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Point 78: Letter from the Editor – Marina Pecorino

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Sustainability touches many aspects of our daily personal and professional lives. In this issue, Kendra Jane provides tips for reducing our carbon footprint through structural improvements and office upgrades. Also, Jared Karnes of Onetribe discusses sustainability and his discovery of permaculture from a manufacturing perspective. Christina Shull shares some wisdom about how to establish a solid business and personal budget, with a focus on financial planning and retirement.

For the safety of our clients and ourselves, it is an unfortunate consequence that our industry is a heavy producer of waste. I’ve often been morbidly curious to know how much weight in garbage an average piercing room generates in a day, but that newfound knowledge would more than likely make me sad.

As we look toward the future of our profession and our planet, I think it’s important to bring sustainability to the forefront of our minds. Some studios are taking on this challenge by reducing the use of supplies and tools, and thus reducing the need for additional processing and disposable products. For some piercers, this is a perfect solution, but for others, this may not be a change they’re prepared to undertake.

There’s also the unfortunate truth that our work takes an emotional and physical toll on us, making burnout a very real possibility. Long hours on our feet and standing in strange positions can lead to muscle fatigue and joint pain for many. Hectic days when breaks are scarce and meals may be a fantasy can leave us without the resources our body needs to maintain our pace. Add to that the emotional strain of taking on an especially challenging client, and you’ll be ready for bed as soon as you get home. Even some of my most enjoyable and meaningful client experiences have left me feeling drained. If we intend to sustain this profession, it’s important to remember our self-care regimen; as the Volunteer ducklings say, “What Would Paul King Do?”

 

Point 76: Scholar Reflections – Joshua Melnick

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The Point: Issue 76 - Cover

It’s been difficult enough organizing my thoughts post-Conference, so the concept of structuring an essay has been daunting to say the least. It’s been six days since Conference, and I still feel like I’m floating. Full of gratitude for those who have given to me. Full of ideas for new approaches to things. I already know who I am in this world and am comfortable in my vessel. But I walked away from this experience feeling more confident in my decisions, sourcing inspiration from the successes and joys of others in my chosen community.

I made a post on my personal social media attempting to express my thanks for all those involved with Conference, and my ability to attend it, but rereading it later I feel like it falls short. I feel like it always will. There are simply too many people involved. I suppose that’s what pictures are for; the shortcomings of words. The picture I attached to this post perhaps better encapsulated the pure joy I was blessed with experiencing. There, between the smiling faces of Paul King, Pat Pierce, and a lovely cut-out of Sailor Sid, you can see my most genuine smile of gratitude: gratitude to the universe for spinning me to that place, at that moment.

Josh Melnick with Sailor Sid

The classes I was able to experience were exceptional, and better yet the discussions afterward about the content. Being able to bounce around ideas with more than just one other piercer at a time was a first for me, and something I truly enjoyed. Seeing so many different, yet viable approaches to the same problems are very exciting, and I greatly value the connections I’ve made. These connections will allow me to reach out and further pick the brains of the individuals explaining such approaches. It’s certainly safe to say the conference experience has also taken down the veil of importance I’ve put up around certain individuals. We’re all human, we’re all geeks to one degree or another, and piercing is the language we share. I shouldn’t be afraid to speak it.

I feel blessed, truly. But I also feel proud. I acknowledge that I did not get there on my own, but I did get there of my own volition and determination. No one wrote my submissions for me, and it still required hands and thoughts. The last meal I had in Las Vegas was some Chinese food, and eating alone while reflecting on my time at Conference, I mechanically and unthinkingly reached my meals conclusion and cracked open my fortune cookie. My fortune that day – now pinned on my corkboard at home – reads “of all our human resources, the most precious is the desire to improve.” That to me is the spirit of the APP, the mission statement of piercers, and something that was so serendipitous, I can’t help but feel that I’m on the right path for myself in life.

Point 74: The UKAPP – Part 2 – Ryan Ouellette

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Ryan Ouellette headshotRyan Ouellette
Precision Body Arts

 

“The whole thing was a highlight for me, being kinda all alone with no support network one day, then the next having a hell of a lot of talented and friendly people to be able to talk to was amazing.”

—Gareth Rogers, piercer
Old Forge Tattoo Collective
Sheffield, England

In my last article I discussed some of the challenges faced by UK and EU piercers. In this article I’m going to write about what a group of British, Irish, and Scottish piercers have done in response to those challenges.

September 20, 2015 in Birmingham, England—the first ever open meeting for the United Kingdom Association of Professional Piercers

The work started in the early afternoon at the rented venue. There was the typical bar area upstairs and a quiet meeting room downstairs. Things kicked off with the UKAPP officers (President, Nicole Holmes; Vice President, Peter Monckton; Treasurer, Aiden Johnson; Secretary, Kim Hutchinson; Outreach, Sebastian Wolfe Pickersgill; Health Liaison, Charlie Remy LeBeau) nervously discussing the day’s agenda and beginning to set up. Soon, there was a group of roughly 50 piercers from throughout the UK in attendance. The energy was great. As an outsider who has been to many many industry gatherings over the years, it was inspiring to see something from the beginning.

