Posts tagged safe piercing

Point 80: Meet Some of the No-Excuses Scholars

Cas Willems, Al D. Scholar, scans an Attendee’s badge
Photo by Autumn Swisher

KIRSTEN JANUSEWSKI—NO EXCUSES SCHOLAR

The 2017 APP Conference was the best learning and personal development experience that I have had the pleasure of taking part in. Along with five other Scholars, I was awarded the No Excuses Scholarship which was such a memorable, life changing opportunity.

Since starting my latest apprenticeship in March 2016, my goal has been to attend Conference again, but this time with a little more knowledge and confidence. I attended APP Conference for the first time in 2014 and because I lived in Las Vegas, I simply went to classes and went straight home. There was lit- tle to no interaction with anyone and I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing out on a major part of my community’s biggest gathering. This year, I made sure to step out of my comfort zone so I could really embrace the community surrounding me and all of the knowledge they were going to pass along. At first, being around so many professional piercers, who I’ve followed for years on social media, was quite intimidating. Although, knowing that I wanted a much richer experience than my first, I had to overcome some personal social struggles. So to break the ice, I made sure to smile and wave at anyone I saw, as well as introduce myself. Everyone was just as nice and receptive to meeting a fellow piercer.

One of the best parts about my week in Vegas was realizing I wasn’t alone and that no matter how early I was in my career, my peers were there to support me. They made me feel so comfortable and allowed me to pick their brains any chance I got, whether we were sitting by the pool, in a hotel room, or standing by the elevators waiting to go to our next class. Some of my favorite classes this year was Strategic Marking, Navel Piercing: Advanced Fundamentals, and Planning for Success. I also enjoyed the APP Membership Roundtable which answered a lot of questions about becoming a Member and specifications on the requirements.

Coming back to New York to the normal hustle and bustle was a bittersweet feeling. I couldn’t wait to get back and share all the new information and knowledge with my peers and better assist my clients. I was also eager to practice some advanced techniques and improve on current ones. On the other hand, I truly missed everyone I just spent the last week with bonding, swapping stories, and sharing techniques. It is an indescribable comfort to be around so many other like-minded, expressive friends. We all came together to support our industry and expand our knowledge as a collective team. Thank you all for making the 2017 APP Conference unforgettable!

RACHEL HAWLEY—NO EXCUSES SCHOLAR

I want to start off by saying thank you for choosing me for the scholarship. I feel so privileged to have been selected. I took home so much from Conference this year—from the helpful tongue piercing techniques by Ryan Ouellette and his beard-net GoPro ensemble, to Rob Hill’s nonchalant industrial piercing magic. The love and compassion for the industry shown by Elayne Angel and Betsy Reynolds was overwhelming. Alicia Cardenas brought me back to my roots in remembering we are like modern shaman guiding people through their experience or spiritual journey. Being reminded to keep mundane facts interesting for clients was also helpful. Jaymes Lombardi’s speech really hit me hard. I go to work with an entirely different outlook on my job and what it means.

After a week in Las Vegas you’d think I’d come home exhausted, right? WRONG! I was recharged!! Knowing I am not alone and am a part of something HUGE. Much bigger than any one person. The resources are all there and I now know where to get them. I have a huge list of improvements that I’m excited to make!! Not only did I learn so much in class, but from my peers as well. People I never would’ve met otherwise have expanded my friend circle clear to Croatia!! I plan to set up some trips to go visit my peers and learn from them. If it weren’t for the No Excuses Scholarship I wouldn’t have had these opportunities. I really cannot say thank you enough!

ROGAN WATRAL—NO EXCUSES SCHOLAR

It was somehow the longest, and the shortest week of my year. Also, quite possibly the best week I’ve had all year. I urge anyone who has dreamed of going to the APP Conference as I did, to do whatever’s necessary to make sure you attend as soon as possible. Even if it means selling a kidney (ahaha jk please don’t sue me). Everyone will tell you how life changing it is, but you really can’t understand the weight of that statement until you’re there. Even more so, once you start meeting all the wonderful people who attend this event. I met new faces everywhere! In the halls, classes, elevators, by the bar etc. To finally meet some of the people who shaped this industry was something I’ll remember and look forward too forever. Hopefully this next year I’ll be able to donate and give back so that others can be so fortunate.

