Publications Mail Agreement #40069018 MEAGAN AVILA USA $10.00 Canada $10.00 BUYER’SGUIDE FOR BODY MODIFICATION PROFESSIONALS APRIL 2020 #215            ★ FRANKIE FICARRA ★ TALISMAN BODY ART

PAINMAGAZINE 6

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APRIL #215

content Feature  14 The Old(er) School    Ask Angel What does it take to be Ultimate? Blood, passion 16 and determination; It’s that simple. It’s in the Rings, Studs, & Angles DNA. It’s the relentless dedication, the drive to be the absolute. We’re not here because we wanted to create another supply shop. Company Spotlight We’re not here because we thought we could 19 do it better. We’re here because we did. Stiletto Tattoo Supply

Over 3000 Products Whether you're looking for inks, machines, shop Product Spotlight supplies, or anything else 26 Metal Mafia related to the tattoo industry, we have you covered.

50+ Years Decades of experience and a lifetime of work. Shop of the Month None of that was in vain. It was the driving 27 Talisman Body Art force behind the recognition that our industry was evolving. The PAIN Magazine 1 Website 32 It's in the name. Everything we do and every Advertising Options brand we carry, by definition, the creme of the crop, the top of the pile, the best; ultimate. 40 PAINful Music: The cover was designed by Rob Schwager & What’s the deal with coolships? photograph by Alina Kolberg

[email protected] GalleryShows & Expos ultimatetattoosupply.com 42 2nd Council Bluffs Tattoo Arts Convention 866.833.7175

See page Inside Back Cover

PAINMAGAZINE 8 Artist Profile PAIN Favs PAIN FAVS 20 Brian Hubis 22 Meagan “Megz” Stevens 24 Frank Ficarra

advertisers 

3 Wishes Tattoo Supply 18

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CHAMPS Trade Show 44 Shop of the Month Desert Palms Emu Ranch Aftercare 17 27 Talisman Body Art Exposed Temptations Tattoo 15

Face and Body 3

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Neilmed Piercing Aftercare 2

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Stiletto Piercing Supply 4, 19, Back Cover Expo’s & Shows Technical Tattoo Supply 13, 41 2nd Council Bluffs Ultimate Tattoo Supply IBC, COVER, 36 Tattoo Arts Convention

PAINMAG.COM Frank Ficarra (needles) of My Pride Tattoo page 24-25

ello and welcome to the April issue, dear painters and augmenters of the flesh canvas. We hope you’re enjoying the warming of the air and the lengthening of the days as much as we are, and that you’ve already jumped through Hthe necessary hoops to keep the Taxman at bay for another year. Old Uncle Sammy needs his sugar, so make sure you fork it over. He gets awfully cranky when his levels drop.

While we’re on the subject of calendar-based pleasantries, happy Easter and a joyous stoner holiday to all of you. To those of you who are giving out pot-themed tats for $42 on 4/20, we salute you. To those of you who hadn’t thought of that yet, you’re welcome. It’s what we’re here for.

We’ve got a fantastic issue put together for you. As always, it’s chock-full of solid tips and savvy tricks, along with a healthy helping of tattoo eye candy. And as a bonus for the nerds this month, we’ve put together a short history piece highlighting some of the pioneers of tattooing. No, we’re not talking about Lyle Tuttle or Sailor Jerry. We reached back further—back to the carnival days. Take a peek, give it a read and add a wrinkle to your brain. Meanwhile, enjoy your month of April and all the festivities within. We’ll see you after the showers have brought the flowers, or what- ever it is they say. v

PAINMAGAZINE 10

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Publisher Ralph Garza

Editor-In-Chief R Cantu

Account Executive Jennifer Orellana [email protected] 505-332-3003

Managing Editor Sandy Caputo [email protected]

Art Director Ethan Hunt [email protected]

Contributing Writers Elayne Angel David Pogge Austin Ray Darin Burt Tanya Madden

Executive Assistant Richard DePreist [email protected] 505-275-6049

9901PAIN MagazineAcoma Rd. SE Albuquerque, NM 87123 [email protected] General Inquiries: www.painmag.com

