooling rack, a piece of pie will likely slump, undignified and oozing its filling while its once perfect crust slips out of alignment in rebellion at having been manhandled by a spatula. Pie is testy, it’s dough cantankerous (sometimes downright mean) in the hands of anyone who overlooks either the precise chemistry or the matronly patience to yield a pastry neither too flaky nor too firm. ‘Touch me,’ says the dough, ‘but not too much, and not there, now back away, don’t even look at me!’
… soon there would be the smell of warm butter and cinnamon… and then the most perfectly imperfect dessert would emerge from the oven, bubbling fruit through vented pastry, custard cooling and waiting to be topped with cream. It’s the tremendous effort involved in creating something so ordinary that makes pie my favorite dessert to make and to eat.
And so the answer to the question: Why Pie? is: Because Pie.”
Every Conference, every attendee, this lady knows it won’t be easy. She knows it will be temperamental. She knows there will be good days and bad, but it is worth the tremendous effort. She crafts the pie that is Conference. From everyone of us, volunteers, attendees, members: Mama Duck we love you. So why Caitlin? Because Caitlin.
I would like to extend a very special thanks to Prince Cyrus and Blessing To You, who were responsible for creating the weights and necklace that Caitlin was given.
Cyrus and Blessings To You also won the Single Booth Award for the second year running. Blessings To You, as Cyrus explained in his interview with Kimberly Zapata in Issue 68, is something that comes directly from his process of creating something for someone as a talisman, an object to carry and direct intention. This year the Amazonian collection was released—pythons, sloths, and, orchids oh my—all helping to raise awareness of the Amazon rainforest and the endangered species within it. This collection was so great I couldn’t help but get a pair of sloths for myself.
As we finished our dessert and got our dancing shoes ready, the Creative Innovator Award was handed out, seeing Jimmy Buddha and Diablo Organics winning for the sixth year in a row. You can read a full interview and photos of this year’s winning entry in this issue. This year, a first time exhibitor and entrant into the innovators competition, Dustin Allor of Phoenix Designs, won the Technical Innovator Award for her double daith spiral design. Learn a bit more about Dustin and how she has always been a trendsetter within our industry in this issue.
I am sure that many of us could have danced until the wee hours of Friday morning. This year’s Banquet and prom was a night filled with celebration, great memories, streakers, and a special feeling of community and family. In fact, the entire room even sang “happy birthday” to a little girl in Germany! To me all of this adds up to the perfect culmination of the events of the week. This year’s Banquet acted as the perfect night to capture the emotions that charged the week, celebrate the people that have contributed to our Conference and industry and without whom all of this would look very different.
Point #72: Innovator’s Award – Phoenix Revival
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.
Tiffany: 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!
Tiffany: 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
(512) 522-9353
Point #72: Innovator’s Award – Brianna Sheehan
Brianna Sheehan
St. Sabrina’s
Brianna Sheehan: Congratulations on winning the Creative Innovator award. How many times have you won the innovators award?
Jimmy Buddha: Thank you. I believe this will be the sixth one. I like the challenge it presents and the fact that it encourages innovation in our industry.
Brianna: To start, can you tell us about these labradorite saucers in detail? What went into designing them and making them a reality? What do you think makes these innovative?
Jimmy: My saddle spreader allows me to get more creative with material selection. Without the spreader, the flying saucers would be too heavy and impractical. Design wise, I have been playing around with different techniques to achieve unique textures in the body jewelry world. I feel the distressed metal juxtaposed with the clean lines of the highly polished labradorite give the piece a modern and rustic feel. It’s a fresh take on what we are used to in the body jewelry scene.
Brianna: One thing that I personally love about your work is that you have found a way to really showcase the stones you choose. It has definitely created a greater appreciation for natural stone among industry folk and clients alike. Which stones or materials are some of your favorites to work with?
Jimmy: I can appreciate all types of stones really; it’s part of why Diablo Organics has such a broad range of jewelry. Picking a favorite limits what I can do with design. If I had to pick some favorites, they would be amber, jade, and rutile materials. Keep your eyes open for more crazy stones!
Brianna: What are some characteristics you look for in the stones you choose?
Jimmy: I look for that small percentage of material that pops! Not all stones are created equal. For example, when I use labradorite, I’m not picking the cheap material that just has a tiny hint of flash, letting the name “labradorite” sell the jewelry. I want it to grab the customer with its super flash, which is what that material is all about.
Brianna: Anyone that follows your social media can see that you’re always on the hunt for material. How much of the raw material are you personally responsible for?