I’m very grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the No Excuses Scholarship. The amount  of  knowledge and  experience I gained is priceless. I came back with a renewed sense of energy that I desperately needed. I began new friendships that made me feel like I was with old friends. I can’t wait to see what the coming years at Conference can do for my career and the comfort of my clients. I’m already planning on being back next year.

MISTY ALFORD—NO EXCUSES SCHOLAR

Being accepted as a No Excuses Scholarship for Conference was absolutely the most amazing and life changing experience in my career. This scholarship allowed me to attend several classes. These classes helped me to understand where I needed to implement or update new ways of doing things in different areas of my procedures.

Being able to attend Conference on the No Excuses Scholarship allowed me to network with other piercers from all over the world.   I was able to talk to them about their techniques and why they do things certain ways.

This scholarship allowed me to take a few classes with one of my biggest role models in the piercing industry, Elayne Angel. I was also able to have a few conversations with my other role model, Shorty. He has an amazing amount of knowledge.

I would like to thank Christina Shull and all of the donors that made this opportunity a reality for all of the scholarship recipients.

VICENTE AGUILAR-FERRELL—NO EXCUSES SCHOLAR

 A year ago I began my pursuit to become a professional body piercer at Blue Star. When I began my journey I had already heard of the APP with its Annual Conference and had already decided it to be one of my goals to aid my learning. Fortunately with the generosity of the No Excuses Scholarship sponsors along with what I was able to save, I was able to finally make it to my first Conference. I was excited for the opportunity I had to help me gain more knowledge.

Being at Conference for the first few days almost seemed unreal. Here I was being given the tools to apply to my career which is being organized by people who have the same goals. Then the same people who organized the event are also the instructors for the classes, there was a definite sense of community while I was there even though many including myself were first timers. The classes were very informative and I can’t wait to apply my ideas at the shop and help it and myself grow.

The events that were held after class, especially the ATTB, were a great idea. It gave people the opportunity to spend time and connect with our fellow peers. It was a great way to save money and made sure people didn’t feel like they had to drink just because we were in Vegas. The Banquet was amazing! Seeing everyone dressed up with their fancy jewelry was like prom, but actually fun, plus the food was amazing.

By the end of the week I didn’t want to go home, it almost seemed like the week had flown by. I did want to stop learning. I wanted to keep meeting new people and obviously the pool was a nice to stay at. I hope to be able to make it again and see everyone together again.

Garrett Craven
No-Excuses Scholar
Photo by Autumn Swisher

GARRETT CRAVEN—NO EXCUSES SCHOLAR

It was my first time attending and also my first experience of anything of this kind. I was also fortunate enough to be accepted as a recipient for the No Excuses Scholarship.

A lot of stress led up to the moment of leaving home and embarking on this adventure. Several people offered their time to try and help prepare me for what lay ahead. It certainly helped paint a picture for me and allowed me to prepare for several things I had not thought of such as maps of the hotel, a re-usable water bottle (necessity!) and a hoodie for inside the hotel.

Upon arriving I was overwhelmed with confusion and the task of getting situated. Almost immediately I started meeting people which helped assure me I wasn’t alone. The amount of people who were welcoming and inviting was more than I’ve ever encountered in my entire life. That played a large role in calming my nerves as I arrived there not knowing a single person in real life and I’ve never been in that situation before. Without that I feel the week would have been hell. I would have been overwhelmed with the Vegas environment and the chaos of getting from class to class.

As each day passed my notebook became flooded with scratchy notes as I couldn’t quite write fast enough trying to get every critical word and bit of information that was new to me. I made sure to download the handout from the app as soon as I arrived in each class so when I got back home I could pair that with my notes to really be able to retain all the information. There were so many great classes that I couldn’t pick one which was most helpful. It was literally information overload. I’ve since then printed out all the handouts (and a few from classes I wasn’t able to attend) and paired them with my notes to have a “go-to” or just a refresher here and there. It was truly an unforgettable experience that has changed the way I do almost everything. Jesse Villemaire mentioned something in the sterilization class that hit me then but struck even harder after getting home, “You’ll want to burn the place down and start from scratch, but just start slow with one change at a time.” Couldn’t be more accurate.

