Posts tagged The Point

Point 87: Tiny

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Piercing and Photos by Fakir Musafar

Meet Tiny, the first African-American to appear in Piercing Fans International Quarterly. She was featured in issues 12 (1981) and 14 (1982). Fakir performed the nostril piercing using a pin vice, his tool of choice in the early days before super sharp, disposable piercing needles.

As I recall, the labret piercing was faked. A gold bead was glued to her lower lip, and a gold back of my own fabrication placed inside. The back design would never have been satisfactory.

It would take over a decade of trial and error before the best placement would be worked out and appropriate jewelry designed.—Jim Ward


Point 87: Fakir Musafar — In Pursuit of the Spirit

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On August 1, 2018, the piercing community grieved the passing of one of its greatest piercing pioneers, Roland Loomis aka Fakir Musafar. Just nine days shy of his 88th birthday, vibrant, and productive until very near the end, it is difficult to wrap one’s head around the breadth of his cultural contributions!

In honor and celebration of Fakir Musafar’s life, the Body Piercing Archive (BPA) will present, Fakir Musafar: In Pursuit of the Spirit. This will be the most  comprehensive  exhibit  that  has ever been seen on Fakir’s art and legacy.  Over 2,000 square feet will be staged with his original iconic images and  fabricated  sculptures made famous over eight decades of accumulated artwork and Body Play. Many items have never been on public display.  The  show will run from Monday May 13 through Thursday May 17, 2019, at Planet Hollywood, in Las Vegas, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Specially selected docents were chosen to lead tours. Each guide has known Fakir for decades and in different contexts. We encourage you to attend as many of the tours as you can for new information and differing perspectives. Docents bring the material to life, so don’t miss out!

The highlights of the BPA program occurs on Wednesday, May 16. The day’s program begins at 10 am with the world premiere presentation by Jim Ward, Fakir & Me, a one and a half hour lecture that gives an overview to their historically important, yet complex, personal relationship. Then at 12:30 pm, the legendary Annie Sprinkle will give her inaugural APP presentation, Take a Walk on the Wild Side, in which Annie discusses the impact their meeting had on both of their personal lives and careers. The day wraps up with Fakir Musafar: an Evening of Remembrance and Celebration, with presentations by Ken Coyote and Dustin Allor of the Fakir Intensives, Allen Falkner, and the keynote speaker, Fakir’s life partner for more than 30 years, Cleo Dubois. The evening program runs from 6 pm to 8:30 pm and is open to all.

Exhibit Hours:

  • Monday 10 am–6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am–6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am–6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am–6 pm

“To not have encumberments, to not have
holes in your body, to not have tattoos may be
debilitating—this is something people have to
consider…being comfortable isn’t necessarily
living a “good” life—that’s the myth, but
it’s not true. Living an uncomfortable life is
sometimes far more satisfactory that a placid,
bovine existence…People may be missing
beautiful, rich experiences because of cultural
biases and conceit.”
—V. Vale and Andrea Juno,
Modern Primitives, 1989, 15.

Monday Docent Tours:
Paul King 11:30 am–12:30 pm
Ian Bishop 1 pm–2 pm
Allen Falkner 2:30 pm–3:30 pm
Dustin Allor 4 pm–5 pm

Adolescent Roland — his birth name — with neck ropes and stenciled on tattoos
Standing on a bed of red cutlass blades, 1963
Dressed with posture collar, stretched nipples, and tight belt.

Tuesday Docent Tours:
Cody Vaughn 10 am–11 am
Paul King 11:30 am–12:30 pm
Ian Bishop 1 pm–2 pm
Betty Ann Peed 2:30 pm–3:30 pm
Jef Saunders 4 pm–5 pm

“Body Play is a process that courts unusual feelings and states of consciousness which,
in the end, result in elevated consciousness (we know something we didn’t know before).
In practice, Body Play is aimed at increasing ‘body awareness.’ That is to make one increasingly aware of one or more distinct body parts. You pierce an ear, you are aware that
it exists. You constrict the torso with a tight corset and you are constantly aware that it
exists. When the new ‘body state’ feels ‘natural’, the effect is heightened to again bring
back the desired state of ‘body awareness’ (the ear piercing is stretched larger, the corset
tightened). Finally, no matter how extreme you apply the ‘change of state’ that change
feels natural and you are empowered.”—Fakir Musafar, Body Play, v. 1 no. 1, 1992.

