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Point 88: The Remembrance Altar

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by Alicia Cardenas

Photos by Marina Pecorino

As the professional community grows in so many ways, we also have experienced some profound losses including industry pioneers, longtime vendors, and close supporters of the APP. This year at Conference and for the coming years, we will have a community remembrance space that is open to all to participate in. It is an ongoing movement to learn our past as we spring into the future. Each and everyone of us has also experienced loss and some of that loss makes us who we are. This is also the space to honor those people as well.


Point 88: The Golden Ticket Raffle

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Thanks so much to the above Conference Sponsors that contributed generously to the Golden Ticket Raffle and allowed the program to be a success.

  • Adeline Roz
  • Auris Jewellery Saint Petersburg
  • Body Gems
  • Buddha Jewelry Organics
  • Danila Tarcinale
  • Designs by Helen Andrews
  • Diablo Organics
  • Gold Heart Woodworks
  • Gorilla Glass
  • Grand Standard Displays
  • H2Ocean
  • Industrial Strength Body Jewelry
  • Jewelry This Way
  • LeRoi Inc
  • Maya Jewelry
  • Namaste Adornments
  • Netherworld Body Piercing Jewelry
  • Obscureye Designs
  • Oracle Body Jewelry
  • Origins Handmade
  • Onetribe
  • Precision One Jewelry
  • Pupil Hall
  • Quetzalli Jewelry
  • Sacred Symbols Jewelry
  • Scylla Fine Jewelry
  • Seasons Handmade Jewelry
  • Sleeping Goddess Jewelry
  • Steri-Wash
  • Steve Haworth Modified LLC
  • Tawapa
  • Tether Jewelry
  • Tsar Jewelry
  • Uzu Organics

Golden Tickets were provided (at no additional cost) to the first 500 eligible attendees who registered
for a full or partial Conference pass.
There were 50 unique winners, who received a $50 or $500 gift certificate from one of our Sponsors.
That’s a 1 in 10 chance of winning, just for registering early

Point 88: Technical Innovator Award

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Gorilla Glass “Cells” Collection

Interview by Kristina Outland

There is beauty in the complexities of nature. Gorilla Glass has done an incredible job capturing those complexities in their limited edition 2019 collection entitled “Cells”, winner of this year’s Technical Innovator Award.With this design, Gorilla Glass celebrates the building blocks of life; the creation of their jewelry is even environmentally friendly.

“The process used to make this collection involves up-cycling our waste glass to create a high quality, limited edition jewelry line. Reducing our impact on the environment is a major concern for Gorilla Glass, and the new techniques that we are developing are showcased in the ‘Cells’ collection. The ‘Cells’ line is a way to acknowledge and celebrate life on the most basic level,” Jason Pfohl, owner of Gorilla Glass, remarked.

Jason went into an in-depth description of the creation process, and it is incredibly fascinating. “The concept always comes first. In this scenario I wanted the technical innovations that we are developing at Gorilla Glass to be reflected in the design and theme of the collection as well, so the design is married to the up-cycling process. The ‘Cells’ collection is a contemporary version of a very ancient technique that the Venetians perfected, called murrini. The core elements of these pieces are made through a pattern bar technique, where stacks of different strips of colored glass are grouped together somewhat randomly and fused into blocks in a specialized fusing oven. You never see or touch the glass after it is shut in the oven. The result depends on the viscosity of each color, and how gravity manipulates the stacks. Afterwards, the pattern bars are picked up on a steel rod (punti) and dipped in a crucible full of molten recycled glass, creating an even layer of color around the bar. Using gravity, the encapsulated pattern bar is stretched into a long rod using heat as well. Later, the rod is cut into sections and reassembled in a mosaic pattern. The mosaic design is fused again and then cut up, ground, carved, and polished into the final forms. It is a very labor intensive process.”

The process of up-cycling even helped determine the color scheme for this beautiful line.

 The designs include understated off-white tones, with an intense black for contrast. Jason mentioned the hidden transparent blue pictured, can only be seen when the pieces are backlit.