In closing, this Conference is something I am striving to attend for the remainder of my career. Whether to obtain knowledge or meet amazing people you can’t go wrong. When I am able to I will surely donate to any scholarship I can if even just a few dollars. I fear that the people who made it possible for me to attend will never truly know how grateful I am for their donations. It’s hard to even really put to words. I guess it could be somewhat related to someone running up to you and hugging you so tight that you can’t breathe and feel uncomfortable and they give you a big smooch right on the cheek with a huge grin on their face and you’re not really sure why. That’d be my gratitude. Thank you.

Point 80: Update from the Secretary

Aaron Pollack
APP Secretary

One more great Conference is in the books. This was another record breaking year with over 1,100 registered attendees!

Every year at Conference we hold our annual Members’ Meeting. This annual meeting is a chance for our Members and Corporate Sponsors to hear updates about the future of Conference and the Association, and to get a review of the APP’s finances.

This year’s Members’ Meeting was particularly eventful with announcements regarding new Member perks and a new Conference venue for 2019!

MEMBER PERK

Our Member perk this year was a new window cling for your studios. These double-sided clings can be displayed at any studio with an APP Member on staff. If you were not in atten- dance at the meeting, you will receive a cling by mail with your 2018 membership certificate.

CONFERENCE 2018 AND 2019

Conference 2018 will be held July 15-20, 2018 at Bally’s. This is our final year at Bally’s! Be prepared for a great send off and another big year.

Conference 2019 will be our first year at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Planet Hollywood is a big upgrade for our Conference and we are really excited about our future there.

MEMBERLEAP AND MEMBER’S AREA

Our new website and Member’s Area are now live. Our website has had a major facelift and is better than ever,  with ongoing improvements and added features. Included on our website is a Member’s Only area where you can instantly update your Member profile, Required Documents (environmental and personal criteria) and keep updated on APP Events. Be sure to check  it out. If you have questions about the Member’s Area or need help with the system, you can reach Marina Pecorino, Membership Administrator, at mpecorino@safepiercing.org.

Point 80: APP Happily Announces 3rd Annual Members Retreat

Camp APP is a great alternative for people who can’t attend Conference or for anyone who wants to add to their educational experience. It is a week filled with great food, new friends, hands-on educational opportunities and summer camp style fun. To find out about registration first join the Facebook event page. (Make sure you are logged into Facebook before you click the link)

Location: Hard Labor Creek State Park 5 Hard Labor Creek Rd.

Rutledge, GA 30663, USA

Contact: Bethrah Szumski

curriculum@safepiercing.org

(phone: 404-315-6925)

Point 80: From the Editor: Marina Pecorino

Marina Pecorino
Point Editor

As with any APP Conference I’ve attended, this year was a rollercoaster of a week. There were times where I was busy beyond words and others where I felt relaxed and totally at peace. There were moments when I was surrounded by people, activity, flashing lights, and a cacophony of sound. And then there were those solitary moments in my hotel room or the volunteer office, where I enjoyed total silence and introspection.

This year also had its fair share of firsts, including the first annual Alternatives To The Bar activities. Most of my work responsibilities occur late into the evening, which usually brings me great joy; I revel in the contrary nature of the Conference space during the quiet times. Unfortunately, it means that I missed out on ATTB: BYOF on Tuesday night. This Bring Your Own Fun evening drew a sizable group to the Grand Salon with board, tabletop, and card games galore. I stopped by several times and everyone seemed to be having a blast. This activity is definitely in my wheelhouse, so I’m planning to bring along a few games of my own and definitely make the time to attend next year. Thankfully, on Wednesday night, I finished up with my work a bit early and had a chance to watch some historic piercing films presented by Paul King during the ATTB: Movie Night. It was incredibly moving to sit in the Silver Room filled with piercing industry colleagues watching videos from the Gauntlet era. The Members Meeting on Wednesday brought a personal first. As part of my administrative duties to the APP, I had the opportunity to stand in front of my peers, assisting during several presentations from the Officers and Board of Directors. We announced the new and upcoming features of our MemberLeap software, which was (and continues to be) a very fulfilling project for me. One of my primary responsibilities for the APP is the maintenance of Member records, and this software makes it easier than ever before. It’s a work in progress; there’s always room for improvement, especially in the world of technology. Watch for future updates and system additions, and if you have questions about how the system works, don’t hesitate to let me know: mpecorino@safepiercing.org / 785.856.4540.