Fakir experimenting with breast clamp O-Kee-Pa
Fakir lies on a bed of nails while Sailor Sid hammers a wooden block on his back as a part of the entertainment at the Reno ITTA tattoo convention in 1977 photo by Doug Malloy

Wednesday Docent Tours:
Cynthia Wright 10 am–11 am
Ken Coyote 11:30 am–12:30 pm
Yossi Silverman 1 pm–2 pm
Grin 2:30 pm–3:30 pm
Annie Sprinkle 4 pm–5 pm
An Evening of Remembrance & Celebration
6 pm–8:30 pm with Ken Coyote, Dustin Allor,
Allen Falkner, and keynote speaker, Cleo
Dubois presenting Fakir, the Bigger Picture.

An illustration Fakir created for the fetish magazine Bizarre
Fakir stretching his nipples

Thursday Docent Tours:
Grin 10 am–11 am
Paul King 11:30 am–12:30 pm
Allen Falkner 1 pm–2 pm
Cynthia Wright 2:30 pm–3:30 pm
Ken Coyote 4 pm–5 pm

Fakir and his wife Cleo on a Princess Cruise in 2014

Point 87: 2019 APP Conference Certificate Changes

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by Marina Pecorino

In the past, Conference Certificates have been mailed after the event. To alleviate some of the complications and delays of this system, attendance recognition has been updated to better serve our staff and attendees.

Attendees will receive Recognition of Attendance—redesigned, but still with that fancy gold seal!

•Register before April 28: Visit the table near Registration to pick yours up ONSITE!

•Register after April 28: Yours will be mailed shortly after Conference to the address used when registering.

After Conference, attendees who received credit for at least one class can access and print a personalized Official Transcript with session titles. A link to this digital document will be sent via email, so remember to opt in for email notifications! The link will be valid until May 1, 2020; after which, attendees can contact the Office for a digital copy of their transcript.

A Recognition of Attendance and Transcripts will be printed with the First and Last Names exactly as entered during registration. Name changes/reprints can be requested after Conference by emailing mpecorino@safepiercing. org; a $5 processing fee will apply for each physical document.

Point 87: Membership Committee Update

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by Monica Sabin, Membership Coordinator, APP Membership Committee, Incoming Board Member

Left to right: Coyote Black, Jef Saunders, Pablo Perelmuter,
Barron, Monica Sabin, Aaron Pollack, Johnny Velez, Cody
Vaughn, photo by Shanna Hutchins

Ohhai! The Membership Committee continues to work almost year round to process applications in a timely, yet thorough manner. We also work with aspiring Members to help with the transition to meeting and exceeding current membership requirements.

We have an amazing team of dedicated volunteers. The team has grown over the last year and now includes Jef Saunders, Cody Vaughn, Johnny Velez, Pablo Perelmuter, W. Barron, Sabrina Egan, Vivi Madero, Aaron Pollack, Coyote Black and myself, Monica Sabin. The committee also has the pleasure of working closely with our Membership Administrator, Marina Pecorino.

Many Members have noticed the addition of the Members’ Area to the safepiercing website, allowing individual Members to have more personalized control over their professional documents, communications, membership updates, and access to Members’ only items. Make sure to sign in and check it out, if you haven’t yet!

Applicants are now able to apply through safepiercing.org as well! The process has progressed from mailing packages to the APP office containing paper applications and VHS tapes, then to email threads and Google documents, and now, utilizing our very own website! Our application process has seen some updates over the years and as always the Membership Committee is here to help everyone through this exciting transition.

The committee is still accepting applications, but processing of applications is currently on hold as we all prepare for the APP’s annual Conference & Exposition. The committee will be reconvening starting in June 2019 and will begin to work through the queue of new applications!

We all look forward to this year’s APP Conference, where the committee members will be available to answer any membership questions! Also, any Members that would like to get involved with the organization, membership or otherwise, email Julie Taylor at: volunteer@safepiercing.org.

My email is msabin@safepiercing.org

Thank you and see y’all in Vegas!

Point 87: Beyond Conference Sessions

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As we all prepare to come together for the 24th annual APP Conference & Exposition, we want to make sure you know about some of the great events that make up our week in Vegas.

OPENING POOL PARTY
Monday, May 12, 8 pm–Midnight
Sponsored by Sleeping Goddess Jewelry, Auris Jewelry, Anatometal, and Industrial Strength Body Jewelry
We will be taking our Opening Pool Party down the street to the fabulous Flamingo Go Pool. After the fantastic party last year, how could we not want to do it again?! Right across from Bally’s, this destination party means even more fun in a beautifully updated pool that was designed specifically for parties like ours. You can even rent your own Cabana so you can enjoy the party in real style. Free shuttles will be available for attendees from Planet Hollywood to The Flamingo Go Pool.