UKAPP Board of Directors
UKAPP BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Left to right, Aiden Johnson, Charlie Remy Le Beau, Peter Monckotn, Sebastien, Kim Hutchinson, Nicole Holmes

The meetup started with the officers introducing themselves, discussing relevant issues, and laying out the early stages of the UKAPP’s mission statement and goals. The UKAPP doesn’t want to start with too much; their main effort is to reach out to local piercers and bring as many together as possible to help create a community of professionals. UKAPP President Nici Holmes, stated their goal was not to tell other piercers how to work, but rather to listen and get a sense for what the organization should strive to offer as it grows. She also mentioned that one long term goal of the UKAPP is to establish criteria for membership, but that pushing for a membership structure immediately is not a priority while the group is still in its infancy.

A huge issue in the UK is the government classification of consensual genital body piercings as genital mutilation, including piercings like the clitoral hood. Many UK piercers have chosen to stop offering these services as they may be held liable for legal action. The group discussed steps to counteract this classification such as client petitions and reaching out to local councils. If you have interest in this topic, in Issue 70 Paul King discussed when body modifications are considered mutilation, specifically in regards to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The next topic was the concept of a voluntary rating system. This idea was elaborated on by 2015 Al D. Scholar, Charlie Remy LeBeau. The idea is in an early stage of development, but the intent is to offer something similar to a star rating system used for restaurants. The rating would focus on shop features and safety issues, such as the sterilization facilities, piercing work areas, and types of jewelry used. The rating system is intended to be optional so as not to create unfair competition between future UKAPP members.

Once the officer introductions were finished, there was a meet and greet among attendees. The energy in the room was very positive. It seemed that everyone was happy to finally have a physical outlet to share information with other piercers in their own country. One attendee brought up the fact that she and other piercers had tried to set up a similar group years ago, but due to a lack of cohesive community it never took off. Part of the event’s success may have come from the support of Industrial Strength UK, the official distributor of their parent company for the US. Industrial Strength UK’s Paddy and Lee were in attendance with a great display of jewelry showcasing items that were previously only available by ordering from the United States. It was clearly appreciated by attendees to have a major jewelry manufacturer/distributor present to support the event and the new organization. I got the impression that a few piercers in attendance hadn’t previously been able to see a wide assortment of high quality jewelry in person before. You could tell that something as simple (and often taken for granted) as accessibility to high quality jewelry was very inspiring and encouraging. Paddy took some time later in the day to give a presentation on high quality jewelry sales; increased flexibility was a major point in his talk. Having a distributor in the UK with high quality jewelry in stock and ready to ship within days rather than weeks or months can create amazing possibilities for local piercers. Hopefully the success of Industrial Strength UK will spur other manufacturers to follow suit and increase support in the United Kingdom like we have seen in North America.

I was lucky enough to be invited to speak at the meet-up. I did a variation on the workshop classes I instruct at the APP Conference in Las Vegas. First, I presented a Safe Practices in the Sterilization Room portion. We discussed proper layout of sterilizing areas, how to process tools post-piercing through chemical, manual, and mechanical means, and the importance of proper PPE and documentation. After a short break we began Safe Practices in the Piercing Room. Here we discussed setting up your work area, opening packaged instruments, prepping the piercing site, performing the piercing, and cleaning up afterwards, all with a focus on preventing cross contamination. The attendees were engaged and participated with lots of comments and questions. My beard net was a big hit for comic relief. I even learned something very important; that a beard net’s proper name is a “snood”. Worth the transatlantic trip right there.

For me, the class that stood out the most was the Metals & Surface Polish class from another 2015 Al D. Scholar, Aiden Johnson. Aiden has an engineering background and his knowledge and interest for metals was apparent in this class. I have taken material data classes before, and while I learned a lot from them they might have felt a little dry. Aiden gave us just enough information on commonly used piercing industry metals such as steel, titanium, niobium, and gold to keep things educational while also giving us historical information to keep it interesting. With his knowledge base, I could easily see Aiden developing similar classes to one day co-instruct at the APP Conference and other industry events alongside leading experts like Jason King and Brian Skellie.

In addition to the materials information presented he also discussed surface polish at length. As piercers most of us understand why surface finish is important, but not as many understand the process of how body jewelry is hand polished. Aiden explained polishing with a bench grinder, polishing wheels, and polishing compounds. By the end of the seminar I had gained a better understanding of the time and precision required to achieve a mirror shine without damaging the jewelry. As an added bonus Aiden had brought a bench grinder and polishing set up so that attendees could each take a turn hand polishing pieces of jewelry. After scratching some demo jewelry with sandpaper volunteers buffed and polished the piece to a mirror shine in just a few seconds. I saw more than a few smiling faces as a result of this hands on exercise. It was a great learning experience and a creative way to keep people interested.

Once the classes were finished there was more time to socialize while the organizers packed up. I saw a lot of new friendships and professional connections made that day. You could feel the vigor and enthusiasm as people began talking about future meetings and making plans to stay in touch, visit, and shadow each other. Overall, I don’t think it could have gone better. This group of dedicated piercers should take great pride in what they put together. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the UKAPP. These British, Irish, and Scottish body piercers have really shown how much they care about their industry and I applaud their hard work.UKAPP 2016 meeting

Point 74: In the Office – Caitlin McDiarmid

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The Point - Issue 74

CaitlinMcDiarmidCaitlin McDiarmid
APP Administrator

I’ve been asked to write an article about how technology has changed over the course of my tenure with the Association.