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Copyright 2020 PAIN Magazine. All rights reserved. Published monthly by Pain, Inc. Subscriptions available for $39/year (U.S. funds). Send requests to address listed above. Please mail address changes, and include label from previous issue. For all other information call (505) 275-6049. For submission guidelines, log on to our website at www.painmag.com. Pain, Inc. assumes no responsibility for contents herein. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the writer. PAINMAGAZINE 12 painfeature

lright, kids. Take your seats and pay attention. Today, we’re going to learn a little history. Tell me, what names come to mind when you think of “old school” tattoo artists? Lyle Tuttle? Ed Hardy? Mike Malone? Sailor Jerry? Fair and respectable choices; by today’s standards, they are definitely old school. But what about the older school? Everyone we’ve mentioned worked mostly in the second half of the 20th century, but The Aanyone with a rudimentary understanding of American tattoo history knows that the traditional style really came into vogue at the end of the 19th century. Who preceded our great predecessors? Who influenced our influencers? Obviously, there were hundreds who contributed to the iconic style we now call American Traditional, but we don’t have room to cover more than a few. Thus, we’ve curated a small list of three tattoo legends we think you should know about. Enjoy, but please under- Old(er) stand that the histories we are providing here are painfully brief. Consider it a move to save paper. We love trees, etc.

Oh, and one other thing. While we’re on the subject of history, you should know Sailor Jerry spent School most of his life sober—and he definitely never came up with a spiced rum recipe. That’s all. Carry on. Getting to Cap Coleman who by then had already achieved legendary As far as American artists, it really doesn’t get status. The two parted ways five years later after much more O.G. than Agustus “Cap” Coleman. the Norfolk City Council banned tattoo parlors Know Your Hailed as one of America’s best tattoo artists and Rogers moved to Jacksonville, NC, where throughout the ‘20s, ‘30s and 40s, Coleman he teamed up with Huck Spaulding to form the was known for his distinctive style, bold lines world-ren owned tattoo supply company, Roots: A Brief and impressive use of shading. Legend has it Spaulding & Rogers. He moved to Jacksonville, that he was obsessed with perfection and exhib- FL in 1963, and in 1970, began building his History Lesson ited a confidence in his own work that bordered now-famous tattoo machines out of a small tin on narcissism. Born in Ohio in 1885, Coleman shack, which he dubbed the “Iron Factory.” It is is believed to have lived more or less as a carny for this reason that tattoo machines are referred in his early years, working in a variety of to as “irons” to this very day. Rogers had a stroke sideshows and traveling festivals, wherein he in 1988, allegedly 60 years to the day that he began actively collecting . Back in those began his career. He passed away in a nursing days, the traveling shows were the primary outlets home two years later, at age 84. in which the public sought out tattoo artists. In fact, the term, “flash,” originated in the carnival Bert Grimm circuit, initially referring to the artwork that carnie Bert Grimm is an icon of America tattooing, tattooers would post up in hopes of luring festival revered as a pioneer who made countless contri- goers into their booths. Coleman acquired so butions to the trade and arguably set the standard many tattoos that he would eventually exhibit of professionality that is still followed today. Born himself as the “Human Picture Gallery” in a trav- in Greene, MO in 1900, Grimm ran away from elling carnival called the Sheesly Shows before home at the age of 15 and made his living in the opening his own tattoo parlor in Norfolk, VA carnival/sideshow circuit. It was during this time around 1920. He passed away amid mysterious that he first learned to tattoo and began to do it circumstances in 1973, when he allegedly fell professionally, but he eventually abandoned the into the Elizabeth River behind his house and carny lifestyle to seek out mentors who could help drowned, just a few days after his 89th birthday. him hone his craft. This personal pilgrimage took To this day, Coleman is remembered as one of him from the Midwest to Portland, OR and then the most important and influential tattoo artists down to Los Angeles, CA, before he returned to of the early American tradition. Missouri to open a shop of his own in St. Louis. Over his 70-year career, Grimm became a Paul Rogers legend, having developed his own niche within Paul Rogers isn’t far behind Cap Coleman on the American traditional style; a less-is-more the O.G. scale, having begun his tattoo career approach that combined simplified, open designs, in 1928, just two years after receiving his first a limited color palette and flawless outlines and ink from a travelling circus artist. Rogers spent shading to achieve unforgettable results. his early years in the trade working and travelling in sideshows and carnivals, during which time Article written as a collaboration between staff he also trained as an acrobat. In 1945, he ended writer, David Pogge and 30-year veteran tattoo PAINMAGAZINE 14 up in Norfolk, VA working under Cap Coleman, artist, Kevin Hinton. v

