Friday, July 23, 2010

Interview: Katia B

What do you think about body modifications today?

They are becoming more and more accepted as a regular thing these days, and not as a symbol of evil or a representation of a gang, or prisoners. More and more people are getting tattoos, and they are also appearing more in the work place. Also body modifications, especially tattoos, are starting to be viewed more as an art form than a rebellion, which I think is appropriate.

How many tattoos, piercings, etc. do you have?

I have 18 tattoos and no piercings. I used to have my labret, belly button and ears pierced but over time took them out for various reasons and I'm allergic to most metals now, so ink is my thing.


Photo: Shawn Baker


What are your beliefs about the body modification industry?

The industry is a great outlet for people to express their tastes and beliefs by wearing art on their bodies. Body modification has a long ancient history throughout the world, and has represented the same things for our ancestors. It's just another part of getting in tune with our ancestors and history. Also, I strongly feel that body modifications should be viewed as art and can transform a person into a beautiful work of art.


What are your thoughts on suspension?

It's not my thing, creeps me out.


When did you first get your tattoo and where is it located on your body?

I got my first tattoo when I was 22, I think, 10 years ago, and it's on the top of my back.


What influenced you to become modified?

I don't really remember; I wanted to get something done for a long time, but couldn't decide what. Once I found something I liked and set my mind on it, I did it. However, I didn't get most of my tattoos until about 5-6 years ago. The reason I decided to get covered, is because I thought girls with tattoos looked hot, and wanted to wear my art and art I appreciated on my skin.


Photo: Alexander Finger


How do you feel about people who go to the extreme with body modification?

If they feel it is necessary, than it is. They are not hurting anybody except for themselves and people should let them be. They are doing it for personal reasons, and who is anyone to judge them? You don't have to like it or do it. People are too quick to jump to conclusions about things unknown and strange to them, and to call people names because they are doing something that somebody doesn't understand.


Do you think in some ways it's necessary to cover up tattoos and piercings for a job interview or when performing your job?

I believe it depends on a job. I am a teacher, so I have to cover up some tattoos that are inappropriate for children. Usually I cover them up when I go to an interview, not because I'm embarrassed, but because of people's misconception of tattoos. I wish I didn't have to do it, and think that people should not have to cover anything up. A tattoo does not make the person, does not make them a worse or better worker, or less or more capable or qualified to perform a job.


What do you find most appealing about body modification?

The reason I like tattoos, is because to me they are art. Everything I have on my body has meaning that I project to the world through words and images. My tattoos consist of the artwork I created, and art that I appreciate made by others. I find them inspiring and love seeing them on other people. It's like murals and graffiti on buildings make them brighter and more appealing to me. We are walking living painted up buildings in a way, so much more brighter and colorful that the plain old matchbox houses.


Do you think that today's society become too judgmental about body modification?

I don't believe that it's today's society, but more the previous generation. Today's society is becoming more accepting of body modification, but the people of the past and the people who have old fashioned beliefs are the ones that are criticizing us tattooed up and pierced freaks and associating us with evil and bad things. It's like in the movies - even still to this day, the people with tattoos are usually the bad guys. It's funny, and old-fashioned, and outdated.




Is there anything that you don't like about body modification?

I don't really like scars or suspension, but that's just a personal preference. I don't want to judge anyone for their tastes and their way of expression.


Is there anything that you wish you didn't have or that you would like to change?

The only tattoos that I regret a little are the ones I first got on my back, because they are Celtic and don't really fit in with the rest of my ink. However, I try not to regret things I can't change, and will work them in to fit with the rest.


Has body modification changed you in any way?


Yes, most definitely. It has obviously changed my appearance, and it has changed the way people view me. A lot of people are hesitant to talk to me or accept me because of their pre-misconceptions. Others are more attracted to me because they are into the same things. I'm still the same person I was, but I have developed more of an attitude, and my confidence has grown because I walk the streets looking the way I do without caring what other people think.



Watertight Photography


Do you find enjoyment when getting tattooed, pierced, etc?

For the most part, except for when it hurts really bad. [laughs]


Have you ever had an issue when dealing with any type of body modification?

I had issues with piercings, that's why I don't really have them any more. With tattoos, the only issues I had was my body rejecting certain inks, and certain tattoos taking longer to heal than others.


What hurt the most when dealing with body modifications?

Out of the 18 tattoos I have, the ones that hurt the most were my chest and my feet, especially when I got the second foot done right after the first, ouch!!!


Interview conducted by Jess Angel.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Interview: Sage 13

Photo: Saquan Stimpson


What are your beliefs about the body modification industry?

The body is a canvas for art. Some people express themselves through this canvas.


When did you first get your tattoo and where is it located on your body?

My first tattoo was done with a homemade tattoo machine in my beach house when I was 17. It was a snowflake that has been covered up by another tattoo. Now I choose carefully where my tattoos go. All my tattoos have a story to go with them. They are about my personal life struggles. I would have to say that the ink on my lower stomach is my favorite tattoo. It has the most detail, took the longest and by far the most painful one I have gotten so far!


What are your thoughts on suspension?

I will watch it, but I would never do that myself.


How do you feel about people who go to the extreme with body modification?


In some cultures it is necessary. It is all about expression. Some choose to express themselves differently than others.


What do you find most appealing about body modification?

Tattoos can be mysterious. If you talk to a person about their body mods, you can understand their story. Otherwise there is that mystery to the person. To me it's like seeing a book with a great cover and wanting to read it right then and there.


Photo: Thomas Kelper


Do you think in some ways its necessary to hide body modifications for a job interview or when performing your job?

