I am back to give an experience on my latest piercings, my "Corset". Since September 2002 I've been getting "Poked by Eric" at Skinquake in Greenwood.(You know it's the real Skinquake here in Indiana because of the blue neon lights which are seen glowing through the window. Check out http://www.skinquake.com for directions). Let's continue on though shall we...
At A Glance Author Jennifer Contact Jennifer@bme.anon IAM 311girly When A month ago Artist Poked by my Eric Studio Skinquake (off county line road) Location Indiana Soon after my first surface project (ten piece "star") around my navel I had discovered the temporary corset. I love the look of the actual garment, it is my favorite article of clothing and I'm always collecting new ones so of course I immediately had my mind set on having the piercing. I think when I had talked to Eric in the past about doing the piercing he wasn't keen on the idea. March 20th 2004 I got it, and I know he enjoyed doing it.
Friday the 19th through Sunday the 21st I spent the weekend in Chicago hanging out at the Inkin Lincoln Convention. Saturday was my big day! Actually I felt like I was in the spotlight the whole time.
The start of my "corset" began with Eric drawing a grid on my back. I told him basically how I wanted the arrangement of rings to look. He made some marks for me to check out. I checked those out in the mirror and decided I wanted him not to do what I previously wanted and had him change a few marks. After looking in the mirror we decided those marks looked great.
On a side note, in the past year or two since relocating to Indiana from California I think I have been dealing with some anxiety issues. As I was getting those marks placed on me I started getting nervous. I was NOT nervous from the discomfort I might possibly feel with this piercing experience but I started thinking of all the people that might be watching me get this done.
Since I was staying at the hotel which the convention was held I told Eric I needed to go to my room. I headed up to my room to just sit down, chill out for a minute and drink a soda. After about ten minutes or so I headed downstairs to get POKED.
I arrived back at the booth. I was already marked so the longest part was done. Eric just had to set everything up including the 16 needles and 16 Captive Bead Rings. He then cleaned my back and instructed me to lay down on the massage table. As I was laying down I noticed the crowd starting to form. "Oh, well" I thought, I wanted this done.
The procedure began as Eric is able to do with most piercings, freehand. [I just wanted to mention I heard of another piercer attempting to freehand a guy who came in the shop recently and he said it hurt more with that particular piercer than when Eric had done it. I wondered what it was that piercer probably did and I asked Eric to give me an example. He showed me what that piercer possibly did (using his hands and the end of a pen) and with that example it hurt more to me than the way Eric does it, so I understood.]
The actual piercing on my back began with a "breath in, breath out" and the needle going through my skin (a little pinch). And the next pierce began just as soon as the last piercing ended, "breath in, breath out" and the needle went through. The entire procedure went amazingly fast. I think it's somewhat funny when I actually describe the process. Also, I would say as Eric pierced lower on my back, actually the last two piercings were the most sensitive (I could feel the pierce more). Once the 16 piercings were complete and the jewelry was transferred it was time to lace me up!!
The lacing took longer than the piercing, the first day of the show I had a green shiny lace (later changed black) going through the rings. I stood up after the lacing was complete and felt like a superstar. I heard there were around 40 people standing around the booth (alot of people, but I didn't care at that moment). I had my own personal "high" going on and then the camera's started flashing! I don't know if I even said thanks to Eric once the corset was complete, I was in my own little world.
The rest of the day Saturday and even Sunday at the convention I was interacting with so many people. I was having an amazing time, I was surprised of how well I was opening up to people and I had more pictures taken. I think I enjoyed all the compliments and how other people thought my back was so amazing. I did get some silly comments like, "How do you sleep on your back?". I went on to tell all those people I sleep on my stomach. And really I wonder how some individuals thought process work when they ask me certain questions sometimes. But, when the end of Sunday finally came I felt somewhat sad to go back home. The majority of the people at the convention seemed to express nothing but positive reactions toward me. I loved it.
On Monday, back in Greenwood I headed up to Skinquake for the artists to check out what I got. They thought the corset was awesome. Eric had some of the pictures from the convention ready at that time and they were spread across the counter ready to be added to his portfolio. Some teenage girls walked in behind me (my back was exposed, I had a bikini top on). They looked at some pictures and there were the comments "THAT'S GROSS". Then I started thinking how rude they were, can't they keep their comments to themselves (not only are they in a tattoo shop where people aren't so conformed as them but I am standing right there). Eric told them what their comments were not needed and took the pictures from their view, which I thought was awesome.
The "corset" is now probably my favorite set of piercings. My experience while I had it was enjoyable, and I might even do it again. It was absolutely beautiful and while I was at the convention they seemed to bring out a great side to me. I was able to be social. If anyone is thinking of this piercing, get it,(the "pain" is bearable I had no problems) it's certainly an attention getter...a good conversation piece.