Ask Elayne Angel

Nostril Piercing: Rings, Studs, & Angles

Dear Ms. Angel, Do you think that rings are OK for fresh nostril piercings? If so, do you have any suggestions about the angles, depending on whether they’re wearing a ring or stud (nostril screw or flatback) for the initial jewelry? What if the client wants to go back and forth between jewelry styles—after healing, of course?

Many thanks, C.

Dear C.

I think both styles can be safe, though I’ve found that regardless · A curved hoop resting in the straight channel made by of angle and jewelry size, very thick nostrils often don’t do well the needle can cause irritation resulting in bumps. with rings. But above-the-neck piercings are no longer my area · A slightly longer healing process is to be expected when of expertise, so to better respond to your inquiry, I brought in starting with a ring. Jef Saunders. He is an esteemed colleague who has written a few previous articles for this column, and he’s also produced Piercers do such consultations all the time: we warn our clients several incredibly informative blog posts that specifically address about the potential issues tongue piercings can have on their your questions. I highly suggest you read them and review the teeth and gums. We caution them about the temporary nature excellent graphics, which help to clarify many of the principles. of surface anchors. We explain that scarring is possible on every piercing. Following our explanation, we let our clients Additionally, I’m proud and delighted to say that Jef and I are make an informed decision to get pierced or not. Getting a working closely together on a thoroughly updated second nostril pierced with hoop-style jewelry is no different. edition of The Piercing Bible, which is due for release in June 2021! I find that most clients want a snug, thin seam ring for their nostril piercings; but, the jewelry they must wear for healing Jef says: would be larger, thicker, and have a captive or fixed bead on Nostril piercings with rings are different than nostril piercings it. If they are willing to wait for the gratification of wearing a with studs. Using rings as initial jewelry can be safe and ring without a bead, and follow my suggestions, I will proceed. appropriate, but the main downside is that their curvature That said, I have found that most of my customers decide to naturally causes irritation, and on some individuals that triggers start with straight “stud” style pieces, and then segue into bumps to form. If a client requests a hoop for their new nostril snug, thin seam rings after the healing process. piercing, I think having a consultation and discussion with them about the pros and cons of different initial jewelry styles PLACEMENT is worthwhile. Optimal placement for a nostril piercing with a ring is essential. Ideally, it would be placed more toward the tip of the nose, at The client should be informed about several important points: the front end of the pierceable crest of the nostril. This tissue both flattens and thins out. It also tends to be the best place on · Ring and stud piercings are (often) performed at different the nose to achieve a snug, “cuffed” look for the ring. angles. Sometimes the ridge of a nostril can accommodate several · The client may not be able to change from one jewelry hoops of the same diameter, but in most cases, as you place style to the other and have both look equally nice. the ring further back, the diameter must be larger to fit.