“I enjoy when the colors shift and are revealed, creating a surprise discovery for the viewer. The colors were also chosen from stockpiles of waste glass.”

Twelve different specialized artisans have their hand in this process, and usually work in teams. Jason is personally involved in the hot working of all the murrini up-cycling designs. He mentioned he definitely enjoys being a part of the production process.

“I remember in high school looking at slides through the microscope.  There  was  an amazing feeling of discovery looking at these incredibly beautiful alien and hidden worlds surrounding us and inside us. Cells are the building blocks of life, creating the basic structure, functional, and biological units of all known life. The word ‘cells’ come the the Latin ‘cella’ meaning ‘small room’. Every element in the ‘Cells’ designs are encapsulated in one or two layers of up-cycled glass, creating random geometrical designs in the finished jewelry. I do not try to control the designs, but allow the glass to find its own patterns. The artwork of the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel was also an inspiration for this collection. Haeckel documented thousands of new species as a marine biologist, including many microscopic organisms. His book Art Forms in Nature, has been a big influence for me over the years. What I love about the cells theme is that on the microscopic level everything becomes disembodied and abstract.”

In summary, much time, consideration, curation, and research has gone into this line, making this an award-winning experience jewelry fanatics can wear and enjoy.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of my team at GG. I would also like to thank all our great customers and the body modification community at-large, for their long and ongoing support that made this innovation possible. Thank you!”

Point 88: BPA: Fakir Musafar, In Pursuit of the Spirit

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From Inside the Archive: by Devin Ruiz-Altamura

I wasn’t prepared for the magic I felt when entering the completed exhibit room for the first time. I had probably handled each object in that room more than a dozen times over the past nine months, and written down their item numbers or descriptions just as many times. It didn’t make this collection any less powerful for me. I hope everyone else who got a chance to see the exhibit found it as moving as I did. This year’s  Body Piercing Archive exhibit, “Fakir Musafar: In Pursuit of the Spirit,” was our most ambitious to date. It was also the most comprehensive exhibit that has ever been seen on Fakir Musafar’s life and legacy. Featured were over 2,000 square feet of original images, digital media, and fabricated items, many of which had not been collected or displayed together under one roof since their creation. Visitors were led through the exhibit by a diverse crew of docents, all who had unique and personal experiences with Fakir himself and the Fakir Intensives School.

Fakir memorial altar, photo by John Balk

The exhibit opened with a timeline of the life of Roland Loomis, also known as Fakir Musafar. The timeline acted as a guide through the room and the objects. Next, a series of banners displaying all of the various personas that Fakir inhabited: Roland Loomis, Yogi Ankora, Fakiki, The Perfect Gentleman, Ibitoe, Golden Apollo, etc. Some of the first items displayed were examples of early corseting inspiration, and original National Geographic issues that planted seeds in a young Roland’s mind. It was extremely gratifying to see what parts of Fakir’s history were a surprise to the various docents and speakers. These little surprises really showed the amount of dedication that Paul King and Becky Dill put into their research, and the generosity that Cléo Dubios showed us in sharing some never before seen photos and artifacts. From there was a chance to see many of the various handmade masks, devices, jewelry, and tools that Fakir designed and fabricated for his own use in photoshoots and personal play.

Part of the Exhibit, photo by Devin Ruiz-Altamura

The transitional space between the first and second half of the exhibit held some of the work that served as an introduction to Fakir for many people, myself included. The film Dances Sacred and Profane could be viewed here alongside a performance Fakir did with Cléo Dubois, his wife and partner.

Photo by Paul King

Standing amongst the tour group for Paul King’s first guided tour of the exhibit, seeing Fakir on screen taking Kavadi, was another truly surreal moment for me. I remembered  being 12 or 13 watching that clip for the first time and thinking this was exactly what interested me the most. All these years later with half a decade of counter work at Cold Steel under my belt and a relatively new position with the Body Piercing Archive, I couldn’t help but be so thankful for Fakir’s unexpected influence on my life.

