A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Mind The Gap


Hoo boy that’s grisly, but fitting for this, the Halloween season, no? Shane checks in from scenic Columbus, Georgia, to show off this new Columbia Necktie tattoo by Matthew Wertjes at Superior Skin Art. The tongue is a nice touch, too—the tongue in the tattoo, that is, not the split tongue, although we’re sure that has a nice touch too…ladies.

More angles after the jump, including a painful-looking procedural shot.

See more in Facial and Neck Tattoos (Tattoos)

Comments

210 responses to “Mind The Gap”

  1. CoryVictorious Avatar

    Gotta say “Ha” to everyone who is saying that shane isn’t tattooed “enough” just by looking at these pix. Go check out his IAM page.

    Love the necktie.

  2. CoryVictorious Avatar

    Gotta say “Ha” to everyone who is saying that shane isn’t tattooed “enough” just by looking at these pix. Go check out his IAM page.

    Love the necktie.

  3. Tim Avatar
    Tim

    Nice tattoo. Very raw. Rock on homie!

  4. Tim Avatar
    Tim

    Nice tattoo. Very raw. Rock on homie!

  5. dean Avatar
    dean

    look at that gap in the teeth fukkk but so many other things u could get on ur neck theirs loads of beautfill art

  6. dean Avatar
    dean

    look at that gap in the teeth fukkk but so many other things u could get on ur neck theirs loads of beautfill art

  7. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    #51
    also if you read his posts on his iam page half of the time hes inbetween work and couch surfing constantly to survive…..which seems the perfect time to get a super sweet throat tattoo.

  8. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    #51
    also if you read his posts on his iam page half of the time hes inbetween work and couch surfing constantly to survive…..which seems the perfect time to get a super sweet throat tattoo.

  9. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    He seems to be a complete idiot on his IAM page, thanks for telling everyone to go look so we can all see what a moron he is. Now instead of not having a job because he’s an IDIOT, he’ll probably turn into one of those “They wont hire me because I’m different but I won’t change for anyone” douchebags.

    Having tattoos or a piercing should never be more important than having a job and supporting yourself. Yet here we see another example of a moron with no job paying money he probably didn’t earn for a tattoo that will make it almost impossible to get a well paying job.

  10. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    He seems to be a complete idiot on his IAM page, thanks for telling everyone to go look so we can all see what a moron he is. Now instead of not having a job because he’s an IDIOT, he’ll probably turn into one of those “They wont hire me because I’m different but I won’t change for anyone” douchebags.

    Having tattoos or a piercing should never be more important than having a job and supporting yourself. Yet here we see another example of a moron with no job paying money he probably didn’t earn for a tattoo that will make it almost impossible to get a well paying job.

  11. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    PS
    Matthew Wertjes at Superior Skin Art needs to learn proper procedures before even thinking about touching someone else with a needle every again. Between that and how poor the tattoo is it’s obvious he doesn’t know shit about tattooing people professionally. How the fuck is someone doing something that unsanitary on this blog in a POSITIVE light right now!?

  12. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    PS
    Matthew Wertjes at Superior Skin Art needs to learn proper procedures before even thinking about touching someone else with a needle every again. Between that and how poor the tattoo is it’s obvious he doesn’t know shit about tattooing people professionally. How the fuck is someone doing something that unsanitary on this blog in a POSITIVE light right now!?

  13. jamessiy Avatar
    jamessiy

    COLOMBIAN NECK TIE.
    i think it looks great.

  14. jamessiy Avatar
    jamessiy

    COLOMBIAN NECK TIE.
    i think it looks great.

  15. Aimeeeee~ Avatar
    Aimeeeee~

    Whilst it is an impressive tattoo it’s not something I’d recommend one getting. It’s going to look terrible when he gets older and his neck gets all saggy and jowl-y. Or if he gains a shitload of weight. Hah.
    Pershonul preeefreence though.

  16. Aimeeeee~ Avatar
    Aimeeeee~

    Whilst it is an impressive tattoo it’s not something I’d recommend one getting. It’s going to look terrible when he gets older and his neck gets all saggy and jowl-y. Or if he gains a shitload of weight. Hah.
    Pershonul preeefreence though.

