Category Issue 72

Point #72: From the Editor – Kendra Jane Berndt

1 Comment read Editorial, Issue 72

Point-70-From-the-Editor-Kendra-0.jpgKendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

When I think back to the week of the 20th annual Association of Professional Piercers Conference, I am rendered almost speechless, and if you know me, that is difficult. PVD or post Vegas depression, as a few of us call it, has hit me especially strong this year. I find myself longing for the hugs, smiles, and the mental stimulation that Conference provides. I even miss the hustle and bustle, the over priced everything, and the smoke filled casino. At the same time I am relieved to sleep in my own bed, eat vegetables, and put into practice the learning from this year.

In this issue we will take a look through the photos, the stories, the awards, and the memories that made this year by far the best Conference I have ever been too—I am sure many others share the same sentiments as me. Each attendee will have their own favourite moments from this year. In fact some may have so many moments that picking a favourite is impossible. Personally I have been able to narrow it down to the evening of the Banquet prom. My own prom (or grad as we call it here in the Great White North) was less than perfect and, well, I would rather forget most of it honestly. However, prom at this year’s Banquet will forever be one of my happiest nights, filled with love, laughter, tears, and dancing; oh glorious dancing.

This year’s prom also gave me the chance to recognize someone very close to me, someone who has shaped the person I am and pushes me in the direction of the person I want to be. It was an absolute honour to speak to her hard work and dedication. This will forever be a memory I cherish. We love you, Caitlin. Why do I suddenly have a craving for pie?

Kendra Jane - Best Smile - 2015 Prom AwardsThe other moment that still makes me giddy like a 16 year old is the fact that you guys—my peers—saw it fitting to honour me with the “best smile in the industry”. I was shocked when I saw my name on the nomination ballot and even more so when my name was announced. You guys made me feel like the belle of the ball. Just thinking of all the smiles and love as we put this issue together has made the PVD a little more tolerable.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each attendee. You all contributed to my Conference experience. I will carry these experiences with me over the coming year until I can see you all again.

Point #72: From the Editor – Jim Ward

1 Comment read Editorial, Issue 72

Jim Ward headshot

Jim Ward
Managing Editor of Design & Layout

The annual APP Conference is always a mind-expanding experience, but this year—it’s 20th anniversary—was a definite milestone. More people than ever turned out, attending a record number of classes and events presented by a roster of industry all-stars.

The one thing I appreciated most this year was the APP’s commitment to history, not only of the organization, but also of the industry itself. Long standing icons like Paul King, Dave Vidra, Fakir, and myself presented snapshots of the APP’s birth and evolution. The APP Timeline session brought together many of the early founders including some I have not seen in over 20 years. It was a touching reunion.

I was especially impressed with Paul King, Matte Erickson, and Becky Dill, as well as the host of volunteers who brought together the Body Piercing Archive, which opened its doors for the first time on June 10th. Walking through the exhibit was a heartwarming and often bittersweet experience. Seeing reminders of industry champions like Al D., Raelyn Gallina, and Sailor Sid Diller brought a tear to my eye.

Paul has been working tirelessly to preserve the history of our industry. In this process he has started forging an alliance between the APP and the Leather Archive & Museum (LA&M) in Chicago*. The LA&M “is dedicated to the compilation, preservation, and maintenance of leather, kink, and fetish lifestyles,” which often includes body modification. Since the body piercing industry has its roots in the gay and BDSM community, this is an important alliance. The LA&M has financial resources, its own building, and a staff that includes a professional archivist. This is a win/win relationship for everyone involved.

This year in particular, as part of his efforts, Paul organized a special appeal to help finance the preservation of the Sailor Sid collection which had been willed to me and which I had donated to the LA&M many years ago. Some of the materials are particularly fragile and in need of special attention before they deteriorate beyond saving. For the story of this highly successful campaign, see the Sailor Sid Update in this issue.

We can all be justly proud of our organization. So much has been accomplished in the last 20 years. I cannot praise enough those members, past and present, who have struggled and nurtured the APP to make it such a success, to set such high standards for the industry, and to continue its educational efforts. It does my heart good.

*As a footnote, the LA&M is already the repository of the Fakir Musafar collection, still in the process of being cataloged. I am currently in negotiations to donate my own collection to them as well.