Above and right, the APP pool party, 2017, photos by Autumn Swisher

Tuesday, May 13, 10 am–11 am
Reducing Waste In Your Studio
Kendra Berndt & Harley Plamondon

This roundtable hopes to foster an open conversation with attendees about the ideas of reducing waste and the overall carbon footprint of a shop. We will look at ways in which piercers and shop owners can lessen their impact on the environment from build out to everyday operations in their studios.
When you hear the word “sustainability,” your first thoughts might be of recycling soda cans or composting your vegetable scraps. The idea of being a more environmentally conscientious business is not new, although it is not
necessarily the first thing you think of in reference to tattoo and piercing shops. At home maybe you are already living a greener life; upcycling, sorting your curbside recyclables, and buying your food locally. Meanwhile at work, the computer stays on all night, you use only one side of printer paper and the climate controls keep it a constant 68°F all year long. It’s easy to let the green routine slide at work, since it may not technically be your space. On the other end of the spectrum, you may be your shop’s outspoken green warrior.
The nicest thing about working towards more sustainable business practices is that these changes can be eco-friendly while potentially reducing overhead costs. So even if the benefits to the planet are hard to see, those benefits
to your bottom line may be more visible.


Thursday, May 15, 1 pm–2:30 pm
Giving & Receiving Feedback
Julie Taylor & Cody Vaughn

At last year’s conference I presented “Communication 101: How to Have a Difficult Conversation” with Aaron Pollack. We discussed the reasons we avoid difficult conversations, and how to initiate them. This year Cody Vaughn and I are going to delve into more communication skills, looking at how to give and receive feedback.
Not having control of what the other person says in reaction to you can be very frightening, but it’s worth it! We’re a community of people who are familiar with being brave. Open, honest conversations are part of having what researcher Dr. Brene Brown calls a “Courage Culture” and I want that culture for our industry. It will come as no surprise to readers that it’s often easier for us to feel physical pain, than to be exposed and vulnerable emotionally.
But I think we can make spaces that are psychologically safe
for each other, and help each other grow.
Besides all the touchy feely stuff, we’re also looking at Employee Performance Reviews and Regular Employee Check Ins. Having consistent—and even scheduled—conversations can help to resolve issues, give feedback, and share ideas.
We hope you’ll join us at our class. Let’s talk about stuff that’s
hard to talk about!

EVENING EVENTS
ALTERNATIVES TO THE BAR (ATTB)
The APP Board and Conference Committee are excited to announce that we will once again be offering some evening entertainment options on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. These extra curricular activities are a great alternative to traditional Vegas activities and are free of charge to all attendees of the Conference. They will offer information via interactive discussions and demonstrations from the instructors.
These are alcohol free options and we ask that all attending refrain from drinking or bringing alcohol to these events.

Tuesday, May 13, 8 pm–10 pm, Mezzanine
Needle Bending
Ed Chavarria will provide information and approaches to basic needle bends for various piercings as well as the techniques used to bend them.
There will be needle blanks available for practice. Attendees are asked to sign up in advance, but walk ins are also welcome. (Piercer Only)

Tuesday, May 13, 8 pm–10 pm, Mezzanine
Anodizing is Awesome
Brian Skellie and Lola Slider make it easy for you to anodize your titanium and niobium body jewelry with detailed information and live demonstration. How can this surface
finish process make a difference in your client’s healing results? How can you re-anodize for client jewelry if the color has worn off? These questions and more answered in
this workshop. Attendees are encouraged to sign up, but walk-ins are welcome. (Open to All)

Wednesday, May 14, 8:30 pm–until no one wants to play anymore, Mezzanine
Board Game Night
Bring your favorite board game, or two, or three, and join your fellow game lovers. There will be lots of laughter. This event has been a blast every year. (Open to All)

8:30 pm–10 pm, Melrose 3 & 4
Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention & Response Training
This presentation will introduce the concept of harm reduction in the tattoo/piercing community as wel as provide participants with an in-depth exploration of opiate overdose, prevention strategies, and how to respond to an overdose. (Open to All)

CLOSING PARTY
Thursday, May 16, 8 pm–Midnight
NEW! This year we won’t be having a Banquet!
Our big wrap up event will be in the Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood. Join us for an upscale evening of dancing and entertainment, drinks, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Mingle the night away in your Moulin Rouge attire with all
your new industry friends. Purchase your tickets when registering; the event is sure to sell out!
Closing Party tickets are also available at the Registration Desk throughout the week; and at the door of the Gallery Nightclub on the night of the event (if not already sold out).

Point 87: All About Planet Hollywood

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by Kendra Jane B.

Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino features over 2,600 luxurious rooms and boasts movie-themed rooms and suites, each one with its own unique piece of Hollywood memorabilia.

Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is an outlet for shopping and dining. It is also a gaming destination of choice for a city that celebrates celebrities.