PAINMAGAZINE 16 One suggestion is the use of a handy tool priately placed stud piercings are virtually used in captives. This can make it easier to called a size placement ring, or SPR for short. the same. Both are perpendicular to the tissue, conceal the closure inside the nose. And, of I was introduced to them by the Fakir Intensives. and both result in aesthetically pleasing pierc- course, there’s no possibility of losing a bead SPRs are just niobium captives without the ings on this type of anatomy. But on a nose when it is attached. beads, in a variety of sizes. You can distinguish that is broader with a more pronounced flare the SPRs from your inventory by anodizing to the nostril, the angle is significantly different Seam rings: I advise against starting a each hoop in two different colors. for a ring and a stud. Piercing perpendicular piercing with this style, as the small seam can to the tissue would cause the hoop to stick be irritating and is a great place for bacteria When piercing with a ring, I will make a dot out too far. For the best results with a ring, to gather. Some colleagues will use a seam on the cleaned nostril with a disposable gentian the angle of the piercing for the average ring as initial jewelry with a small sterilized violet marker , and then place an SPR on the nostril tends to be almost parallel with the O-ring over the seam. This seems like an mark. In some cases, I will need to open the floor or tilted very slightly downward. elegant solution to the problem, although an SPR larger than the size of the bead. Take this O-ring seems as visible as a captive or fixed into account, as you may need to go with a RING-STYLEJEWELRYOPTIONS bead (if not more obvious). larger diameter for the jewelry selection. The Captive bead rings: “CBRs” are the old SPR helps me to determine the appropriate standby and I still like them for nostrils with Nostril nails: After healing, the nostril nail is diameter, and also helps my client to visualize hoops. l strongly suggest stocking several an excellent option for clients who like to the size and angle of the piercing beforehand. “half” sizes (9/32” and 11/32”). I prefer change jewelry regularly. It can also be modi- 18 gauge for nostrils with rings, as the curva- fied without the use of tools to be slightly I find that many clients want a hoop that is ture of the jewelry through the fistula tends to snugger than a traditional ring. impossibly tight. But the jewelry needs to be even more irritating at 20 gauge. For accommodate some swelling and provide a some, jewelry as thick as 16 gauge will look When we elect to use a hoop initially we small amount of space, so it doesn’t rub on appropriate, though the majority of piercees need to acknowledge that the piercing will the skin of the nostril. Therefore, they must be prefer thinner. Most of my clients opt to wear be more prone to irritation if the angle is not willing to heal with a ring that is larger than the bead on the inside of their nostril, so it perpendicular to the tissue. That doesn't mean what they envisioned. isn’t visible. we need to completely avoid it. If the client is informed and agreeable, and will wear ANGLE Fixed bead rings: Obviously, these are very appropriate jewelry throughout healing, then On a few clients with very narrow noses, the similar to CBRs, but they are available with piercing with a ring can be safe and angles for snug hoop piercings and appro- slightly smaller beads than the ones commonly successful. O

PAINMAG.COM PAINMAGAZINE 18 irst let me introduce myself, I’m Patrick McCarthy, I was the first elected President of the Association of Professional Piercers and have been piercing for over 29 years. Over these years I have been involved in many aspects of the industry in teaching both piercers and health officials how to design and inspect body piercing studios. I have been contacted by health inspectors asking if a piercing studio can open Fwithout an autoclave and still meet state laws and regulations; until now the answer has always been no. More than a decade ago, the tattoo industry started the switch to disposable, single use products, and, Stiletto Piercing Supply wants to move the piercing industry in the same direction. Moving the piercing industry into the 100% disposable realm has had its own challenges, but I feel confident in the products that we have designed and tested.

Stiletto has not only designed many new tools to be used in the piercing industry, it offers many of the industries standard products in pre-sterilized cost effective options. Stiletto Piercing Supply’s products allow you to perform ALL piercings using an Aseptic Technique with our pre-sterilized single use products. Stiletto Piercing Supply owns an FDA approved EO (Ethylene Oxide Gas) sterilization room reassuring you every package comes sterilized and verifiable with lot numbers. Our primary goal of this new venture is to allow piercing and/or tattoo studios to open without the need for a sterilization room.

For those of us that own our own studio we understand the time, cost and labor it takes day- after-day to soak, ultrasonic, wash, package, autoclave and store products. Stiletto Piercing Supply can put an end to that, allowing you to save money and time. Stiletto Piercing Supply has invested a lot of time and money in the creation and design all the products needed to run a studio without the use of an autoclave. Stiletto Piercing Supply produces single use silicon coated tapers, in press-fit, standard and threaded styles. We have even produced single use disposable silicon covers and grips for your opening, closing and bending plyers allowing you to reuse the tools without having to autoclave.