  17. Bob Avatar
    Bob

    Aesthetically beautiful? How is a vivid depiction of a horrifying injury in any way “aesthetically beautiful”?

  18. Bob Avatar
    Bob

    Aesthetically beautiful? How is a vivid depiction of a horrifying injury in any way “aesthetically beautiful”?

  19. Toaster Avatar
    Toaster

    Groundhog day man.

  20. Toaster Avatar
    Toaster

    Groundhog day man.

  21. AmandaGee Avatar

    not something i would get, but it looks great!

  22. AmandaGee Avatar

    not something i would get, but it looks great!

  23. Nkay Avatar

    I never understood gore tattoos and I guess I never will.

  24. Nkay Avatar

    I never understood gore tattoos and I guess I never will.

  25. anthony Avatar

    i wonder if his beard grows in low enough on his neck that itll look kind of odd or dull once he begins to regrow hair in the area. the cross-contamination issue is a major concern, especially for the artist. its not only his ass on the line, but the clients he may cause harm to. even if the client is his friend, it sucks to be putting your livelihood on the line like that. as for the tattoo itself, of course he’s going to catch shit for it, but even if he becomes completely shunned from society, the guy didn’t sign a death certificate by getting the tattoo (provided of course he doesn’t catch something fucked up from a dirty clip cord…). at the end of the day though…. what the fuck ever. he didn’t get the nike swoosh or something… and even if he did, oh well. i hope its exactly what he envisioned, thats all you can shoot for.

  26. anthony Avatar

    i wonder if his beard grows in low enough on his neck that itll look kind of odd or dull once he begins to regrow hair in the area. the cross-contamination issue is a major concern, especially for the artist. its not only his ass on the line, but the clients he may cause harm to. even if the client is his friend, it sucks to be putting your livelihood on the line like that. as for the tattoo itself, of course he’s going to catch shit for it, but even if he becomes completely shunned from society, the guy didn’t sign a death certificate by getting the tattoo (provided of course he doesn’t catch something fucked up from a dirty clip cord…). at the end of the day though…. what the fuck ever. he didn’t get the nike swoosh or something… and even if he did, oh well. i hope its exactly what he envisioned, thats all you can shoot for.

  27. anthony Avatar

    to clarify: SHANE catching shit for the tattoo, not the artist…. forgive my pronouns, its kind of late…

  28. anthony Avatar

    to clarify: SHANE catching shit for the tattoo, not the artist…. forgive my pronouns, its kind of late…

  29. Gizmo Avatar
    Gizmo

    I agree with everythin V says so far. A very detailed tattoo, executed very well, but personally I dont wound tattoos…
    If someone came and asked me to do their 1st tattoo on hands, neck or face.. or head, they get told to fuck off.

    Im all for sayin “FUCK EVERYONE” but when its your tattoo credentials and reputation on the line, its a different story… I hate this PS bullshit, but alas, Im a tattoo artist and I have to warn people of the negative effects their tattoo could have, not just try n sell a drawin for their skin…

  30. Gizmo Avatar
    Gizmo

    I agree with everythin V says so far. A very detailed tattoo, executed very well, but personally I dont wound tattoos…
    If someone came and asked me to do their 1st tattoo on hands, neck or face.. or head, they get told to fuck off.

    Im all for sayin “FUCK EVERYONE” but when its your tattoo credentials and reputation on the line, its a different story… I hate this PS bullshit, but alas, Im a tattoo artist and I have to warn people of the negative effects their tattoo could have, not just try n sell a drawin for their skin…

  31. mela Avatar
    mela

    Will look shitty in few years.

    And not using cable-covers means not showing any sense of resposebility…

  32. mela Avatar
    mela

    Will look shitty in few years.

    And not using cable-covers means not showing any sense of resposebility…

  33. tex Avatar
    tex

    What a boring tattoo.

    Boring guy.

    Most tattoos are boring.
    Investment Banking is the new cool.

  34. tex Avatar
    tex

    What a boring tattoo.

    Boring guy.

    Most tattoos are boring.
    Investment Banking is the new cool.

  35. Maggie Avatar
    Maggie

    Slipknot sucks. I reeeally just needed to get that out of the way.