In April 2007, the world famous Aladdin Hotel officially became Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The completely redesigned venue is located adjacent to Paris Las Vegas and opposite the Bellagio Hotel.

There is easy access to McCarran Airport and major roadways, as well as easy pedestrian access directly from the Vegas Strip.

STAY IN THE SWEETEST OF SUITES

Every single room in Planet Hollywood just went through a major makeover — $120 million in renovations, to be exact. We love the one with the suspended sofa inside the Ultra Boulevard Suite, and many of these new rooms also have gorgeous, sweeping views of the Strip. Plus, each room has its own refrigerator and a safe, which are amenities not found in all hotels.

Please note that special requests such as non-smoking rooms, connecting or adjoining rooms, room location, king or double-double bed type, etc. are subject to availability at the time of check-in.

Every year I hear from Attendees/Vendors who book elsewhere that the savings weren’t worth the hassle. Also, staying outside the host hotel can lead to feelings of isolation, like they weren’t a part of the group after classes let out. After a long day and night of socializing and learning, being able to take the elevator back to your room is way better than taking a bus, taxi, or walking numerous blocks back to another hotel.

Although not required, we encourage that you book with the host hotel, filling the room block has real impact on the organization’s ability to negotiate Conference spaces and the rates we are given both for the conference spaces and hotel rooms. The APP is able to retain its meeting spaces only when the room block is filled. Staying in the host hotel fosters a greater sense of community at the event and keeps you close to your “home base” for the week!

AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD, MILKSHAKES ARE THE STARS

If milkshakes held celebrity status, then these Supernova shakes at Café Hollywood are the royalty of milkshakes. This is one milkshake you’ll want to serenade before diving into its sweet tasty goodness. If Kelis’ milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, this one at Planet Hollywood is ready for a whole damn army. If you’re coming with a group, Café Hollywood has private dining rooms available. Then you can have one huge milkshake party.

If you need more than just milkshakes to sustain yourself for the week, you will also find the following places to get your eat on.

Quick Bites:

  • Starbucks At Planet Hollywood Las Vegas
  • Earl of Sandwich
  • Buffet Spice Market Buffet

Upscale:

  • Strip House Steakhouse
  • Koi

Casual:

  • Gordon Ramsay Burger Las Vegas
  • YOLÖS Mexican Grill
  • P.F. Chang’s Las Vegas
  • Pin-Up Pizza
  • Ringer Wings, Pizza and Sliders Sports Book

OR SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP (AND THEN SOME)

With most Las Vegas Strip malls, you have to walk through a big casino to finally get there. By then, you’re either tired already or this close to borrowing grandma’s motor scooter. At Planet Hollywood, you are just steps from the Miracle Mile Shops. Anything that makes shopping more convenient is a plus in our book. Besides having popular shops like H&M and Sephora, you can catch a show at this mile-long shopping space. See the family-friendly Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, or bring your pals to Aussie Heat. You can also score good eats at Nacho Daddy or Blondie’s.

Point 87: From the Editor

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by Marina Pecorino, The Point Editor

Vivi Madero & Lally Bagdon

Well, this is my first issue as a solo Managing Editor. Thankfully, I work with a wonderful Art Director, Jim Ward, and together we have created another stunning issue brimming with pre-Conference content. If you  have  expertise  in grammar,  syntax, and the written word, and spare time on your hands, we may have a place for you on The Point Committee.

Deeper within this issue, you’ll find some important updates regarding the 2019 APP Conference & Exposition. Not only have we moved to a fresh, modern venue inside Planet Hollywood, we’ve also updated some of our Conference procedures and events.

This year, your odds of taking home a grand prize from Vegas have gotten even better; check out a quick summary and the official rules for the new Golden Ticket Raffle and Silent Auction.

We’ve also refreshed the process of certificates. Conference attendees can now receive Recognition of Attendance onsite, and travel home with tangible proof of their amazing week in the desert. Transcripts with course titles (similar to what a college graduate would receive) will be digitally available shortly after the event as further proof of an attendee’s dedication to continuing education.

The 2019 Body Piercing Archive is devoted to the extraordinary Fakir Musafar. Visit this unique exhibit with art and Body Play artifacts never before publicly displayed. Don’t forget to schedule time to view the exhibit with the guidance of a docent or four; visiting this rare presentation is one thing, but attending a guided tour lead by a personal acquaintance with firsthand accounts is another thing entirely.

This year, our Banquet has also been reinvigorated. Come join us at the Gallery Nightclub in your best Moulin Rouge themed attire for our Closing Party. Make sure to wear your dancing shoes and bring your appetite for socializing.

Details about these new programs and events are available on the Conference website and in the subsequent pages of this issue. This is an exciting year and I can’t wait to see you all. Let’s get to work!