Photo by Paul King

The second half of the exhibit highlight ed Body Play Magazine and the Fakir Intensives School. Printed media, photography, and graphic design were all large parts of Fakir’s life; Body Play Magazine was the culmination of all of these passions and interests. Original working layouts of the magazine could be seen alongside their completed counterparts and final editions.

Photo by Paul King

The Fakir Intensives School was many people’s first hand experience with Fakir, and the foundation of so many memories. It was great photos or even be able to see themselves evolve over the many years they had attended or been an instructor. I love knowing that Fakir got to spend the second half of his life immersed in the community he desperately searched for in his early years. He got to witness first hand the impact he had on our industry, and on so many people’s lives—not something many get to experience in their lifetime.

Photo by Paul King

The backdrop for this more recent history was a grand display of the most iconic hand fabricated objects and sculpture associated with Fakir. The Bed of Blades and Bed of Nails from his first public performance at the 1977 international tattoo convention in Reno, Nevada, the Sword Swing and wooden and aluminum “encumberments” seen in various photoshoots, the horizontal suspension rig used for countless people’s spiritual flights, the Witches Cradle seen in Body Play Magazine, and the Kavadi featured on the poster for Dances Sacred and Profane. The sheer amount of work and devotion Fakir put into his spiritual endeavors and “body play” was inspiring.

Photo by Paul King

The culmination of the exhibit was a small curtained room that, once entered, dazzled the viewer with a bright display of red and gold. Before this room had even been filled, the impact of the change of color and tone brought those of us there to tears. The alter that was set up within was lovingly curated by Grin, a Fakir Intensives instructor and close friend of Fakir and Cléo. Flowers, candles, and sentimental objects were all present and served as a beautiful tribute to a person whose vast career and extraordinary life could hardly be contained within any exhibit walls.

The Body Piercing Archive would like to thank all docents, speakers, and volunteers that gave their energy, love, and time.

Special Thanks to: Cléo Dubois, Jim Ward, Annie Sprinkle, Veronica Vera, Ken Coyote, Paul King, Becky Dill, Ian Bishop, Allen Falkner, Dustin Allor, Cody Vaughn, Betty Ann Peed, Jef Saunders, Cynthia Wright, Yossi Silverman, Grin, Paul Fox, Jamie Biggers, Matte Erikson, John Balk, Theo Williams, Jenna Dittrich, Rafael Diaz, Pablo Perelmuter, Danny Greenwood

Point 88: Volunteers at Work

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Photos by Marina Pecorino

Here, and below; David Kelso and Alicia Lowe working the Registration desk during the week
Here, and below: Reuniting & welcoming new volunteers during the pre-Conference meetings and meals
Volunteers working classroom doors: Past and present Al D. Scholars, Victoria Rothman (2019) and Jamie Biggers (2016)
Mark Montgomery…
…and Ryan Clark
Here and below: Celebrating & relaxing after a successful week at the post-Conference Volunteer dinner in the Bellagio after pack-out

Point 88: Volunteers, Thank You

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by Jacob Spjut

Pre-Conference Volunteer Meeting
Photo by Darrin Walters, courtesy of Paul Rainer

Every year The Point publishes a thank you letter from Caitlin McDiarmid after the annual APP Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity to express through writing, and with a readership that may not have attended that year, or ever, appreciation from an individual in a leadership position. Caitlin does wonders to remind her “ducklings” that their contribution is noticed and has an impact. This year, though, we are trying something different.

I was very fortunate to be asked to write a thank you letter to the volunteers this year. Most volunteers are aware, but for those who do not know, I, during my first year as a volunteer in 2013, created the tradition of the “bus stop speech.” So, being able to compose a piece of writing that illuminates the thanks that I feel to those who work so hard is humbling.

The dedication of those involved with helping to create the APP Conference every year is astounding. It would not be mischaracterizing to say that the contribution made by every volunteer, every year, helps to continue the single greatest educational and social event our industry has ever had. While there are great opportunities for piercers to join together in the name of education at events all over the world, the event held every year in Las Vegas is paramount to the future of our industry.