When I first started working for the Association, I worked exclusively on a desktop computer in my home with a phone line, a credit card machine, and a small closet full of supplies and brochure stock.

That is how it remained for many years. During those years we contracted out our Registration Staff (and processes) at Conference and each instructor brought their own computer for their class. It was a great leap forward a few years down the road when we bought laptop computers for both the registration desk and our classrooms.

Back at home in the office I went from a desktop computer to a combination of desktop and laptop computers. Now I work solely on a laptop computer which moves with me whether working in the office, at home, or at Conference.

We have certainly utilized programs such as Cvent for registration in the past few years and have added to the Cvent family of programs with the CrowdCompass app starting last year. These programs have allowed us to register people ourselves, and even have them register themselves onsite. With these advances, we have also been able to compile statistics over a period of years which help us make decisions about each year’s Conference. We’ve gone from stamping cardboard cards, to collecting paper tickets, to bar code scanners, to scanning with smartphones (OnArrival) at our classroom doors. This has made the collection of data in our classes more accurate and streamlined the certificate production process.

However, in the office, software has stayed fairly consistent for us until this year. We have continued to manage our databases exclusively with Excel. As we have grown, this has become increasingly cumbersome. Information is transferred from one spreadsheet to another or maintained on multiple documents, which not only takes a lot of time, but comes with an increased risk of error.

After Conference last year I became frustrated with the problems facing us in the office and the overwhelming amount of time devoted to tasks which I felt could be automated. I did some preliminary research and began pitching the idea of the Association adopting a management system. Jef Saunders was also looking for ways to automate the application process by taking it fully online. While it took a lot of work and we looked at a lot of systems, we were able to narrow it down and select one (with approval of the Board) which we feel very excited about.

I am happy to announce that the APP is on the cusp of implementing an Association Database Management Software system. When fully active, this program will change the way we do our “day to day” work. It will streamline almost all of our office processes, consolidate all our databases into one, provide a structure for committees to work from, establish a member portal where members can access their record, upload documents, pay dues, get member notices, provide an online application process, automate many of our communications, and more!

This is a big undertaking and will result in big changes. At this point in the office pretty much every day, I think to myself “this would be so much easier if the system was already in place.” I was probably about a year later than I should have been with my push for us to look at an overhaul of how we manage things in the office and with our membership documents applications and other matters. I know that Jef also cannot wait for these processes to be fully active. Like with all the projects this will take time; we want to do it right the first time.

The office has already taken its accounting program online. Members are experiencing the benefits by being able to pay their dues directly from their invoices. We see the benefits as those payments get recorded in real time, saving Paul King, Emily (our clerk), and me a lot of data entry. Paul and I can also both work in the program whenever we want, which keeps us from getting too behind on the growing workload.

So while it has taken us 13 years to really change how we handle our daily tasks, our databases, and our office procedures, we ARE doing it this year. I am happy to help steer the Association to this new level of efficiency and growth. I am sure that every member and every potential member will benefit from this new system – this new technology – and the changes that result.

This management software system will change my job. How it will change my job is not yet fully known. I am prepared however to go with the flow and tackle new challenges that come with new systems and any kind of change. I hope that those who are reading this will watch as the Association takes this great leap forward. We encourage our membership to provide feedback on how these changes affect the Association, its members, potential members, and the greater community of the piercing industry.

Point #73: From the Editor – Jim Ward

1 Comment read From the Editor, Issue 73

Jim Ward headshotJim Ward
Managing Editor of Design & Layout

November 17th this year marked the 40th anniversary of Gauntlet, the world’s first body piercing studio. For most of you reading this, it will be difficult to conceive what things were like for body mod enthusiasts back in those days. For many of us, our piercings were a sexual fetish that were well concealed under our clothing and revealed only to our most intimate of friends and acquaintances. We remained firmly in the closet.

With the exception of tattoos, other body mods were rare or nonexistent in the United States. Unless you lived in a colorful ethnic neighborhood, you were likely to see only piercings of the ears. Even then people with visible piercings could lose their jobs. Despite Gauntlet’s efforts, it was almost 15 years before things began to change. When that change came, it was explosive.

Modern Primitives appeared in 1989 and soon thereafter Shannon Larratt began advocating for more extreme body mods. Piercing shops began springing up like fungi after a spring rain. We saw fashion models strutting down runways sporting navel and nostril rings. Alicia Silverstone appeared in the Aerosmith music video Cryin’ getting her navel “pierced” by Paul King (admittedly, the piercing was staged). Suddenly, visible body mods were everywhere. They have become so common that virtually no one raises an eyebrow anymore.

As most of our readers know, I do the design and layout of The Point. When I was sent the image for this issue’s cover I was a bit taken aback by the lack of visible body modifications. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a great image of Rob Hill, a well-known and respected member of the APP community. But what, I asked my fellow editors and the APP Board, did it have to do with piercing. The response stunned me: “We are seeing more and more people that work in our industry who are choosing not to have visible modifications. We also realize that not everyone that reads our publication is a piercer or modification artist and we want to increase our readership, even having an article specifically aimed at reaching our clients in this issue.” [emphasis mine]

I have to laugh. It has been 40 years, and we have come full circle. While people may be choosing to keep their piercings private again, I can’t help wondering if piercings will ever be as erotic as they were all those years ago.