Jimmy: I personally select all of our material. But there are different degrees of discovery. My goal is to get as close as possible to the source. Sometimes this means I’m in the dirt. It gives me first crack at quality pieces, and the ability to cut out the middle man. This keeps things affordable and I learn tons about the material, how it is sourced, processed, etc. At the moment I am in Alaska on the hunt for fossil ivories and jade. Mixing travel, adventure, hard work and jewelry is what it is all about for me.
Brianna: You have a lot of people going crazy about the re-release of some Zoomorphic nephrite jade designs. Can you give us a brief history on Zoomorphic and what has made it so special?
Jimmy: Zoomorphic is the brain child of Cheyenne Sunhill, a close friend of mine, and one of the first modern day body jewelry designers to really push the limits. He is ahead of his time, and is always coming up with some far out concept. Jade is not just a pretty green stone. It’s intertwined with human history, our cultural and technological evolution as a species. The cultural impact of what this “tool stone” did still has influence today, even over ten thousand years later! Cheyenne understands this and brings it to his designs using jade as the medium.
Brianna: What made you decide to re-release these designs?
Jimmy: Cheyenne and I are on the same page when it comes to jade, so it just made sense that I do a little project with him in conjunction with launching Diablo Organics’ new jade line. I wanted to pay homage to his pieces, using Zoomorphic and the historical context of jade as my inspiration.
Brianna: Was this a one-time thing or can we expect to see more of it?
Jimmy: Haha! Yes, there will be more. I already have my calendar full with trips to source more jade!
Brianna: I really want to bring attention to the antique silver collection as well. To some, Diablo Organics is categorized as an organic jewelry company. Items like this, and others you’ve released, have completely stepped up the jewelry game.
Jimmy: Thank you. I started this jewelry “nonsense” out of curiosity and respect for modern and ancient body modification and the innate need to decorate our bodies. Over the years—coming up on 20 of them now—I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world and experience first-hand these practices in present day cultures, and study ancient cultures through artifacts and history.
Brianna: Can you tell us what lead to the production of it? What was your goal with this line?
Jimmy: I figured it was time. We are maturing as an industry and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be rocking real jewelry!
Brianna: Do you plan on releasing more “high end” items like these?
Jimmy: If we can sell it… You betcha!
Brianna: A lot of your jewelry is limited or “one off”. Can you explain the reasoning behind this?
Jimmy: Diablo Organics definitely has its catalog essentials lines, but I source crazy materials that need special attention sometimes. It keeps me on the hunt for new ideas, and challenges my creative abilities as well as my craftsmanship. Many times these ideas then trickle down into the catalog essentials.
Brianna: For those who are unfamiliar, what are some other things Diablo Organics offer aside from bad ass, rare, limited, fancy hanging designs?
Jimmy: You know that’s a good question, because so much attention is given to all of our crazy limited and fancy collections. Many times, the essentials are overlooked. We always have readily available, quality, economical lines in brass, both yellow and white, stone, wood, and other organics. Austin HQ is open 10-6, Texas time, 5 days a week and the ladies are there to sort everything out. From the get go, as a piercer and shop owner myself, I wanted to give the industry the bread and butter jewelry at affordable prices. We have stuck to that, staying wholesale only, with unbeatable prices and quality.
Brianna: What separates Diablo Organics from competitors offering some similar designs?
Jimmy: What competition? Haha, just kidding. Seriously though, we are doing our own thing. There is crossover here and there, because our lines encompass a lot, but we stick to customer service and functional, well-designed, quality jewelry for the budget beginner all the way up to the high end collector.
Brianna: What are your plans for Diablo Organics in the future?
Jimmy: We are always evolving so it’s hard to say, but we are moving in many different directions simultaneously. My crew makes this possible. If it wasn’t for Shanna and Kayleigh in the office, and Lauren on the road, we wouldn’t be able to make this happen. All I can say right now is we are just starting to pick up momentum!
Point #72: Receiving the Josh Prentice Award – Jezebel Voulé
Jezebel Voulé
APP Administrator
It’s easy for me to sound like I have found religion when I talk about volunteering. For me it has easily saved me. It gives me a focal point in which I can see the immediate return of my investment (time) and makes me feel like I have a reason for being. I’ve always been a volunteer. However, volunteering for the APP has been different for me. It is the first time that I have felt, not only like I was a part of the greater good—a community—but also a family. Every year I get introduced to new family members I did not know existed, just like distant cousins at a family reunion. Some of them end up becoming so close to me that they become siblings. The APP and what it stands for is the first thing I have experienced that I don’t mind testing my boundaries for. Sometimes to a fault. That’s okay because that is what families do for each other; they support your aim to test your own limits and are willing to catch you when you fall.