Thursday brings the Banquet Dinner, a time for all of us that work to relax just a bit. The grand prize raffle awards were drawn and marked yet another first. For possibly the first time in APP history, the same person won three of the top prizes, and it was an astonishing event to behold. Paul Rainer’s personal account of the events leading up to his improbable win, as well as video of the drawing and Paul’s reactions, are available later in this issue. It just goes to show that sometimes taking a gamble can be life changing, especially when you have the best odds in Vegas.

Now that the dust has settled from Conference, I am looking toward the future and the changes to come. As my responsibilities with the APP continue to broaden and change, so do the dynamics of my family. A few months before the 2018 APP Conference, I will become a first time parent. The thought is incredibly exciting, but also frightening. It may mean that I miss our last year at Bally’s, but I am still desperately hopeful to attend. Despite all the hard work, that week in Vegas serves to revitalize me. Being surrounded by my industry family has a way of recharging my batteries and refocusing my energy; it truly is remarkable.

Point 80: From the Editor: Kendra Jane B.

Kendra Jane B.
Point Editor

It’s no secret how much I love donuts (or doughnuts), but to me these tasty little morsels have become so much more than some- thing delicious to stuff down my gullet. They have become a tradition, an expression of devotion and love, and a symbol of family.

Our volunteer team shares a special bond, one that is often hard to describe in words. We have held each other’s hands, each other’s babies, been there for each other through wed- dings and funerals, and of course at Conference. Conference is sometimes the only time we get to see each other, people that come from all around the world to sacrifice their time in order to help put on the best event they possibly can, for all our attendees and industry as a whole. They are the only people I don’t mind sharing my donuts with, and I tend to guard my sugary treats with vigor. So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to each and every person that gives part of themselves to Conference. I raise a donut in your honour and salute you.

Donuts are (usually) a circle, no beginning and no end, at least until I take the first bite. Our week in the desert is fleeting and before we know it, it’s over for another year. I hope you are ready to dive into this issue, re-living the ah-ha moments, the times filled with heartwarming laughter, the late nights, the smiles, and the hugs. I get to harness all that goodness year round now, so I feel like there really is no end to Conference for me anymore. I have already begun work for next year and the year after that. No beginning, no end; just goodness all around like my donut.

Point 79: BPA: Charles Gatewood

Paul King
APP Treasurer

The 2017 Body Piercing Archive exhibit at the Association of Professional Piercers annual Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas will feature the life’s work of the photographer and videographer Charles Gatewood. With over 250,000 images spanning more than 50 years, almost all of you are aware of his prolific work, whether you realize it or not.

Like most people, I was aware of his work long before I met him. It was in a bookstore in Long Beach, California in 1989, I first saw his photographs of Fakir Musafar’s O-kee-pa suspension and Jim Ward’s Sundance pull in Modern Primitives. Most are unaware that the book’s direction was largely influenced by Charles Gatewood’s contacts provided to V. Vale and Andrea Juno of ReSearch. Although I never personally identified as a “modern primitive,” the book formalized my desire for complete tattoo body coverage with coherent and graphic themes. This book’s influence cannot be overstated; it took fringe individuals and small communities and cohered them into a global movement with a far-reaching cultural impact.

Erl circa early 1990s
(original name of bridge piercing was Erl)
Photo from Paul King’s private collection

Despite the inseparable association with Modern Primitives, these powerful ritual images of Fakir and Jim Ward were not created for the book. These were documentation from an earlier important film collaboration. The film Dances Sacred and Profane (a.k.a. Bizarre Rituals) was released in 1985. Originally, the documentary was to be focused on Charles Gatewood. However, in the process of making Dances Sacred and Profane, the film became much more a documentation of and promotion for Fakir Musafar. The 2003 film Forbidden Photographs is much more representative of Gatewood’s work and story.