Point #72: 2015 Camp APP Member’s Retreat

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

How to get here:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special events

• Grounding and Public Speaking
(John Johnson)

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

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

• Movies
(Paul King)

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

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

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

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

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

• Social Media Workshop
(Social Media Committee)

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

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

• Dialing in Jewelry Sales Workshop
(Bethrah Szumski lead)

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

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

• Hand Positioning Workshop
(Luis Garcia lead)

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

• Fine Tuning the Eye Workshop
(Chrissy Shull lead)

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

• Advanced Industrial Concepts Workshop
(Rob Hill lead)

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

• Practical Asepsis Workshop
(Brian Skellie lead)

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

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

Point #72: Membership News & Updates

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Hello Members and Readers! We have just wrapped up another successful Conference and have many big things on the horizon. Here are our most recent updates and announcements.

2015 BILLING & CERTIFICATE UPDATE

Membership dues billing has traditionally taken place in February with the due date at the end of May—when certificates expire. This year the APP changed the timing of when billing takes place and when membership dues are paid.

2015 certificates were issued in May of 2015 with no payment required from an existing member and are good until the end of 2015. Bills will be sent at the end of September, with membership dues for 2016 being due by the end of December 2015. The certificate received from this payment will go from January to December 2016. This will effectively move our billing cycle to the end of the year for all members.

Those new members paying initial dues in July-December, will not be billed for the following year, but will be issued a 2016 certificate along with the rest of paying members in December.

ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA COMPLIANCE CHECK

Notices were sent to Members this Spring who need to update their environmental criteria.

To ensure all of our members are operating at the current minimum standards, we are requiring that all current members who have a video walk through and environmental criteria older than two years provide an updated video walk through and submit updated environmental criteria.

Members who received this notice will need to submit these updates by January 1st, 2016. There will be no video processing fee with digital or hard copy submissions.

 NEW LATE DUES POLICY

(2016 Billing Cycle: Notice of Membership Dues will be sent September 2015; and due by December 31, 2016.)

Any member who has failed to pay dues and/or provide evidence of membership certification and testing requirements (CPR certification, First Aid Certification, BBP certification, autoclave spore test results) by 6 months after the Membership Renewal due date will be required to re-apply in full with the Membership Committee.

The renewal fee will be the same as the yearly membership dues.

UPCOMING ELECTIONS

In the fall the Association will begin elections for three seats on the board.  These seats are currently occupied by Brian Skellie, Ashley Misako, and Chris Glunt.  Brian is not eligible for re-election at this time; Ashley Misako is able to be re-nominated/elected.

The APP will be sending out nomination forms in the Fall to voting members of the APP, which are business members and business members at large.  This election is for two seats on the Board.

Once received, voting members will have 30 days to return nomination forms selecting two people from the list of eligible members as their choice.  At that time, the office will send Nominees information about what it means to serve as a Board member, and paperwork including a form to return to the office to accept or deny their nomination.

After 30 days, ballots and bios of the nominees will be sent to all voting members.  Please participate in the election and in your Association by voting!  Members will have 30 days to return ballots to the office.  Once the results are tabulated and the entire election is reviewed and certified, the APP will contact the nominees about the results.  Those elected will attend a Board meeting (tentatively March), and take office in July at the Annual Conference.

Who is eligible to run?

Only voting members are eligible; for the APP these are Business Members and Business Members at Large. As specified by the APP’s bylaws, each Director can hold office for no more than three years in any given position, and can serve no more than two consecutive terms. If a member has filled two different seats in two consecutive elections, that person cannot immediately run again and must be off the Board for at least one election cycle before being eligible to serve again.

Nomination packets sent to members will have a list of eligible members to select from. And yes, you are allowed to nominate yourself.

What is the difference between an Officer & a Director?

The bylaws clearly outline the titles of the Officers: President, Secretary, and Chief Financial Officer (or Treasurer); but leave the other titles and job descriptions to the discretion of the Board itself. The bylaws further state the Officers may be members of the Board of Directors, but this is not required, as the Officers are elected to their positions by the Board of Directors. Officers are allowed to be compensated for their work; Directors are not. Officers are not subject to terms limits, unless also Board Members. The current Officers are Brian Skellie, President; Paul King, Treasurer; and Aaron Pollack, Secretary. However, of the Officers, only Brian is also a Director. Brian has voting rights as a Director and is subject to the 3 year term limit.

Is it important that I vote?

Yes. The Board of Directors, while working for the membership and the mission of the Association bring their own talents and experiences to the table. Every Board will govern a little differently or want to push the Association in different directions, have varied outreach interests, and/or see different opportunities available to the Association. As a voting member it is your right and responsibility to be sure those elected will do their very best, have a mission focus rather than a personal agenda, and have time and energy to devote to this important task. If the APP doesn’t get enough votes cast to have a quorum, the entire election has to be redone. This is an avoidable expense and time-suck from the Association. Your vote is important in many ways. Please remember to vote!

How do I know if I (or someone else) would make a good candidate for a Board position?

Ask/Answer these questions:

1. Do you have the time and energy?

All Board Members travel for APP board meetings, annual Conference, health conference/s, and miscellaneous travel such as membership assistance and Conference planning. Average time away from work is twenty five to thirty days per year. Most of the time, you will make your own travel arrangements, but you will be reimbursed your costs. It is estimated a Board Member will spend a minimum of ten hours per week on APP duties for three years.

