the art of scarring.

i was browsing BME when i came across something that i had never heard of before: scarification.

basically, this is an extreme form of tattooing, atleast from what i understand. in the basic form, it's etching into the skin to create a scar with a specific design.

from what i understood, there are several ways you can have scarification done:

-removing the skin.

-branding the design into the skin.

-cutting into the skin.

i don't understand why one would prefer to do this over tattooing.

even though, the outcome does look pretty cool.

i'd be really happy if someone could explain this to me.

i guess it's pretty much to each his own, you know?

but, this just seems a little extreme for me.

isn't it the same idea as a tattoo, just more painful?

photo credit.

Metamorph Tattoo Studios

• Metamorph Tattoo Studios is highly recommended by myself for anyone interested in a tattoo or piercing. It's located in Wicker Park, Chicago and it's fantastic.

• i've gotten one tatto and a lip piercing done here. the staff is friendly and helpful. and the place really lives up to standards. it's clean and safe.

• i can only speak personally for tattoo artist ian rust from the shop, because he's the one who did my tattoo. he was prompt in getting me a sketch and quick to set up a date to do the piece. i was very happy with the whole process and the result.

• as for the other tattoo artists, i've seen the work they've done and it's all exceptionally good.

• micah is the piercer at metamorph and he does great work. he's a really chill guy and very helpful when it comes to any help that you need prior to, during, and after getting your piercing.

• i suggest everyone checks out this shop.

jobs and body mod.

• this topic is of great concern to me at the present time. i've been trying, and failing, to get a job.

• i know that many of these failures have to do with my piercings.

• this doesn't make any sense to me. i can easily take my piercings out for work. and i have told employers this and i'm still unemployed.

• this doesn't seem to be a problem for me.

• with a growing number of people getting tattoos, piercings, and other modifications, employers seem to be resisting hiring us.

• for example this article, which covers only getting hired with tattoos, says that it's all about making a good impression. i'm sorry, but do my tattoos scream that i'm a bad person? i don't think so. i can do an equally good job, if not better, as someone who is not tattooed.

• i came to this city expecting people to be more open-minded. back in small town pennsylvania, i got hired regardless of my tattoos and piercings at multiple places. what's the deal?

ink as a tribute.

• many people that i talk to with ink tend to tell me that they have atleast one tattoo in tribute to someone. this is mine.

• my grandfather and i are very close. when i was still living at home, i spent a lot of time with him. we would listen to elvis and johnny cash and put together puzzle after puzzle. he's recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. this tattoo was a christmas present to him. when he's gone, even though the pieces won't be put together anymore, i'll always hold them for him.

• it's amazing how incredible a tribute tattoo can make you feel. it's emotional, beautiful, and bonding.

• i love to hear the stories behind tribute tattoos or any other tattoo.

the beauty.

"your body is a temple, but how long can you live in the same house before you redecorate?"

-anonymous

i can't really tell you why my body modifications mean so much to me. i have three piercings, stretched ears and one tattoo at this moment. and i really don't want to do away with them.

a lot of people will tell you it's a way to express yourself. i don't see what's being expressed. i simply find modifications (mainly tattoos and piercings) to be beautiful and in many cases, very sexy.

i've decided that i really want to explore the reasons behind why others decided to make changes to their bodies. you'll be able to find posts here often with stories behind people's metal, ink, and other modifications.

photo credit.