I do. Even though tattoos are very popular, they are not accepted with everyone. There is a lot of close minded people out there still and get offended at the smallest things.


Do you think that today's society has become too judgmental about body modification?

In some places yes. I traveled recently and my home area I see people with tattoos everywhere. But when I was away I only saw a handful of tattoos. When i walked by showing mine there was a certain uncertain look about people who saw my ink.


Is there anything that you wish you didn't have or that you would like to change?

Not really. I chose my ink and artists carefully. All of my tattoos are a part of who I am. I can't change me so therefor I don't want to change my ink.


Do you find enjoyment when getting tattooed, pierced, etc.?

It's a rush. Painful at times, but worth it in the end.


Have you ever had an issue when dealing with any type of body modification?

I have one piece on my back that if it gets too hot, the ink raises up. Then it itches until it cools off. Then I have another that was done twice, and it scarred up underneath. Also, I had more piercings, but with various personal health issues I had to take some out.


What hurt the most when dealing with body modifications?

Piercing pain was over fast. Tattoo pain, depending on the size and location, was more intense.





Interview conducted by Jess Angel.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Interview: Kelly Fuls aka KY

What do you think about body modifications today?

Each clique has found a way to incorporate them into their culture in their own way. It moves in cycles from rebellion to acceptance, which is why I think some people take it farther than others. If you like it, do it, don't let anyone stop you, but don't just do it because you think it's cool either because that leads to being a phony.


Rietz Digital Imaging


There was a day in American culture when having one tattoo on your arm was considered bad-ass, but these days you see almost every other guy or girl with full sleeves and it's become much more mainstream than it was before. In a way, it's losing its rebellion, but it hasn't lost its roots, which is why I continue to get them.

I'd have to say my human heart is my favorite tattoo, because it reminds me of the things I'm passionate about in life.


What do you find most appealing to you in body modification?


The rights of passage, meaning whenever the needle penetrates your skin, be it for a tattoo or piercing.


When did you first get your tattoo and where is it located on your body?

I got a tattoo of The Crow on my right arm for graduating high school.


Rietz Digital Imaging


What influenced you to get a piercing or tattoo, etc.?

Rock 'n' Roll and motorcycles.


Has body modification changed you in any way?

It's made me fear a lot less than before, and it's also given me the will to live long enough to finish the canvas.


What are your thoughts on suspension?

It takes a lot of balls to endure that much pain and I respect anyone willing to try it. There may even be a day when I have the balls to do it.


Do you think in some ways its necessary to cover up tattoo's and piercings for a job interview or when performing your job?

First impressions are important, but skill is always the most important asset to any company. If the work is good and makes the company money, they're going to loosen their noose that much more. On the flip-side, yeah an actor is going to have to cover up their tattoos when they're playing a role, but that doesn't mean they can't rock it off-camera.


Rietz Digital Imaging


Do you think that today's society has become too judgmental about body modification?

I'm going to have to quote a friend of mine who said that "so many of our generation have tattoos." Then again, she doesn't have any herself, so it's coming from a totally outside perspective, which is where I think the judgmental attitude originates. There are some that are simply afraid to get body modifications, either because they think it will hurt too much or they care too much about what others will think of them. The days of the clean-cut All-American as we know it are long gone; wholesome has a new face, and that face has some body modifications, so get used to it!


Is there anything that you wish you didn't have or that you would like to change?

Maybe add a little depth and shading to one or two of my tattoos, but every piece I have tells a story about me.


Do you find enjoyment when getting tattooed, pierced, etc.?

These days, I get a new tattoo more than I get a haircut, so sometimes when my artist asks how the family or the dog is doing, it's cool because it takes away from the pain. That, and whenever I conceptualize a new design and it comes to life.

Have you ever had an issue when dealing with any type of body modification?

Nope, I took care of them all.


Interview conducted by Jess Angel.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Free Uriah and Quentin


Ordinarily, I do not get involved with personal matters, nor make them a part of such a public forum. However, I feel that this situation deserves all the attention that it can get.

Band members charged in Orange rape; incident occurred at house party after New Haven concert

To be honest, I have no affiliation with either of the gentlemen, nor have I ever met them personally. In fact, the first time I even saw the Goddamn Gallows was last Tuesday at Kung Fu Necktie here in Philadelphia. They were, without a doubt, one of the best 'billy bands I've had the pleasure of seeing in a long time.

When I read the above article, my jaw literally dropped as I went from one sentence to the next. While there are certainly two sides to every story, and the only people who really know what happened are those who were there, something wasn't sitting quite right.

It seems all of the comments have disappeared since yesterday, but there were a few that seemed quite rude and even judgmental of Uriah and Quentin. Part of me felt this was due to their appearance, since apparently having tattoos automatically means one is guilty of whatever accusations another throws at them.

Punk rockers dispute rape charges

Thankfully, there is a large network of supporters, as well as numerous eyewitness accounts that do not fault Uriah and Quentin. However, false claims certainly damages a reputation, and the two men are still currently behind bars while everything gets sorted out.

Farmageddon Records is looking for bands who would like to submit tracks for the Free Uriah Baker and Quentin Price Compilation CD. Please contact darren@newrootsorder.com
if you would like to help out.

One of the easiest ways to aid Uriah and Quentin is via the Facebook page, or by making a donation.

Personal letters are also highly encouraged, but please be advised of what else can and cannot be sent via mail.

Uriah Freedom Baker inmate #377470
Quentin Price inmate #377472

Bridgeport CC

1106 North Ave
Bridgeport, CT
06604