2. Can you present yourself in a professional manner, verbally and in print? Can you present the APP’s stance even if it differs from your personal opinion?

Most Board Members provide interviews with the press when required, in a professional manner. Most Board Members contribute articles and promote article submission from the APP membership or other potentially informative parties for The Point and other APP publications or online settings.

All Board Members respond to emails from other Board Members, the employee, members, general public, etc. in a timely and professional fashion.

3. Have you been actively serving on a committee or have you volunteered, taught, or led a round table at the APP Conference?

All Board Members actively participate in ongoing projects and the APP educational Conference; including teaching classes and other duties as assigned. Having an ongoing history of performing these duties is the best preparation for serving as a Board Member.

4. Are you able to keep matters to yourself? Not gossip? Understand your behavior will be under scrutiny at all times? Behave professionally even when no one is watching? Keep your cool online? Not be drawn into arguments or into offering your opinion as separate from the APP’s position on something?

All Board Members must sign and abide by a confidentiality statement and statement of conduct. All Board Members must conduct themselves for the duration of their term, in a way that reflects the mission and professional attitude of the Association, acknowledging their position as a leader, role model, and spokesperson for the membership, organization, and industry at large.

It’s a big job and responsibility but it’s also hugely rewarding. Need more information? Talk to your current Board Members; they too wondered what it would be like, and now they most certainly know.

Website Update

Our web presence as an Association is constantly evolving to better serve our members and the public at large. Our newest version of our website has recently launched. Be sure to check it out: www.safepiercing.org

2016 APP Conference and Exposition

We are excited to announce the location and dates for the 2016 APP Conference and Exposition.

Where: Bally’s Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV

When: July 24- July 29 2016

Can’t wait to see you all there!

Back Issues

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The Point: Issue 86 - Cover

All back issues are available in downloadable PDF

The Point: Issue 89 - Cover
Issue 89 – Spring 2020
The Point: Issue 87 - Cover
Issue 87 – Summer 2019
The Point: Issue 85 - Cover
Issue 85 – Winter 2018
The Point: Issue 83 - Cover
Issue 83 – Summer 2018
The Point: Issue 81 - Cover
Issue 81 – Winter 2017
The Point: Issue 79 - Cover
Issue 79 – Summer 2017
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Issue 77 – Winter 2016
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Issue 75 – Summer 2016
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Issue 73 – Winter 2015
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Issue 71 – Summer 2015
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Issue 69 – Winter 2014
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Issue 67 – Summer 2014
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Issue 65 – Winter 2013
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Issue 63 – Summer 2013
Issue 61 – Winter 2012
The Point: Issue 88 - Cover
Issue 88 – Autumn 2019
The Point: Issue 86 - Cover
Issue 86 – Spring 2019
The Point: Issue 84 - Cover
Issue 84 – Autumn 2018
The Point: Issue 82 - Cover
Issue 82 – Spring 2018
The Point: Issue 80 - Cover
Issue 80 – Fall 2017
The Point: Issue 78 - Cover
Issue 78 – Spring 2017
The Point: Issue 76 - Cover
Issue 76 – Autumn 2016
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Issue 74 – Spring 2016
The Point: Issue 72 - Cover
Issue 72 – Autumn 2015
The Point: Issue 70 - Cover
Issue 70 – Spring 2015
The Point: Issue 68 - Cover
Issue 68 – Autumn 2014
The Point: Issue 66 - Cover
Issue 66 – Spring 2014
The Point: Issue 64 - Cover
Issue 64 – Autumn 2013
The Point: Issue 62- Cover
Issue 62 – Spring 2013
Issue 60 – Fall 2012

Issue 59 – Summer 2012

4 President’s Corner,
6 The Tongue-Drive System,
10 PAUL KING INTERVIEW,
22 Tribe 20th Anniversary,
24 APTPI 7th Annual International Educational Meeting,
26 Brian Murphy,
30 Dallas SusCon,
32 Brian Gilliam
and more

Issue 58 – Spring 2012

4 President’s Corner
6 In the office
8 Body Art and Activism
10 Step-down threading
14 Oregon Body Art regulations
16 Conference and Exposition Classes and Conference Schedule
19 Tattooist & Piercers Association of Brazil
22 Pinterest and the triple forward helix
24 Surface anchor removal
28 Piercing business warning issued
32 The Central Texas piercers group
and more

Issue 57 – Fall 2011

4 President’s Corner
6 Wings of Desire 10th SusCon
10 Suspension of Belief
18 Dallas SusCon 2011
24 APTPI 7th Italian SusCon
28 California Safe Body Arts Bill
30 BMXnet 2011
32 A Colorful, Studded Path of Research
36 Protesting Shark Fin Soup
and more

Issue 56 – Summer 2011

4 In The Office
6 President’s Corner
8 Board Member Goodbyes
12 Transmogrify
16 Skin Prep Review: Microsan RX
18 Pre-sterilized Needles and Piercing Instruments
20 Art, Counter-Culture, and Community
24 From Lost to Found Travel: Body Art and Adornment in India
28 Tangible Marketing
30 Las Vegas Conference 2011
40 CoRE: A Journey to Enlightenment
44 Australian Footballer Removed from Game for Genital Piercing
and more