Why is it important to have this image of grandiosity in one’s mind when reading a thank you letter? Because this grand event—and I mean to use that word, grand, in its full power— would not, and could not, exist if not for the volunteers that place their time, energy, resources, and soul into bringing it to life. It is easy for a lot of these volunteers to disappear from what is seen when an attendee is at Conference, as they are almost always on the run to their next task, but their contribution must be noted. The volunteer family, which   I am honored to have a part in, truly creates something otherworldly.

Volunteers at the closing party
Photo by Autumn Swisher

But, though we have a great number of volunteers who, over the last number of years, have ascended themselves to become great leaders in our group, the very foundation is built squarely upon the shoulders of the tiniest giant, Caitlin. To say so is not to dismiss the tremendous amount of work put in by so many other people every year, but, as a group, we are guided almost exclusively by Caitlin. This is what I am here to give thanks for.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once remarked that if you want to build a ship you must not just gather men to collect wood, divide the work, and give orders. One must instead teach those building to yearn for the endless sea. A great leader creates a community that is driven to greatness by establishing a common goal and aspiration. In a time when a word like “leader” is greatly diluted to mean any number of qualities required by an individual working together with others, finding the  exceptional qualities in an individual that represents something bordering on ethereal must be undertaken. It is not so difficult with Caitlin.

When a volunteer becomes tired, yearns for home, and is overexposed to the infinite possibilities presented at Conference, they seek the guidance of such a leader as Caitlin. We seek solace in Caitlin’s empathy and are rejuvenated by her desire to see us succeed. She drives any individual to work towards what they, deep inside, feel is right and worth accomplishing. This is most apparent in her approach to the Al D. Scholars that grace our group every year with new skills and with new eyes.

It is almost a cliche to say that coming on as a Scholar creates a great deal of internal turmoil that makes the very act of walking into the hotel the first day feel burdensome. When that level of apprehension poisons the well of one’s experience before it even begins, it takes an exceptional personality to bring that individual back above water and into a space that helps to build them up again.

Pre-Conference Volunteer breakfast at Bouchon of The Venetian

In the atmosphere Caitlin has cultivated, many have risen to make real change outside of their specific Conference duties, as well. Some are elected to be APP Board Members. Others become teachers. A few have even found work in studios they had once viewed as unattainable.

Caitlin, who is the first to interact with all new volunteers, welcomes all that want to progress the group and industry forward. In her kindness we find acceptance. In her diligence we find strength. We look to her because she not only gets us to love the endless sea, she paradoxically tames it for us while also allowing us to ride its tumultuous waves. This helps create, in those that allow it to be created, an antifragility, to use a term from Nassim Nicholas Taleb. We find we can accomplish anything, thanks to the strength we garner from her.

To many who attend Conference she is a recognizable name; a quiet speech giver at the closing party; a name at the bottom of an email from the APP. To us, her volunteer family, she is Mama Duck, and I do not think I am out of line to speak for every volunteer in expressing our gratitude for her presence and guidance. Thank you, Caitlin.

Point 88: The Silent Auction

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Our Conference Sponsors contributed generously, allowing our first Silent Auction to be a tremendous success. This year, many auction certificates were snagged early for their Bid Now price (75% of the wholesale value), allowing auction participants to take home a guaranteed discount on future inventory for their studios. Some bidders went the patience and risk route, which resulted in an exciting Thursday afternoon in the Auction booth. A small number of auction certificates were awarded for as little as 20% of their wholesale value!

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Silent Auction. Your participation provides the Association of Professional Piercers with support that makes Conference happen and allows the organization to operate throughout the year.

Thanks again to our Conference Sponsors who contributed charitably to the Silent Auction:

  • Anatometal Inc.
  • Auris Jewellery
  • Buddha Jewelry Organics
  • Fakir Intensives
  • Gold Heart Woodworks
  • Industrial Strength Body Jewelry
  • LeRoi Inc
  • Maya Jewelry
  • NeoMetal Inc.
  • Pupil Hall
  • Quetzalli Jewelry
  • Regalia
  • Sleeping Goddess Jewelry
  • Steri-Wash

Point 88: The President’s Corner

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by Cody Vaughn

Hello dear readers of The Point: Journal of Body Piercing! I am incredibly humbled and proud to introduce myself to you all as the new President for the Association of Professional Piercers.

