My interest in body modification has stemmed far beyond most. As long as I can remember, since I was about 3, I have been fascinated with tattooing and piercing. I've always wanted to get a modification, first it started with tattooing, then transcended into piercing. The problem, in the state of Texas, one must be 18 to be tattooed, period. I believe it is a right of passage thing anyway, so, on to piercing! By the way, I believe piercing is very spiritual as well.
At A Glance Author SuicideByStapler Contact SuicideByStapler@bme.anon When A year ago Artist Bryan Studio Electra Art Location Corpus Christi, Tx Anyway, fast forward to about the age of 15, I decided on not one, but two eyebrow piercings, on the same side. This type of piercing was always aesthetically pleasing to myself, and I didn't see my parents having a problem with it (They have since not had a problem with any modifications, as both of my parents have tattoos). The only problem now would be obtaining the money. So, I had to put of the piercing itch another year.
Now then, the next summer, I had a job and a reasonable income, getting a 500-dollar check every two weeks, I figured, now would be a great time to be pierced. So, I visited many studios and found one I liked, over many big name, highly advertised studios. Electra Art was right for me, it had a great atmosphere, friendly and very informative artists and piercers, and was a high quality studio. Their attitude suited me much better than those at the get in, give us your money, get out, studios. Don't worry, I won't mention names.
Once I returned from my Electra Art visit, I convinced my mother to accompany me in the morning to be pierced. As ecstatic as I was, I hardly slept, my first "real" mod, and it was less than 24 hours away! I called my girlfriend to ask if she would accompany me, and she answered a squealed yes in a heartbeat.
Well, the next morning, I was surprisingly less nervous than most would seem. Being diabetic, I have had needles shoved into my body my entire life, but this was different, this was for me, not for my health. I awoke many hours early, at around 7:30, anticipating the 20 minute drive to Electra (they didn't open until 11, so I had awhile).
I had always heard to not be pierced on an empty stomach, so I decided to eat a bowl of cereal, actually 3 bowls. Like I said, I'm diabetic and my metabolism is insanely high. Anyway, at about 10 o'clock, We went to pick up my girlfriend and decided to go to the bank. Then, on to Electra!
We arrived at Electra, right after it opened, so I happened to be the first piercing of the day (a man was getting his tattoo finished, he was there most of the night and that morning). My piercer, Bryan gave us all the necessary forms and had us fill all of them out, which took a good 10 minutes. Once completed, he had me sit down and the fun began.
First, he pulled out all the tools he would need, piercing needles, jewelry, corks, iodine, a felt tip marker, and about 5 pairs of gloves. Every time he cleaned something, or moved something, we would change his gloves. Very sterile, and very thorough indeed. He then placed 4 dots on my eyebrow, and asked me if they looked good. I agreed, all were symmetrical and very pleasing to the eyes. Anyway, then the real fun began!
He went through the basic procedure with me, and through the whole 1,2,3 breathing, then, he put into practice what he preached. 1...2...pierce...3...exhaling as the first needled was pushed through my skin, I felt such an adrenaline rush. Such a relief, such a pleasure. And I got to do it again, first, he cleaned my skin, a little blood trickled through the wound. After he corked the needle and asked me if I was ready for needle 2. And who says no to a man with a needle in his hand coming at you? Same as before, 1...2...pierce...3...and I was done. Same with the first, he cleaned and corked. Then, changing his gloves, he cleaned the jewelry again, and prepared to slip it through the fresh wounds.
The 16 gauge curved barbells slid in perfectly, and I was ready to look. It was amazing, and looked extremely well done. He prepped me on the aftercare, of which I knew (thanks BME!) and sent me on my way. The price was great and the experience greater. All and all, a wonderful morning.
I felt such an accomplishment with what I just went through, and a new sense of who I was and mortality. Sure, a 16 gauge needle isn't huge, and I didn't feel a single bit of pain (it actually felt good) but I learned many things from the time I went in to get pierced and the time I left.
The looks that ensued were priceless, people at work loved it, my friends loved it, some old fold down the street seemed a bit indifferent, but does it matter what anyone thought?? NO... it is my piercing, and I am happy with it. It means something to me, not you.
Anyway, my piercing has healed great, and I have only had problems fitting the balls of my barbells and horseshoe rings on the end when changing my jewelry. Other than that, I am extremely happy and I will be pierced again this summer! Once again, at Electra Art.