Tattoo Mike of NYC, 1994.
Photo from the Paul King private collection

Arguably, the photograph Charles took of Bob Dylan on tour in Sweden in 1966 was his most important. This photo showed Charles he could make money off of his photography. In fact, he continued to make many thousands of dollars in licensing from that single Dylan image over the next fifty years! The photo also opened doors. From this single image, Charles eventually became a staff photographer for Rolling Stone Magazine and made many contributions from 1972 through 1975. He photographed numerous celebrities including: Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Sly and the Family Stone, Carlos Santana, Alice Cooper, Liza Minnelli, Slade, Joan Baez, Stiv Bators and the Dead Boys, Al Green, Ella Fitzgerald, The Hermits, Helen Wheels, Quentin Crisp, Abbie Hoffman, Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Jimmy Page, Robert Palmer, Brian Gysin, Nelson Rockefeller, etc. and he even landed a cover with Rod Stewart. Many of his photos reached iconic status, however, they usually did so without his name being associated with the image. In the late 1970s, Gatewood’s friendships with the tattooist Spider Webb and porn star Annie Sprinkle propelled him into the world of fetish and body art. Both of these wild personalities opened Gatewood’s eyes, further fueling his passion for sexual kink, that at that place and time very much included tattooing and body piercing. Spider and Charles had several tattoo book collaborations and even created a book proposal in the 1980s for the next big trend – “body piercing” – that was rejected by all the publishing houses as ridiculous. Of course, they were ahead of the times. It was through Annie Sprinkle that Charles met Fakir Musafar and Jim Ward.

Michaela Grey, San Francisco, 1991 (before she became APP president).
Photo from the Paul King private collection.

In 1984, Charles Gatewood published Wall Street, a book very uncharacteristic of his salacious and shocking subjects. This political photographic essay juxtaposes architecture against humans circulating the economic heart center of capitalism located in lower Manhattan. For Charles, the decade spent wandering the streets in the daytime capturing images of pedestrians and concrete angles was meditative, even therapeutic. These lone journeys offered some balance to the characters and experiences found in seedy bars, dark dungeons, and shooting galleries of the night. The wild success of the book gained Gatewood greater critical acclaim and prestigious awards as well as future book deals, exhibitions, and lecture opportunities.

In 1990, I was hanging out with Gauntlet piercers Dan Kopka and Elayne Angel at their condo in West Hollywood. One of them popped in an underground video. I still remember the grainy interview of a punk guy with a lip ring. At that time, such images were extremely rare and exciting stuff! Charles Gatewood’s videos will never be remembered for their crude production  value,  but rather for the rarity of the footage. Charles’ first piercing video, in 1986, Erotic Tattooing and Body Piercing, included a Jim Ward lecture in NYC. Upon release, Charles found there was a lucrative home video market.

Full disclosure, although I had met Charles several times in the 1990s, I was not friendly towards him. At best I was indifferent, but often I was dismissive. In my twenties, I had a very low opinion of fetish photographers. I would see my friends poorly compensated for their modeling and then their images would unknowingly get turned into greeting cards or plastered on buses as advertisement for STD treatment! I viewed fetish and body art photographers as sexual predators and economic exploiters of my community and friends.

However, during one of my countless used bookstore searches for piercing history in the early 2000s, I stumbled upon Charles Gatewood’s fine art photography book Sidetripping from 1975. My mind was blown! All my preconceptions of who Charles Gatewood was as a person and an artist were challenged. This astonishing work rivaled that of my favorite photographer Diane Arbus, except Gatewood’s book was also in collaboration with William Burroughs, a tremendous writer that greatly influenced me in my younger life! A life lesson learned, I reached out to Charles.

He invited me into his home. We had a casual friendship, I would see him maybe four to six times a year and always one on one. He’d make us tea, show me his latest art projects, we’d catch up on news. I’d dig for history lessons and he’d usually sell me something, or at least try to!

