Dotwork Scarification

I shared this tattoo when I posted a gallery of Iestyn Flye’s work on ModBlog (click here if you don’t remember — it is in regards to the scarification seminar he and Ron Garza are hosting that you don’t want to miss if you’re a London-area professional in the field), but I also wanted I’ll just share this wider shot of Dom here, because I also really like her dotwork scars. I can imagine an entire body done in these, and have seen such things in Africa of course, but not as often in a “modern” context. Beautiful work.

dotwork

PS. Ignore the “smartphone” on the picture, it is only of use if you’re trying to track her down on Facebook!

Charges laid in Canadian tattoo studio closure.

A tattoo studio owner in Edmonton,  Alberta, Canada who’s studio was ordered closed by local health board in 2009 has now made industry history after pleading guilty to about a dozen charges including one count of obstruction, eight counts of failing to maintain records, and one nuisance count.

Zipp’s Tattoo and Museum was shut down by Alberta Health Services last year after undercover inspectors responded to complaints of tattoo services being offered in deplorable conditions. Inspectors found filthy, dusty surfaces, used needles and tattoo tubes and inappropriate, outdated sterilization equipment.  Since there was no documentation of client files and sterilization records, a public notice was issued for anyone who was tattooed at Zipp’s to be tested for pathogens.

Provincial Court Judge Ferne LeReverend told Zipp’s owner, Eric Anderson, that his disregard for the health of his clients “shocking” and slapped him with fines totaling $12,880. This was the first successful prosecution under the Alberta Personal Services Regulation.

David Vidra, Body Modification industry Educator and CEO of Health Educators Inc applauds Alberta Health Services and commends Alberta’s health inspectors for their close involvement in Alberta’s local industry.

“It’s a shame it had to come to a lawsuit like this,” says Vidra in response to charges, “Education is  available to artists.  This does not only affect the artist who was charged but every artist in our industry  and the public.”

Health Educators offers relevant education for body modification artists across the board and encourages studios and artists to keep up to date on industry standards. Health Educators is one of the only body modification industry specific companies offering education to artists and full studio evaluation and setup on a global level. Vidra urges artists and studio owners to educate themselves constantly so the body art industry can continue to be viewed by the public in a positive light.

Let’s hope this message strikes a cord to basement scratchers and professional artists alike that lack of education and safe studio set up are vital to keeping the body art industry a legitimate trade and that those negligent few will be made an example of.
Clients seeking safe body art should be supporting artists who have taken the time to know how to use the required equipment and aseptic techniques to run a safe studio.

Coming to Toronto: Health Educators, Inc.


This weekend, David Vidra will be making his triumphant return to Toronto as Health Educators rolls into town to give the famous Bloodborne Pathogens and Sterilization workshops! Information for each is below. Space is limited and walk-ins cannot be guaranteed, so please pre-register! E-mail David for registration information.

* * *

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS & THE PRINCIPLES OF
INFECTION CONTROL FOR MODIFICATION PRACTITIONERS

WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 2009

TIME: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
(Registration begins at 10:00am)

WHERE: 1 Hook Ave.

Bloodborne Pathogens & Principles of Infection Control for Modification Practitioners is by far the most comprehensive industry-specific bloodborne pathogens training course available for Traditional Tattoo Artists, Cosmetic Tattoo Artists & Professional Body Piercers. This course is compliant with the federal Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) & Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). It features comprehensive updates on the very latest changes in health & safety regulations as they apply to the modification industry, with training in solid, industry-specific solutions for maintaining compliance within a modification studio environment.

The Bloodborne Pathogens & Principles of Infection Control for Modification Practitioners course is being offered at a special convention rate of $150.00 per person if pre-registered or $175.00 at the door. A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required per person at the time of registration. Full payment & deposits can be paid via money order, certified check, or credit card. Price includes all course materials, copies of industry-specific OSHA interpretations, free product samples & a certificate of training valid for one year. Course Space is limited! Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure availability. Pre-registered participants receive the discounted rate & are guaranteed course space & materials; all others are welcome on a first-come-first-serve basis, as availability allows. Lodging is not included, but a morning coffee service and a late, light lunch will be provided.

* * *

STERILIZATION FROM START TO FINISH
FOR MODIFICATION PRACTITIONERS

WHEN: Monday, March 9, 2009

TIME: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
(Registration begins at 10:00am)

WHERE: 1 Hook Ave.

Sterilization from Start to Finish is a hands-on workshop that examines the theory behind cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization. This course takes an in-depth look at the many factors affecting sterilization including equipment processing, packaging, monitoring, troubleshooting, equipment storage, documentation, and quality control practices. Sterilization from Start to Finish is by far the most comprehensive industry-specific sterilization training course available for Traditional Tattoo Artists, Cosmetic Tattoo Artists & Professional Body Piercers.

The Sterilization from Start to Finish course is $200.00 per person for the Sterilization course only. OR $250.00 per person for BOTH the Bloodborne Pathogens course on Sunday, March 8th AND Sterilization course on Monday, March 9th (that’s $100 SAVINGS!!). A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required per person at the time of registration. Full payment & deposits can be paid via money order, certified check, or credit card. Price includes all course materials, free product samples & a certificate of training. Course Space is limited! Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure availability. Pre-registered participants receive the discounted rate & are guaranteed course space & materials; all others are welcome on a first-come-first-serve basis, as availability allows. Lodging is not included, but a morning coffee service and a late, light lunch will be provided.