In my experiences with body modification, I have always walked away feeling stronger and more comfortable with myself. Each mod, however insignificant, brings me closer to what I want to be. I like the feeling of being able to shape my own appearance, whether it is with hair dye and make-up, or with piercings. The adrenaline rush I get from piercings cannot be topped by anything: feeling like I can conquer any task set to me. I have been known to become slightly narcissistic about new piercings, but I love turning my head and seeing the glint of metal where there was none before.
At A Glance Author Kelly Klebaum Contact Kelly Klebaum@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Leslie Studio Shmatta Location Saskatoon I had recently gotten my anti-tragus pierced, but it was fast rejecting. It had never really settled down, and was always giving me grief. However having grown accustomed to it, I knew that if I had to give it up, something must take its place. I thought that if I had to lose one, I would have to make it up to myself by getting a pair. I thought of a different area of cartilage, but I know that would have left me without a safe ear to sleep on or answer the phone with. I have always liked double rooks, but my own ear had little space for one. I thought of an orbital project, and for a while I seriously considered it. Eventually though, my love for declining gauges won out, and I decided to get second holes pierced in my lobes.
Originally my plan had been to pierce at 10 gauge, but I was really running short of money. Then I realized that if I had my ears pierced at a smaller gauge, it would be cheaper. So my idea changed, and I knew that I could always stretch after they healed up.
I called Tantrix studio on Friday to book an appointment, and I was met with an offendingly rude reply. I asked how much it would cost for a pair of earlobes, and was met by a string of swears and a yell into the background for the piercer. I assumed that when I called, I would at least be spoken to in a professional manner. I didn't want to deal with a rude employee, so I took my business elsewhere.
Later that day I called Shmatta. I frequent the shop to buy presents for friends, and of course for myself. The primary piercer at Shmatta on 2nd Avenue is Leslie. She used to live in my neighborhood and always seemed really nice. They have a very clean piercing area and a well-done portfolio. They were having a body-piercing sale, and a pair of 12 gauge lobes would be $39.00. This also happened to be cheaper than Tantrix which only sweetened the deal for me. I made an appointment for the following Sunday at 2.30.
The weekend passed without much excitement, and I was careful not to drink on Saturday night. When I got my anti-tragus pierced, I feel that alcohol was responsible for the bled out jewellery. I slept in a bit on Sunday, and had a Pizza Pop before my mom drove me downtown. We were quite early so we walked around downtown for about a half hour. I wasn't feeling any nervousness this time around, only excitement at what was to come. I needed to withdraw some money from the bank so I headed to CIBC. By this time it was 2.15, and I figured that we could easily spend 15 minutes in Shmatta, looking at merchandise and the like.
The shop was, as always, friendly and welcoming. The girls working greeted us very politely and I instantly felt more excited. I said hello to Leslie, and she had my mother sign the release form. She said that we could go for it right now if it was alright by me. What did she expect? We headed right back to piercing studio.
Leslie showed me some different 12 gauge earrings. I'm partial to CBR's with a smaller diameter, and those are the ones I chose. She got out the clamps, needles, and ring closers still in their autoclaved packages and set them onto the trolley. Leslie washed her hands well and we talked about how she got into piercing. She opened the autoclaved packages, careful not to touch the instruments, and set them onto a piece of sterile gauze. She put on her gloves and began to clean my ears. She marked first the left ear and had me check the placement in the large mirror behind the padded bench. The mark was slightly higher than my first hole, with about 2 centimeters between them. Prefect placement for future stretching. She matched the mark on the right ear, and picked up the clamps. Leslie worked quickly, clamping the area and preparing me for the piercing. She had me take a couple deep breaths, and on the third exhale she pierced. It went very well, little blood and no pain. She quickly inserted the jewellery and wiped away the blood. It went smoothly on my other ear as well. I didn't feel faint or dizzy and I was very pleased with the results. We went up to the front checkout and I paid.
I am very happy with my lobe piercings and so far I have had no major problems, just the usual crusties. They always clear right up after a nice sea salt soak.