Perhaps Stiletto Piercing Supply’s signature product is our super sharp individually packaged, pre-sterilized needles with built-in pins allowing you a faster, less painful piercing for your clients. Also saving you the need to even use a taper pin for many piercings. These needles will be produced in press-fit, threaded and standard pin styles.

Stiletto Piercing Supply is proud to announce a high-quality line of compliant pre-sterilized, internally threaded jewelry. All jewelry comes hand polished, double ultrasonic washed, packaged and autoclaved in boxes of 10 allowing you to again save time and money. We will contin ue to add to our jewelry line with the introduction of new pieces every few weeks.

Stiletto produces every product you need to perform, insert, or change jewelry without the need for an autoclave. Visit our website at www.stilettopiercing.com for a better look at all the products we produce. O

PAINMAGAZINE 19 I have been tattooing 6 years

I hold and keep up to date any certifications necessary to obtain and keep Tattoo Licenses when and where they are needed, such as Bloodborne, CPR, First Aid, Massachusetts Skin Course for Tattoo Artists, etc.

I consider myself very well rounded and although I book out pretty well, the shop I perform most of my work from is very walk in heavy and I take them when I can to stay fresh in just about everything. However, I do have a favorite style to do which is portraits or anything black and grey realism because it reminds me of the constant pencil drawing I would do as a kid.

What I find fascinating about today’s tattoo industry is how much it’s constantly evolving and no matter how much it grows and shops pop up here or there people stay busy. The world is definitely a different place and it’s amazing how big the industry is now and will continue to be going forward. It’s gone from being a taboo art form to a widely accepted career.

Some parting thoughts I have, might be that, a kid who was an only child of a single mom and passed time drawing while being babysat by family, was actually spending that time preparing myself for a dream career without knowing it. I’ve had so many jobs since high school that I never was able to stay with for more than a short time. With tattooing, when I started it, I knew why I was never satisfied with anything else. I didn’t need a job tattooing wasn’t one of those. I finally found what I was meant to do and life is too short to not have that feeling, no matter how long it takes to find it. I’m thankful every day that I did. O

Email: [email protected] Instagram: @brianhubistattoos

PAINMAGAZINE 20 PAINMAG.COM egz has been tattooing for three years. She is BBP certified and holds a current Mlicense to tattoo in the state of California. Megz specializes in Disney and Manga Watercolor. When asked what she finds fascinating about the tattoo industry she replied, “I find the variety of clients to be fascinating. In one day you can be tattooing a corrections officer, then a chief, then a mother of four. You meet tons of fascinating people with different perspectives on this beautiful messy thing we call life.”

“I want to create a tattoo the client will cherish for a lifetime, and—on top of this—I want the client to feel safe, appreciated, and respected when they sit in my chair. I want them to walk out of the session with pain on their skin and peace in their heart.” O

Shop Name: Bosco’s Tattoo Shop Cell: 661-972-8650 Instagram: @tattoozbymegz

PAINMAGAZINE 22 PAINMAG.COM I started tattooing professionally August 2008

Certifications: Bloodborne pathogens, non laser removal

I recently started learning portraiture. I don’t think I’ve been tattooing long enough to say I have a specialty. I still have a lot to learn

What i love about tattoos is.... you dont have to speak one word to another person, but just look at their tattoos, and pretty much figure what they’re about.

I will leave on this... You’re either going to love me or hate me, it’s what ever, but know you will never forget me. We don’t fuck around.

(frankie needles) My Pride Tattoo Mypridetattoo.net Inked4life2013

PAINMAGAZINE 24 PAINMAG.COM TTBRTTCN Have you tried Metal Mafia’s threadless line yet? Many of their internally threaded replacement tops have also been included in this new threadless addi- tion, including the popular prong set opal flowers and cabochon crescent heads. Grab some pieces for your shop today – you won’t be disappointed.

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MICROSAN MICROSAN®RX SOAP E-2T kills 99.999% of germs in seconds and lasts for up to 4 hours! It is specifically formulated for the piercing and tattoo industry in consultation with Sean Dowdell of Club Tattoo and is available exclusively through Metal Mafia. TTBTOPGLAM TTBTOPGLAM Metal Mafia anodizes any titanium piece in-house for only 30¢ more per piece. Shown: Threadless ball ends in a rainbow of colors.

