BME: Body Modification Ezine

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.

Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News, Events, and Culture

Back to 1984

Written by

Rob

When Jason Stephan’s wife asked him to tattoo her back, it was the first time he’d ever been able to complete a piece of this size on blank skin.  The couple came up with the design together, and the result is fantastic.  Here’s what Jason’s wife had to say about the design:

This piece is the culmination of feelings about many of the issues of today. Some of these issues have come up in the past, most notably in George Orwell’s book “1984″ and so this tattoo could be described as a creative visualization of that novel. The lamb/ human figures are representative of all things that are good and innocent about mankind: curiosity, naivete, kindness, tolerance, etc. The robot is symbolic of all of the forces that corrupt those “good things.” The corrupting forces could be technology, government, greed, etc. On the robot’s screen is a face reminiscent on “Big Brother” in Orwell

Jason works at Loose Screw Tattoo in Richmond, VA.

Comments

9 responses to “Back to 1984”

  1. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    He did that to someone he liked?

  2. Nano Avatar
    Nano

    Jason is great and he works with one of the best in Jesse Smith.
    Stunning artists the both of them.

  3. Darkonyx Avatar
    Darkonyx

    I’m guessing she likes it?

  4. Sean Philips Avatar
    Sean Philips

    Jason’s a rad guy, he guest spotted at Starlight when I worked there and I really liked him. I might have to jump down to RVA for a piece by him if I can find any blank spots.

  5. Jon P Avatar
    Jon P

    I love it when people engage with literature in such a way that it sparks whole trains of thought. Nineteen Eighty-Four obviously did so for this woman. What better advertisment for a book could you get than a HUGE full-colour backpiece? To those of you who’ve never read any Orwell, read Nineteen Eighty-Four. If you’re not one for books and can only handle a short one, read Animal Farm. Do it!

  6. riley Avatar
    riley

    Love the artwork! It’s incredible the way the robot pops off her back like that. If it were me I’d have it stop pre butt though. Something about all that color just makes it really flat and well not very butt like.

  7. hannah Avatar
    hannah

    I actually said “wow” out loud when I scrolled down. Nineteen Eighty-Four is one of my favourite books, and this backpiece is incredible.

  8. 1DeX6 Avatar
    1DeX6

    wow !!!! fery nice work !!

  9. AKJ Avatar
    AKJ

    Technique is beautiful but the design is…so ugly. the lamb creature’s face is just awful.

Latest Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News

  • Twelve Points to the Sky
    by Jonathon
    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
    by Jonathon
    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
    by Nef
    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
    by Nef
    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
    by Nef
    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
    by Jen Savage
    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