Ear & Body Piercing/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer questions in regards to and not limited to: jewelry safety, specifically material, shape, proportion, and related issues; aseptic technique and sterilization as it applies to piercing safety; ethical issues of technique and bedside manner; the aftercare and recovery process for piercings. *Available for consultation.

Experience in the area

Body artist and founder of Piercing Experience, http://piercing.org/ and SciCan Authorized Dealer of STATIM Sterilizers and related infection control products http://statim.us/

Organizations

Over ten years with ASTM and APP, Currently serving on the APP Board of Directors as International Liaison, formerly as Treasurer 1997-99.

Publications

The Point Journal of the Association of Professional Piercers, USA Today, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Creative Loafing

Education/Credentials

I regularly participate and teach in many APP and related body art educational programs. I keep current certifications for OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid, and CPR.

Awards and Honors

Best Freehand Piercer, Best of Atlanta

Past/Present Clients

Tens of thousands of one on one client experiences as the founder of Piercing Experience in Atlanta, GA, USA http://www.piercing.org/ *Body jewelry design and safety expert: Member ASTM committee F04(www.astm.org)and former Member AAMI (www.aami.org) Research advisor and educator for the APP for over a decade(www.safepiercing.org) teaching advanced studio setup, sterilization and equipment management, freehand piercing, aseptic/sterile technique and much more. Distributor and Body Art expert for SciCan StatIM sterilization and infection control products. http://statim.us/

What do you like about this subject?

Epiphany ||| Inspiration ||| Commitment ||| Dedication ||| Challenge ||| Interaction ||| Conviviality ||| Body-Mind-Spirit transformation

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I will continue to encourage the use of proper sterilization, gentle technique and safe jewelry until nothing less is accepted by the general public. I feel learning never ends, and I will adopt any new idea, practice or widget that enriches the quality of the Piercing Experience. My present focus: education and consultation.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Anything we think we know is just the beginning. There is enough to learn about any aspect of this art and science to outlast me. The passion for taking this art and emerging science toward excellence will keep me going.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

I advocate sterile technique with no clamps [freehand], and never reuse piercing equipment such as sharps, tapers, hemostats, tubes or ring expanders. Body jewelry should meet similar criteria to objects certified for human implant when used for new piercings or for extended wear [more than 24 hours] as described at http://jewelry.piercing.org/ Gentle aftercare: http://care.piercing.org/