The behind the scenes of the APP Conference is very much like that. Each volunteer tends to reach so far that they can overextend themselves and fall. Not because they were asked to but because they want to help so much that it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. As years have gone by, I have seen myself and those around me grow exponentially. I have seen the control freaks loosen their grips, the multi-taskers admit to their limits, and a plethora of other character strengths find out that sometimes there is too much of a good thing. Most of the volunteers do not just volunteer one week out of the year for APP, but rather for several months. Some even work on a weekly basis. The reason could be because we are either addicts or mad. However, I think it’s because we love it. That love makes us want to be as close to it as possible and so we devote our time and energy throughout the year. Just so we can be a little bit closer to all the things we love about volunteering for the APP.
This year I won the Josh Prentice Award as a recognition of all the time I have put into the APP. It made me think about my journey. Not just as a piercer but as a person. Just like many, my first few Conferences were filled with doubt. I started by being overwhelmed by the thought that I would do everything wrong. That was a feeling I got from the moment my feet touched the Las Vegas soil my first time. A scholarship had gotten me there. During that week, I felt inept in my classes and I was intimidated on a career level by everyone I met. I was thankful to work because it was nice to be useful to the industry in at least one way.
My following year, at the Tropicana, I was excited because during this year—my second—I began to make bonds with people. I had really grown over the year but still knew that I was not who I wanted to be as a piercer. This was also the year I found out what I liked doing the best; I loved having to talk to people that I didn’t know and forcing myself out of my personal bubble.
The years following had many little adventures. One year I unloaded the entire Conference by myself. Not because I had to, but because it was something I could do. I knew that when help arrived the help would be willing and able. Back then the Conference was smaller, and by the time everyone else showed up, when they were expected, I was already done unloading. That memory is one of my favorites because it makes me remember how bull-headed I can be, but also how determined. There are also memories of first meetings with those whom I consider family today; becoming not just a Conference family, but real family. I am now fortunate enough to spend Christmas and other holidays with those who hold a valuable place in my heart that have transcended the Association of Professional Piercers. At some point, I realized I was no longer the intimidated girl that arrived at my first Conference, but was now someone that people could look up to. Most importantly when I look back on my life as a volunteer I can look up to myself. I have become my very own role model.
I have become a better piercer because of Conference, but I know even more that I am a better person because I am a volunteer. I am thankful for that privilege. I am thankful to all those that volunteer around me. Not just those that take shifts to help Conference run smoothly, but those that volunteer information; those that are willing to ask questions that at least one other person was trying to get the nerve to ask; those that are willing to escort someone to their room that has exceeded their limits. To all those that make an impact on another either directly or indirectly I am thankful for you.
Point #72: Josh Prentice Award Winner – Caitlin McDiarmid
Caitlin McDiarmid
APP Administrator
I was happy to participate in and read the article about Josh in Issue 71 of The Point. While writing my part of the article I cried buckets. Grief is a complicated thing. I thought I had gotten it out of my system and then saw the cover, and broke down again. Grief is such an ongoing thing.
Ryan Ouellette mentioned in his article (Issue 71) that I seem to select people to receive the award who I am close to both professionally and personally. I know that I am close to those who serve alongside of me in the trenches – who always help out just a little more and offer themselves when others have not.
Service has built our volunteer family. If you have not yet experienced the joys of volunteering – of sacrificing your time for others – I urge you to do so. Whether it’s in your community or in your industry, someone will be affected positively by your service, and the world will be better for it.
I was more than thrilled to present this year’s Josh A. Prentice Award to Jezebel Voulé, a good friend of mine; in fact I consider her family.
She came to us as an Al D. Sowers Scholarship applicant. She made it clear that no matter what we thought she WAS getting the scholarship. She was so persistent and genuine; so driven and focused. And so, she did get the scholarship.
Later I found out how much she had sacrificed to come to Conference. How she had raised the money to get there (going without electricity) and how hard she had worked to learn everything she could before coming to Conference.
Jezebel came back the following year to volunteer and has returned 7 years in a row. She’s a rule follower. While she continues to find balance between when to bend or break the rules, she is one of the most reliable volunteers. She consistently is reported as one of the most helpful people by volunteers and attendees alike.
She moved from a studio where they didn’t have any air-conditioning in Texas to an APP studio in Iowa; and eventually to her dream studio – finding a home at TRX in St. Louis. However the shop is not the only place she works hard. Recently she has also taken on the unpleasant task of collecting documents from our members and has made real progress with the project.
A few years back she spent Christmas with my family in Lawrence. By the end of that visit my whole family loved her as much as I do. She’s a member of my St. Louis family, who continues to support me while doing follow up medical appointments there. She is the only person who has gone to my dance class with me.
I will never not need her and the organization will never not need her to volunteer. She is a critical member of our team, is an innovator, an initiator, a team player, and a positive and friendly face to all strangers. And while it may not matter, I’m pretty sure Josh would’ve really liked her.