Issue 55 – Spring 2011

4 President’s Corner
6 INCOMING BOARD MEMBERS
8 ASAP: Association Safe Piercing – Sweden
9 BioPatch: A Useful Product for Piercers?
10 Brazilian Body Art Takes the Streets
12 Brasil deixa preconceito de lado e modificaçãotem espaço reservado em evento público em São Paulo
14 APP Tattoo Convention Outreach
16 Volunteering
18 Running the Gauntlet
20 Alcohol and Povidone-Iodine Swab Recall
21 Surgilube Recall
22 Tongue Jewelry: Biofilm and Bacterial Counts
23 Bulloch County, GA Bans External Threading
24 Iacono vs. Johnston County School District
26 Medical Research on Body Art
28 Developing a Studio Exit Strategy
30 Techni-Care CounterPoint
34 Price vs. Value
36 Remembering Zid
and more

Issue 54 – Winter 2011

3 President’s Corner
5 In The Office / CPR Update
7 The Banana Theory: How Customers Spoil
8 Opti-Scrub: A Replacement For Techni-Care?
10 The First Apt Trade Show And Exposition
13 APP Mexico Seminars 2010
15 6th Annual APTPI Italian Suscon
19 The 4th International BMXnet Conference
22 Operafication
25 The Union Of Tattooing And Body Piercing Studios Of São Paulo, Part 1
28 On The APP Membership Committee
and more

The Point: Issue 53 – Fall 2010

Chile Seminars/Seminarios de Chile (English and Spanish)
Oslo Suscon
Glass Piercing Jewelry in Southeast Asia and China
Inventory control
Tattooing is Ruled “Free Speech” by U.S.. Court of Appeals
The British Journal of Medical Practitioners Publishes Study on Men with Genital Piercings
Re/Search Interviews

The Point: Issue 52 – Summer 2010

APP Las Vegas Conference 2010
Conference Workshops
El Circo Show
Implementing Change After Conference
Pre-Piercing Skin Prep (What To Do When You Run Out of Techni-Care)
Deciding on the Right POS System For Your Studio
Board Member Goodbyes
Who’s Got a Grudge Against Gauges?

The Point: Issue 51 – Spring 2010

Travelogue
APTPI 2nd International Meeting
New Board Members
The Bay Area Piercing Group
APHA
Conference Class Descriptions and Schedule
Class of ‘96

The Point: Issue 50 – Winter 2009

Surface Anchor Update
Surface Anchor Legislation Update
BMXnet Conference 2009
APP Mexico City Seminars 2009
2257 Regulations Update
Making Piercing a Lifetime Career
Be Smart with Body Art Campaign

The Point: Issue 49 – Fall 2009

APP T-Shirt Contest
Surface Anchors, Punches, and Legislation Issues Part II
Care-Tech Laboratories
ADHA and NEHA, First Aid, CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens Teacher Training, and the Third Quarter Meeting of the APP Board–All in One Week
The Saviours in Oaxaca
Dallas SusCon 2009

The Point: Issue 48 – Summer 2009

Conference 2009 Recap
Modern Primitives 20th Anniversary
Interview with V. Vale
Reflections on the 2009 APP Conference
Surface Anchor Legislation Issues
APP at ACHA
California Legislation Update
Josh A. Prentiss Volunteer Award

The Point: Issue 46 & 47 – Winter/Spring 2008-2009

In issue #47 Spring 2009:
The First APTPI International Conference in Milan
California Body Art Legislation Takes a Step Forward
Minimizing Risks and Damage from Oral Piercings
Traditions & Legends of Body Piercing in Ancient Mexico
Glass as a Material For Body Jewelry, Part 2
The Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention

In issue #46 Winter 2008:
Volunteering
The ONE Project 2009
Abre Camino
Handwashing vs. Antiseptic Hand Gels
Glass as a Material For Body Jewelry, Part 1
APP at APHA

The Point: Issue 45 – Winter 2008

Suspension: Mishap and the Media
The 7th Annual Oslo SusCon
The APP in Mexico
The 2008 BMXnet Conference
APP at ACHA

The Point: Issue 44 – Summer 2008

Robert’s Rules of Order
An Approach to Genital Piercings Part 5
ADHA and NEHA: A Travel Diary
Las Vegas Conference 2008
Thanks to the 2008 Conference Volunteers
Tattooing and Piercing Among the Alaskan Aleut
Piercing with Darts!

The Point: Issue 43 – Spring 2008

An Approach to Genital Piercings Part 4
Campaign Against Discrimination in Mexico
The APP at APHA
New Body Art Law in France
BMXnet Conference 2007
Meet the New Board
How to Survive Conference
Woman Says TSA Forced Piercing Removal

The Point: Issue 42 – Winter 2008

An Approach to Genital Piercings Part 3
APP in Mexico
New Jewelry Law in California Part 2
Response to “On Writing”

The Point: Issue 41 – Fall (also available in a censored version)

The APP and ADHA
An Approach to Genital Piercings Part 2
New California Legislation Part 1
Revealing Luis Rove
Aftercare vs. Client Care
Legislation in Mexico
Natural Aftercare
On Writing

The Point: Issue 40 – Summer 2007

Post-Conference Blues
An Approach to Genital Piercings Part 1
What Do I Get From APP Membership?
Educational Seminars: The APP in Mexico
Glove Testing
APP Conference 2007
Wood Hazards: A Guide to Potentially Dangerous Hardwoods
Competition

The Point: Issue 39 – Spring 2007

New APP Board Members
San Diego Museum of Man
In memory of Josh Prentice
An Odyssey in Glass
Conference Schedule / Info