    Everyone has a different aesthetic and personally, I do not find this aesthetically pleasing at all. Its ugly and extremely poorly executed. I believe everyone has the right to do as the wish with their bodies, but I personally believe this guy is a huge dumbass. He’s 21, doesn’t have a job, and just got a huge neckpiece that most people will find extremely unattractive. I’m all for being comfortable within your own skin, but let’s be realistic.

    Also, that tattoo artist should be embarrassed to have those pictures on here. That’s so unsanitary.

  36. Maggie Avatar
    Maggie

    Slipknot sucks. I reeeally just needed to get that out of the way.

    Everyone has a different aesthetic and personally, I do not find this aesthetically pleasing at all. Its ugly and extremely poorly executed. I believe everyone has the right to do as the wish with their bodies, but I personally believe this guy is a huge dumbass. He’s 21, doesn’t have a job, and just got a huge neckpiece that most people will find extremely unattractive. I’m all for being comfortable within your own skin, but let’s be realistic.

    Also, that tattoo artist should be embarrassed to have those pictures on here. That’s so unsanitary.

  37. shuggabee Avatar
    shuggabee

    as someone who has their neck tattooed at a young age, i don’t think that his age should be the sole reason for judging. obviously, neck and throat tattoos are a big decisions.. and hopefully this young man thought of that before he acted. also, everyone on here needs to remember we all have different ideas of what we like on our bodies and what we are willing to put up with from other people. people come up to me all the time and say extremely rude comments or just blatantly ask me if i “think i will ever regret that’. people don’t know the reasons why i have my tattoos or my goals, etc.. and yeah, it may be harder for me to a get a job at this point in my life than someone who looks square.. but honestly, i feel myself, and i love my tattoos, and know they were the right choice for me.
    i will say, this looks a little showy and wouldn’t be my choice either.. but i am all for visible tattoos if they make you happy! there’s no need to be afraid of who you are, even if other people don’t like it.

  38. shuggabee Avatar
    shuggabee

    as someone who has their neck tattooed at a young age, i don’t think that his age should be the sole reason for judging. obviously, neck and throat tattoos are a big decisions.. and hopefully this young man thought of that before he acted. also, everyone on here needs to remember we all have different ideas of what we like on our bodies and what we are willing to put up with from other people. people come up to me all the time and say extremely rude comments or just blatantly ask me if i “think i will ever regret that’. people don’t know the reasons why i have my tattoos or my goals, etc.. and yeah, it may be harder for me to a get a job at this point in my life than someone who looks square.. but honestly, i feel myself, and i love my tattoos, and know they were the right choice for me.
    i will say, this looks a little showy and wouldn’t be my choice either.. but i am all for visible tattoos if they make you happy! there’s no need to be afraid of who you are, even if other people don’t like it.

  39. castro Avatar
    castro

    i personally dig it. i don’t really ‘get’ gore tattoos typically but it’s creepy and attractive despite what the artistry might be lacking.

    it’s a bummer so much of the negativity is about how he’ll feel in 50 years or how he’ll get a job or whatever. not everyone wants to work in a profession where you can’t have gory neck tattoos, and some people see their modifications as more important than what’s socially acceptable. i say props to them.

  40. castro Avatar
    castro

    i personally dig it. i don’t really ‘get’ gore tattoos typically but it’s creepy and attractive despite what the artistry might be lacking.

    it’s a bummer so much of the negativity is about how he’ll feel in 50 years or how he’ll get a job or whatever. not everyone wants to work in a profession where you can’t have gory neck tattoos, and some people see their modifications as more important than what’s socially acceptable. i say props to them.

  41. dorothy parkers elbow Avatar
    dorothy parkers elbow

    sod the tattoo… im bored of it….

    but the gap in his teeth is purdy…..

  42. dorothy parkers elbow Avatar
    dorothy parkers elbow

    sod the tattoo… im bored of it….

    but the gap in his teeth is purdy…..

  43. Faye Avatar

    castro – How many professions can you think of where gory neck tattoos are acceptable? I can’t think of a huge amount, though I suppose some employers are more accepting than others.

    I think the tattoo is very well done. I wouldn’t call it a great decision if it was purely for shock factor – but I don’t know Shane’s personal reasons for getting it. I sure would like to hear them.