TTHLB-CDGLAM Threadless natural stone cabochon discs on helix labrets. Discs also available in Swarovski gem and synthetic opal. Grab some pieces for your shop today! MICROSAN

TIT TIT Shown: ASTM F-136 Titanium Insertion Tapers, measures internally. Fun tip: Get your sizes anodized by color to cut down on measuring time. It’s a really simple way to eliminate a step in the body modifica- tion procedure! Plus, customers love seeing the shiny colors. Available in sizes 18G – 00G.

TTHLB-CD GLAM www.METALMAFIA.com

PAINMAGAZINE 26 spoon, a guitar string, a Sony Walkman, and 20 bucks collected from a day’s worth of panhandling. In the beginning, this Awas Kevin Hinton’s admission price into the tattoo world.

Well, it wasn’t exactly the beginning, but it was close. We could go back a few years more and discuss the half-finished chain tattoo he’d poked into his wrist with a sewing needle he’d stolen from his mom, but there’s only so much space. Let’s start with his first machine.

WWW.PAINMAG.COM “I was 16 when I found out that guys in jail gave each other tattoos,” he recalls with a laugh. “Of course, I had no idea how they did it, but I knew this dude who had gone to jail. Later I found out it was a drunk in public and he only went to county for three hours, but whatever . . . he didn’t know how to make a , but he knew a guy who did—a scary fucking dude who just got out of San Quentin.” The guy agreed to help our protagonist, telling him to bring the aforementioned items. The first three were to build the machine. The $20? For his time.

Don’t worry. He was admittedly young and dumb, and it was the ‘80’s. That’s practically how everyone started back then. Besides, he’s all grown up now, with more than thirty years of legitimate tattoo expe- rience under his belt.

But this story isn’t really about Kevin. Not exactly, anyway. Technically speaking, it’s about Talisman Body Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the shop in which Kevin works, alongside fellow tattoo veteran, Ed Tafoya, recent apprentice-turned-full-fledged-artist, Jordan Duran, and front of house ninja, Britney Dale.

PAINMAGAZINE 28 Typically, when we profile a tattoo parlor, we focus on the owner. But Talisman’s owner, Phil Montoya has a more hands-off approach to the shop than what is typical. Not that he’s neglectful of his investment; he just has three other businesses to look after in Austin, Texas, and there- fore, leaves the day to day operation of Talisman largely to Ed and Kevin. Smart move, considering they both have a solid three decades of experience to their names. The shop is in good hands.

Sadly, prior obligations precluded Ed from joining the interview. In his absence, he submitted a five-minute pre-recorded monologue in which he gave a brief summary of his personal history. Spoiler alert: At the four-and-a-half-minute mark, he admits that everything he’s said prior to that point was “all bullshit.” It’s a shame, really. When someone talks about living under a bridge with a runaway Egyptian princess, you just want it to be true. Bonus points for creativity, in any case. He spun a helluva yarn.

“The truth is,” he concluded, capping off the first four and a half minutes of bullshit, “I learned how to tattoo in San Francisco from Erno Szabady. I stayed there for a long time, moved back to Albuquerque and now I'm in Santa Fe.”

Let’s be real, though. As badass as the whole bridge/runaway princess story sounds, it’s not as badass as having Erno Szabady as a mentor. Truth beats fiction here, at least for our purposes.

PAINMAG.COM This sort of brings us to the magic that makes Talisman what it is; the fact that it’s staffed and managed by two multidecade veterans of the trade who learned from and interacted with the legends and have the chops to prove it. The corresponding pictorial really says it all. They may shine most in the tradi- tional varieties, but there really isn’t a category they can’t tackle. Well, except Kevin insists you shouldn’t ask him for photorealism.

“I don't need some turd that needs to be polished down the street that was done by me,” he blurts out, laughing. Alright, so maybe not photorealism, but you’d be hard pressed to find another category they haven’t nailed. The best part, though, at least for the client, is that they’re sticking with their roots and staying all walk-in. Yes, that even includes those traditional Japanese pieces.