The Point: Issue 38 – Winter 2007

APTPI 4th Italian Congress 2006
Tongue Piercing, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and the “Suicide Disease”
Surface Anchors
Pocketing
Guest Piercing

The Point: Issue 37 – Fall 2006

The ONE Project Invitation and Concept
Alicia Cardenas
Tiana McGuire and Chuck McGuire
Jesika Bornsen
Leo / Fernando
Steve B
Mike Martin

The Point: Issue 36 – Summer 2006

ACHA Conference 2006
MRSA
School House Rocks! lied to me
Las Vegas Conference 2006
Afterword

The Point: Issue 35 – Spring 2006

Legislation in the Twin Cities
Interview with Adorn
The Missing Nostril Jewelry
Cartilage Complications
How to Handle Price Shoppers
APP Mexico Conference
A Little Cuban Boy’s Perception of the State of Body Piercing in Mexico

The Point: Issue 34 – Winter 2005

Interview: Didier Suarez at Enigma
Fakir: Life After piercing
Gemstones and Chakras
Real Life Crime Drama: The Jimmy Buddha Story
Release Forms
At the 2006 APHA Conference
Mods and MRIs Part 2
Questioning Our Identity
Needle Safety in Freehand Piercing
The Al D. Scholarship
Paul King’s Goodbye
Life in the Phishbowl

The Point: Issue 33 – Fall 2005 ALL NEW LOOK!!!

Old Board Members say Goodbye
APP Attends Health Association Conferences
Rituals of Life: Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Promoting and Safeguarding Tattooing and Piercing in Italy
2005 APP Conference Review
A Tale of Two Cities (Seattle & Chicago)
Know Your Gloves
New Regulations May Affect Piercing Websites
A Statistical Look at Surface Bars
Unwanted Help

The Point: Issue 32 – Spring 2005

Meet the New APP Board
Piercing in the News
10th Annual APP Conference
Ins & Outs of PA Piercings
Rasmus Nielson—Sideshowman
Studio Review
Employee Management Part 5
Needlesticks
Precious Jewelry

The Point: Issue 30 – Fall 2004

APP at the ACHA
Introducing Gold in Your Shop
Metal Detectors
Laws on Posting “Adult” Content on Websites
Rings of Desire Studio Review
Employee Management Part 3
Biocompatibility of Glass
Treatment of Piercing Infections

The Point: Issue 29 – Summer 2004

APP Conference 2004 Review
Lip Piercing
Blood Donation
2004 Membership Directory
APP Updates Membership Categories
Wound Healing – Part 1
In Search of the Oldest Labret
Paskistani Steel

The Point: Issue 28 – Spring 2004

APP Conference 2004
Displays Can Make a Difference
APHA and the APP
Septum Piercing Tips
Employment Management II
Studio Ultrasonics
To Rotate or Not to Rotate
Nostril Screw Poster
Jewelry Materials: Steel
The Piercing Scene in Mexico

The Point: Issue 27 – Winter 2003

Amsterdam Conference in Review
The Nostril Phenomenon
Selling Gold Jewelry
Oral Piercings
Studio Review: Aware
The Conch Piercing II
Just say No!
Emu Oil
Employment Management I

The Point: Issue 26 – Fall 2003

APP Conference 2003 in Review
An Introduction to Gemstones
Herbal Piercing Care
Genital Piercings
The Conch Piercing I
Dental Dangers
Review: BME IAM
Appropriate Labeling

The Point: Issue 25 – May / June 2003

The Legend & Legacy of Doug Malloy
Gold Jewelry Facts
Female Nipple Piercing
Surface Piercings
Studio Review: Nomad
Continuing Education
Yellow Pages Advertising
Call for Statistics
Product Reviews: J-bars & H2Ocean

The Point: Issue 24 – March 2003

Understanding Steel
Piercing Marketing
Developing a Mission Statement
The Male Nipple Piercing
Studio Interview: Twisted Sol
Product Review: Nalgene Bottles
Medical/Dental Corner
Legal Update

The Point: Issue 23 – December 2002

1st International APP Amsterdam Conference
APP Educates APHA
Survey of Piercers
Florida Arrests
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Studio Interview: Camden Chameleon
Product Review: Black Cat Tattoo Soap
Body Piercing and Accutane
Worst Piercing Story (Cheek Piercing Dangers)
Oral Piercing Brochure

The Point: Issue 22 – September 2002

2002 APP Conference in Review
Aftercare Poll
Meet the Board
Tygon Application and Efficacy
Bloodletting Rituals
History of Body Piercing: Ampallang
Studio Review: Body Rites-Austin
Patterson Dental Slams Oral Piercing
Product Review: Dr. Piercing Aftercare Swabs
Amsterdam Registration Information

The Point: Issue 21 – June 2002

Thank you to Vendors
APP Attends APHA
APP Member Listing
Jewelry Removal Tips
History of Infibulation II
Conference Photos
In-House Manufacturing
Tea Tree Oil

The Point: Issue 20 – April 2002

APP Member Listing
Brain Abscess from Piercing
Annual Conference 2002
Sharon Upton
Al D. Scholarships
Pre-Procedure Skin Preparation
Product Review: Mederma
Imposter’s Web Page
Cork Testing