We shared the experience of having degrees in anthropology. Something that became apparent to me was at a public level his degree in anthropology was often toted as a strategy to contextualize and legitimize his work, however, his motivations and methods would be viewed as highly problematic by today’s rigorous academic standards. Charles was an experience junkie. He craved  thrills and excitement. In his own words, he was a “gonzo-journalist.” He wanted his pictures to go “POW!”

He was a passionate man, whose art and pursuits were driven by his thirst for excitement found in the new, the unusual, and the sexual. The camera lens allowed him access, power and privilege. Photography seduces many subjects and as a recognized photographer the aphrodisiac of the camera grew stronger. Rather than granting permission, models would actively seek him out!

Jack Yount, San Francisco, 1993.
Photo from the Paul King private collection

Like an old-time wheelin’ and dealin’ carnival barker, Charles drew in individuals and groups with his fantastic life stories and whispered back door offers of his photographic works at “below gallery prices.” He was a self- made and self-employed artist for 50  years! He prided himself on getting by without ever having to have a real job.

Fakir Musafar during the filming of Sundance Ceremony for Dances Sacred and Profane, Wyoming, 1982.
Photo from the Paul King private collection

Charles hoarded and thank God for that. His inability to let things go meant he had crates of magazine and newspaper clippings with jokes, photos, pop culture reviews, etc. referencing body piercing and tattooing. Although far from properly preserved, still, he had them while most of us were throwing these ephemera away. Much of the later  dated material, he simply donated to the APP/BPA.

Charles grew more familiar with my work and involvement with the APP. We agreed it would be amazing if we could put something together for the 20th anniversary of Modern Primitives. In 2009, Charles and V. Vale of Re- Search gave a well-received presentation  at  the APP Conference in Las Vegas. The breadth and quantity of his late 1980s and early 1990s video work is staggering and unique to the body piercing community. He has hundreds of hours of footage that includes Sailor Sid, Jack Yount, Ron Athey, Elayne Angel, Hanky Panky, Allen Falkner, Erl, Annie Sprinkle, Mr. Sebastian, the founders of Body Manipulations, Al D. (yes, the same guy as the APP Scholarship), Raelyn Gallina, and many  early  Gauntlet piercers, some even before they were piercers. While Charles managed to sell his entire photography archive, including personal journals, to the U.C. Berkeley Bancroft Library, their archivists turned down his video catalog. They could not mentally offset the poor production value and the cost of digitization against the historical importance of these recorded histories. Had the APP Board of Directors not stepped in, much of our shared history would have been lost to the dump!

On December 8, 2015, Charles Gatewood donated the Flash Video  collection to the APP and Body Piercing Archive (BPA). After he passed away, his estate turned over the remaining personal video archive, including interviews, recorded lectures, b-roll, unedited footage, etc. to the APP and BPA.  To date, the APP and BPA have digitized nearly 250 consumer and professional grade tapes! Charles and I discovered early on that we both had a history with alcohol and had sworn off the bottle decades before.  However, Charles suffered from chronic back pain. He turned to prescrip- tion opioids and cannabinoids for relief. He started cancelling our rendezvous. Eventually, the opioids took over contributing to a growing depression and organic dementia. I expressed my concerns to him, perhaps too little and too late.

Jim Ward doing the Sundance Ritual at Devil’s Tower, Wyoming during the filming of Dances Sacred and Profane, 1982.
Photo from the Paul King private collection

On April 8, 2016, he attempted to take his own life by jumping off his third story apartment balcony. The result was catastrophic injuries putting him in a coma and leading to his death on April 28. He did finally pass in peace, surrounded by folks that loved him. If the details of his death may seem too gruesome, please remember, this is a man that spent his entire career embracing the brutality of life. He would expect no less.

For further exploration of Charles’ career check out these retrospectives: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/arts/charles-gatewood-photographer-of-extremes-dies-at-73.html?_r=0 https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/2016/04/29/charles-gatewood-groundbreaking-photographer-dead-at-73/ Informative article, despite the author’s naiveté of body modification practices and communities: https://alum- ni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/spring-2017-virtue-and-vice/finding-his-tribe-charles-gatewood-bancroft