“The books are open for all three of us—walk-ins every day,” Kevin says. “No one's walking out without getting tattooed . . . I’ll do tribal arm bands with a smile on my face. I’ll do whatever. I come from the old school. I loved it when you could walk in, point at the wall and get the tattoo. Those days are gone. Now, somebody walks in and shows me something from Pinterest on their phone, I don't give a shit. Sit down. You're getting it. I love tattooing!”

That doesn’t mean he won’t give you his honest advice, though. It’s still a two-way street and he’s still the expert. But in the end, the client gets what they want (within reason.)

“I did a big watercolor piece on this girl’s ribs,” he offers as an example. “To me, it looked like a funky outline of a rose with a rash, but she LOVED it and that’s all that matters. She was like, ‘What do you think?’ and I said, ‘I love that YOU love it.’ I’m not tattooing for likes on Instagram. I’m tattooing for the client. You catch more bees with honey, man.” O

PAINMAGAZINE 30 PAINMAG.COM

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PAINMAGAZINE 36 Photo by Shovey Photography

owa in February is the perfect setting for a tattoo show. With temperatures barely reaching the freezing level, only the bravest (or craziest) people were showing skin outside, but inside the Mid America Center the atmos- phere was warm and welcoming at the 2nd Annual ICouncil Bluffs Tattoo Arts Convention. According to event emcee “Dr. Carl Blasphemy,” the Council Bluffs show, being in mid-America, has a more “exclusive” feel to it than many of the major shows. Still, 300 artists were in attendance and more than 5,000 tattoo fans visited over the three-day event.

We bring in a bunch of different high caliber artists, not only from the local area, but from around the country. We're helping to expose people to tattooing other than what they see on television,” Carl said. “It was a really solid show — the artists were busy all the way up until we shut the doors.”

Tattoo contest winners in the color categories were Adam Aguas, Jake Pasons and Alexandria Barrett; top spots for black & gray went to Jae Gomez, Jordi Pla and Pete Whitlow. Best of Show was awarded to Jake Parsons, Blackwood, Adam Aguas and Patrick Oleson. All the winners earned an Axis Rotary Tattoo Machine and of Holy Water numbing spray by Saint Marq.

PAINMAG.COM PAINMAGAZINE 38 Florida permanent makeup artist Candy Dunbar is one of the regulars on the Villain Arts tour. Not only do she and her husband Kyle tattoo at the shows, Candy is one of the official contest judges.

“She has a great eye and everybody respects her,” Carl said. “She will straight up tell you what about your piece put it over the top or why it didn't win.”

The convention featured not only live tattooing, but live acts inc luding Alakazam the Human Knot, The Enigma, Olde City Sideshow and dynamic human suspension. One of the new additions to the Villain Arts shows is a giant projection screen which literally added another dimension to the stage acts and gave people a judge's eye view of the tattoos in the daily contests.

“This was a very leisurely, laid back weekend. Everyone who came to the show was really nice. There was a real family feel,” Carl said. “A lot of those who came out the first year were back again and it was great to see them and say hi.”

If there's a tattoo show happening it's a good bet it's put on by Troy Timpel and the gang at Villain Arts. They're nearing two dozen shows a year including events in major cities including , , Houston, New Orleans, , Kansas City, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Minneapolis and Philadelphia. They've even expanded west- ward with shows in and Portland. The month of April alone has Villain Arts setting up shop in Louisville, Asheville and Baltimore.

“A big part of what we're about is giving back to the artists and bettering the industry,” Carl remarked. “We’re crazy busy.” O

PAINMAG.COM in Portland, ME is widely cited as the first to set one up for spontaneously fermented sour beers, back in 2008. (Anchor Brewing, it should be noted, has used one for a while, but not to make sours.) Others, like Russian River, Anchorage, New Glarus, and Bluejacket have followed suit in the years since. Their motives vary, from lambic admiration, to a thirst for innova- tion, to a desire to make beer with a sense of terroir.