  44. Faye Avatar

    castro – How many professions can you think of where gory neck tattoos are acceptable? I can’t think of a huge amount, though I suppose some employers are more accepting than others.

    I think the tattoo is very well done. I wouldn’t call it a great decision if it was purely for shock factor – but I don’t know Shane’s personal reasons for getting it. I sure would like to hear them.

  45. Shane Avatar

    I do have a job actually I make good money I can look however and I can tour whenever so my job is greaterthan most alsoi don’t care what others think ihave very personal reasons for this piece I’ve wanteditforfouryears now and I had over 38 hrs of work before recieving this piece so it’s whatever whenyou guys question my experiences my decisions my LIFE but ihavenothingto prove to youfucks I’m ontour inky baller ass I phone I paid for with my hard earned cash that I damnsure worked for so fuck off not to mention I guarantee anyone that looks like me doesn’t plan onbeing 50 especially considering with my chrons and marfans syndrome my average life expectancy is around 45 at least that’s what my last doctor told me either way I don’t give two fucks about you or what youthink I do this for myself not some imaginery point system

  46. Shane Avatar

    I do have a job actually I make good money I can look however and I can tour whenever so my job is greaterthan most alsoi don’t care what others think ihave very personal reasons for this piece I’ve wanteditforfouryears now and I had over 38 hrs of work before recieving this piece so it’s whatever whenyou guys question my experiences my decisions my LIFE but ihavenothingto prove to youfucks I’m ontour inky baller ass I phone I paid for with my hard earned cash that I damnsure worked for so fuck off not to mention I guarantee anyone that looks like me doesn’t plan onbeing 50 especially considering with my chrons and marfans syndrome my average life expectancy is around 45 at least that’s what my last doctor told me either way I don’t give two fucks about you or what youthink I do this for myself not some imaginery point system

  47. Lily Avatar
    Lily

    I dont see how anybody has the right to comment on another persons tattoo. It’s a personal choice, and you’re only going to make the person feel bad when he reads it. So shut the fuck up. xo

  48. Lily Avatar
    Lily

    I dont see how anybody has the right to comment on another persons tattoo. It’s a personal choice, and you’re only going to make the person feel bad when he reads it. So shut the fuck up. xo

  49. hess Avatar

    lol, as soon as I saw “74 comments” I knew exactly what the debate was going to be. Y’all are predictable!

  50. hess Avatar

    lol, as soon as I saw “74 comments” I knew exactly what the debate was going to be. Y’all are predictable!

Latest Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News

  • Twelve Points to the Sky
    There’s a particular kind of magic that happens at your first big suspension gathering when you arrive with nerves, an open heart, and the quiet hope of flight. Guided by the encouragement of mentor Lynn Loheide and driven by the quiet confidence of belonging, Alex… Read more: Twelve Points to the Sky
  • Ontario SusCon 2025
    In March 2025, BME attended the Ontario Suspension Convention in Hamilton, hosted by the Kevin Donaghy and the Ontario Suspension Collective. We had the pleasure to take part and help document the event, but also run a booth to sell a bunch of old (but… Read more: Ontario SusCon 2025
  • Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
    Dear BME Community, We’ve been gone far too long, but BME is back to give people a voice, a space, a community. With time everything evolves, and BME may be different than you remember. Our goal is to stay true to Shannon and Rachel’s values… Read more: Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
  • BME Social Media
    Word of mouth has been our method of reuniting the community, and it has brought a substantial amount of us together. I am inspired by your loyalty and I want to remind more people of BME’s existence. In 2020 we gained control over @bmezine on… Read more: BME Social Media
  • BMEShop
    Despite the hurricanes in 2015 which destroyed almost all of what Rachel owned, she managed to save the original inventory from BME. We have relisted some of the stock on BMEShop.com with the hopes you may be interested.  Our first drop includes a selection of… Read more: BMEShop
  • Rachel Larratt 1980-2022
    Unfortunately, when we lost some of the ModBlog content, it included the post about Rachel’s passing. (Original Post) Rachel passed away on June 22, 2022. She died in her sleep. Even now, it’s extremely difficult to write this post. Rachel meant so much to so… Read more: Rachel Larratt 1980-2022