I would like to start by sharing with you all a little about myself. I was born and raised in Monterey, California. I have an amazing wife, Brittney Vaughn, and we both own and pierce at Vaughn Body Arts. We have three children and a big goofy dog named Lobo.

My love of body piercing started as a teenager while watching MTV late at night. I saw a pierced nipple for the very first time and well, here I am now (thank you, Red Hot ChiliPeppers).

I started piercing in 2004. I became an APP Member in 2009 and have been a volunteer with the Membership Committee ever since. I have also volunteered on other various APP committees on and off throughout the years, and have been serving as a Board Member since 2014. In addition to my volunteerism, I am a dedicated educator. I have been an instructor for The Fakir Intensives since 2011. Over the years, I have also had the pleasure of teaching at APP Conference and Camp APP in the United States, LBP in Mexico, and ruAPP in Russia. During my APP Board terms I have served as Vice President, Membership Liaison, and now as President. Needless to say, things have been very busy and exciting these past five years! But that is enough about me, let’s talk about APP Conference!

A few years ago a survey was sent out to APP Members requesting their feedback for Conference. The overwhelming response was that Conference makes the most sense in Las Vegas from a financial and entertainment standpoint. At the request of the membership, we started looking at other hotels to host our Conference.

Some were too small and couldn’t physically house all our attendees. Others were simply too expensive for the daily room rates. Then we toured Planet Hollywood. Making a very long and work-intensive story short, Planet Hollywood looked like the perfect next step for our growing conference.

Now, I’m one of those people that gets used to things and am fine with familiarity. I was always quite fond of Bally’s. I knew where everything was located. Huge group hangouts at the bar were always a sight to see. So why change it? I walked into Planet Hollywood thinking, “well if everybody wants a change of scenery, so be it, but what was wrong with Bally’s?” I am happy to say that I was wrong. So very, very wrong.

Our Conference at Planet Hollywood was simply fantastic. The overall look of the hotel felt updated and refreshing. The rooms were comfy and felt new and modern. And every room had a fridge!! (It’s the little things.)

The easy walk directly from the elevator to the conference space and Expo was incredibly convenient.

It felt wonderful to travel to and from classes without having to go through all the cigarette smoke on the gaming floor. I had the opportunity to speak with a lot of first-time attendees, long-time attendees, and vendors. The overwhelming amount of positive and enthusiastic comments about the new location were simply amazing.

It felt so good as a Board Member to hear how happy attendees were. Personally, this Conference was truly memorable because of the tributes for Fakir Musafar. Fakir was a friend of mine, my boss at The Intensives, and an altogether fun person to be around. He always seemed to have a new story I had never heard about something he did at some point. Did you realize Fakir was a puppeteer on a children’s television show for a little bit?

The Body Piercing Archive’s Fakir exhibit was breathtaking. In my biased opinion, it is their most amazing exhibit as of yet. Seeing all the amazing pictures and original items from Fakir’s body play journey and photography up close and in person was surreal.

Docent tours were lead by Cléo Dubois, Ken Coyote, Ian Bishop, Jef Saunders, Dustin Allor, Allen Falkner, Annie Sprinkle, Cynthia Wright, Betty Ann Peed, and Paul King; the tours were wonderfully done. Hearing each person’s unique relationship with Fakir was a memorable treat that I’ll never forget.

What a Conference! Smiles, tears, hugs, laughs. It was an emotional rollercoaster for sure.

I don’t want to give away any surprises, but with our next Conference in 2020 being our 25th anniversary, it is safe to say it’s going to be a special one.

Thank you for having me as a Board Member these past five years! I look forward to one more year of service and I look forward to learning with you all at our next Camp and Conference