The Point: Issue 19 – December 2001

APP 2001 Conference
Sterilization Monitoring
Seminar Review
Western History of Infibulation
Product Reviews: Pyrex NRTs & ScarEase
Body Piercing in New Zealand
Legislation Updates

The Point: Issue 18 – June 2001

Campaign Against Piercing Kits
APP represented in Massachusetts
BBP Course Online
Body Piercing and MRI Scans
Welcome to Technology
Collodial Silver Risks
Studio Review: Top Tattoo
Workers Hands and P. Aeruginosa
Product Review: Simply Saline
Communicable Disease Coverage
Junk Jewelry

The Point: Issue 17 – February 2001

APP Conference 2001
APHA 2000
Legislative Update
Piercing/Tattoo Studios
Internet Resource Guide
Consistency is a Virtue
Studio Review: Evolution
Tribalectic
Latex Reactions
The APP at Work for You

The Point: Issue 16 – October 1999

1999 Conference
Hepatitis A
Statims
Benefits of APP Membership
Alcohol Based Hand Gels
Membership Levels
Choosing a Piercer Brochure
To Pierce or Not?
Adolescent Body Piercing
Spore Testing

The Point: Issue 15 – May 1999

Hepatitis C
Flash Sterilization
Nickel in Foods
Satin Aftercare
Needle Stick Chart
Benefits of membership

The Point: Issue 14 – April 1999

Hepatitis B
Highlights of 1999 APP Conference
Board Members Resign
APHA Review
Benefits of APP Membership
Campus Health Centers
Body Art in New Zealand
Studio Review: Body Piercing Specialists
APP Member listing
Product Review: Tech 2000

The Point: Issue 13 – Summer 1998

Members vote on the New Jewelry Standards & Board
In the studio
Biomaterials Law
Letters
Acting Board
Members List

The Point: Issue 12 – Spring 1998

Europe: September 1997
Eyebrow Piercing without Clamps
Chemicals: Aftercare Revisited
Media Buzz: Tongue Piercing Danger
Changes in the Board
APP Survey “Women in Our Industry”

The Point: Issue 11 – Fall 1997

Updates/Legislation
Thoughts on Threading
Chemicals
Business Forum
Changes in the APP Board
Business Member Listing
APP Basic Ten Health and Safety Guidelines
Piercing Friendly Doctors

The Point: Issue 10 – June 1997

California Legislation Update
1997 APP Fundraiser Raffle
1997 Open Meeting
More on Sterile Gloves
Our Gratitude!
Anesthetics: Helpful or Hurtful?
Changes in the Board
New Members

The Point: Issue 9 – January 1997

This Year’s Open Meeting
Chemical Sterilization Indicators
Sterile Gloves & Digressions
Paying Attention to Detail
Carbamide Peroxide
Quincy, MA: Rites of Passage
Wisconsin Update
Latex Allergies

The Point: Issue 8 – August 1996

This Year: Las Vegas. Next Year: Disneyworld!
Changes in the Board
Sterile Gloves
APP Archives Underway
New APP Tshirts!
Jewelry Quality
The Triangle of Death
A Word From Your Treasurer
Madacide Efficacy Bulletin

The Point: Issue 7 – February 1996

A Word of Caution
The KY Conspiracy
Insurance Pioneers
A Clinical Study of Bactroban
Painless Piercing? Warning!
Legislative Updates
Hand Washing
What Are Ethics?
APP General Meeting Everyone Welcome!
Oregon Update

The Point: Issue 6 – November 1995

An Open Letter to Supporters of the APP
FYI: Slimy Tongues
APP Business Members
Piercing-Friendly Physicians
Photos: Ear Piercing Gun Damage
The APP Joins the APHA
APP on the World Wide Web
Oregon Regulates Piercing!
Some Thoughts on Lubrication
Gluteraldehydes
Threading Survey

The Point: Issue 5 – September 1995

Female Genital Piercings
Piercing Friendly Doctors
Hard Surface Disinfectants: Spray or Wipes?
Brass Jaw Pliers
CSR Wrap
A New Yellow Pages Heading for Piercers
Dealing with Problem Shops
The Trouble with Ear Guns
APP Directory
Piercing Insurance is Now Available!
Piercing Kits

The Point: Issue 4 – April 1995

Legislation Alert!
Letters
Some Ideas and Topics That Might Be Relevant to Discuss
Should We Pierce Minors…Or Animals?
What’s Up With Niobium?
Membership Update
Piercing Friendly Doctors

The Point: Issue 3 – April 1995

Resource List
Another Plea!
Saline Solution
Product Alert: Safeskin Gloves
Errata: Ethics in Piercing
Stainless Steel
Internet Update
Piercings and Surgery
What is a Professional?
Table for Disinfection and Sterilization

The Point: Issue 2 – January 1995

Product Alert #1 Tegaderm
Jewelry Metals
Bob’s Burritos, Bikes, Books, and Body Piercing?
Ethics in Piercing
Responsible Piercing
Product Alert #2 Pleasure Plus Condoms

The Point: Issue 1 (Undated 1994)

Welcome to the Point
A Piercee’s Bill of Rights
The Basic 10
From Sterile to Clean to Contaminated (chart)
Medical Product/Procedure Updates

Point #72: BPA Exhibit – Matte Erickson

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

Matte Erickson headshotMatte Erickson
Alpha-Omega Body Piercing

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Point #72: 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.