Oftentimes, it’s a mix of these and other factors. Denver’s Crooked Stave Artisan Ales was born from a dissertation that owner/brewer Chad Yakobson wrote on a wild yeast called Brettanomyces. (Crooked Stave has a coolship, but hasn’t put it to use yet.) Jester King in Austin, TX incorporates local yeasts from the surrounding Texas Hill Country into its t doesn’t look like much Unlike the tall, producing stunningly complex flavors coolship batches. Allagash is experi- gleaming fermenters you have likely under the right circumstances. The catch menting with different blends and aging seen on a brewery tour, the device is that you can only control the process so with cherries and raspberries—a tradi- consists of a simple metal pan, usually much; mostly, you just have to sit back tional technique used to balance out sour- longer than it is wide and only a foot and let nature take its course. ness with natural sweetness from fruit. Ior two deep. No one knows exactly where the coolship originated (there is evidence Cantillon wasn’t first brewery to make These beers, collected under the nebulous of shallow, uncovered brewing vessels spontaneously fermented sour ales, but it umbrella of “American wild ales” by the dating back to at least medieval times), may be the best. microbrewing community, are still very but its practical application is clear to much a small niche in an exploding craft anyone who didn’t sleep through physics It’s hard to pinpoint which brewery first scene that for years has been dominated in high school. started making spontaneously fermented by the arms race to make bigger, hoppier sour ales, but Cantillon in Brussels is the IPAs. But breweries like Boulevard, Surly, “I would imagine someone was boiling most commonly cited reference point— The Lost Abbey, and Wicked Weed are that liquid a millennium ago, adding both because it’s been around for a while taking home Great American Beer Festival spices or hops, and they said, ‘Well, it’s (since 1900), and also because it feels medals in various sour-leaning/wild beer not going to ferment until it cools down,'” like every U.S. craft brewer interested in categories, and there are more and more says Dan Carey, co-owner and brew- wild ales worships at the feet of its tippling, events cropping up to celebrate this funky master of Wisconsin’s coolship-rocking chair-tipping label mascot. Cantillon corner of the brew world, like Chicago’s New Glarus Brewing. “And then some- wasn’t first, but it may be the best. annual Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged body had the bright idea, ‘Let’s increase Beer and the roving, collaborative bottle- the surface area by putting it in a pan.'” Jean-Pierre van Roy, Cantillon’s fourth- sharing meet-up, Where the Wild Beers generation brewer, has owned the Brussels Are. All signs point to a continued rise in As the years went by and technology institution since 2011. He says very little the production of complex, tart beers in advanced, coolships as old-fashioned heat has changed in Cantillon’s 114 year years to come. exchangers were no longer necessary. history aside from the bottling line, and Most modern breweries—adopting the that time and patience are simply part of In the meantime, the proliferation of cool- cleanliness-is-next-to-godliness mantra you the process when it comes to making these ships around the country is a testament to see in most commercial spaces today— carefully crafted sour brews. “We don’t the mouth-puckering, refreshing appeal of eschewed these shallow pans in favor of control our fermentation, so some beers lambics; the maturing craft-beer market, more modern refrigeration techniques. could take less than one year to be ready which is looking for a break from hop for a blend, and some even two years,” bombs and imperial stouts; and the But not everyone. van Roy says. “Patience [is important for enduring influence of old-world breweries brewers considering a coolship] because like Cantillon. Asked if it’s fulfilling to see The Belgians realized that, in addition to a brewery has to build its own natural this movement happening in the states, speeding up the cooling process, these environment, and it takes a lot of time. van Roy seems pleased, if modest. “Yes, open vessels also exposed wort (the Love and passion are very important for for sure, but I don’t consider it a success sugary liquid that ferments into beer) to me, as [they are for] a lot of craft brewers.” for Cantillon itself,” he says. “More as a naturally occurring yeasts and bacteria in success for traditional lambic.” O the atmosphere. While these microorgan- Inspired by forefathers like Cantillon, U.S. isms can easily spoil a brew through cont- breweries have caught coolship fever in amination, they are also capable of recent years. Allagash Brewing Company PAINMAGAZINE 40

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