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

  • Want to take part in something groundbreaking?

    Written by

    Rob

    After months of planning and research, a new project is about to get underway that is both a living art exhibit and a journey into the very limits of body modification.  I’ve known about this for a little while, but I had been asked to keep quiet until the time was right.  Well, today is the day.

    The artist behind this project has asked to remain anonymous for now, but he/she has been featured on ModBlog several times before.  This project is the culmination of many years of hard work.  That project?  The Arnie Composition.

    The focus of the project is to take fictional modification/mutations found in various Arnold Schwarzenegger films and make them a reality.  This is where you come in.  The artist is looking for volunteers to take part in this radical art showcase.  In order to take part you must be 21 or older, and have some experience with surgical modifications (i.e. implants, etc), and be willing to travel to Montreal.

    So what modifications are planned?  Well I don’t have the final list, but I can provide some examples.  We recently saw in the news a professor who used transdermal anchors to stick a camera into the back of his head.  The implants eventually had to be removed as the camera weighed too much.  For “The Arnie Composition” the artist is looking for someone who is up to the challenge of becoming The Predator. If you recall, in the film Predator, the alien had a digital device attached to his arm.  For the project the artist has crafted a compact and lightweight version that will attach to the arm via magnetic transdermals.

    In addition to the arm plate, he is also looking to use multiple skull transdermal implants to attach dreadlocks similar to the predator’s.

    Next up is the Terminator portion of the exhibit.  Using a combination of scarification, branding, and LED implants, the goal is to recreate the iconic look of The Terminator.

    Finally, in the most radical modification of the collection, the Total Recall.  Total Recall is famous for a number of things, but probably the most iconic image is that of Mary, the prostitute.  One lucky woman will have the opportunity to be the centerpiece of the exhibit by transforming into Mary.

    There are many more procedures planned, including a radical tattoo and scar piece reminiscent of Mr. Freeze.

    If you have any questions regarding this exhibit, feel free to get in contact with me as I’ll be passing the requests along to the artist.  In the mean time, take a look through the galleries to see what what the many talented artists that submit their images to BME are capable of, and start watching those Arnie movies to get a better idea of what to expect from The Arnie Composition.

  • Filling in the holes

    Written by

    Rob

    We’ve seen earlobe reconstructions.  We’ve seen tongue split reversals.  Isn’t it time we see something else?  How about repairing up the divots left behind by facial piercings?  In this case, cheek piercings.  Leave it to Samppa to come up with a way to do it.

    On the right is one of the holes before the repair, and the left is just after it had been closed up.

    And here is the end result..

    While there is still a small mark, unless you’re looking for it you would never suspect a hole had been there.

    Samppa’s US tour is still underway, so get in touch with him if you have any facial holes you want fixed up.

    Also, keep an eye on ModBlog.  Next week we’re going to take a look at his navel removal procedure, including step-by-step photos.

  • The Friday Follow-up

    Written by

    Rob

    Since I started this weekly column last year I’ve seen hundreds of scarification pieces, all in various stages of completion.  I can honestly say that each and every scar I’ve seen is unique not only in terms of the artist behind the scar, but also in how the person heals afterwards.  Which brings us to this week’s scar.  Two years ago Anders cut this rose design into a client’s side.

    In the two years since it was cut this scar has transformed into something incredible, which if you want to see, you’ll have to keep reading.

    I honestly can’t say I’ve ever seen a scar heal up in this way before.  Normally scars that are raised like this are pink, while pale scars are often faded.  Not so here, where the scar is both raised and the exact same skin tone as the flesh around it.

    Anders sent in quite a few healed scars in the past week, including a few like this one that are over two years old.   Check them out in his portfolio gallery.

    If you’re an artist and you don’t have your own portfolio gallery yet, simply send an e-mail to [email protected] and we’ll get you set up with one.  A couple people asked me if there is a fee to get a gallery, and I can tell you right now that there is no fees involved.  Simply send off a request and specify whether you’re a tattoo artist, scarification artist, piercer, studio, or suspension crew.

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    BMEtv – Jimmy Irons

    Written by

    Rob

    While we’re still looking for a translator for the footage taken during the Japanese leg of the BME World Tour, there are still a lot videos to come from the Australia/New Zealand leg.

    Today’s video features Jimmy Irons from Wild at Heart Tattoo in Brisbane.  This is the first of three interviews from artists at Wild at Heart so be sure to keep an eye out for them in the coming days.

    To check out the video, just keep on reading.

    If you’ve missed any of the videos so far, you can check them out in the BME World Tour Video Gallery

  • Want to work for BME?

    Written by

    Rob

    We’re still looking for a translator for the hundreds of hours of video footage taken on the Japan leg of last year’s BME World Tour.  If you’re fluent in both Japanese and English, and are able to not only translate, but also transcribe the dialogue with the appropriate time codes, then this job may be for you.  You’ll be able to work from home, and get a paycheck while doing it.

    If you’re interested in the position and want to join the BME team, please send your qualifications and/or any questions you may have to [email protected] with the subject line “World Tour – Japanese Translator Job”.

    While we’re on the subject of all things Japanese, Efix Roy, that handsome devil from D-Markation in Quebec, just carved an awesome recreation of the Kamakura Buddha into someone’s arm.

    Be sure to check out more of Efix’s work in his BME portfolio gallery.

  • You wanted something new…

    Written by

    Rob

    Well leave it to Samppa to deliver.

    Ear pointing as a practice isn’t anything new, however, Samppa has started to use a brand new technique to point ears that is completely different than folding method that is most commonly used.

    He starts off with a normal looking ear..

    Then instead of cutting and folding, he takes the ear and reshapes it, leaving a much smoother and more natural looking pointed ear.  Here’s how the above ear looked right after the sutures had been tied off.

    Here’s a side by side comparison of another ear, this one after it has had some time to heal up.

    If you have been looking to get this procedure done, and you live in the USA, then you’re in luck as Samppa has just started his US Tour.  He will be in the US till June 2011, please contact him at [email protected] for info on the tour, booking of appointments and his availability for guest spots at studios. For anytime after June 2011 please contact him via his website, www.voncyb.org

    There are still a couple of new procedures that he’s doing, so keep checking ModBlog, as we’ll be showing you some of the other new tricks Samppa has up his sleeve.

  • Begging for air

    Written by

    Rob

    Sometimes a job calls on you to go above and beyond your normal routine.  For a model, this can happen quite often.  In the case of IAM: Rachietartz, her latest photoshoot pushed her to the brink of consciousness.  Using a tie to cut off her airway, Rachie was on the verge of passing out when this photo was snapped.  You can see just how intense this was not only by the look in her eyes, but also by how red her face got while she was straining for air.

    Photo credit: JL Joseph Beaulieu

  • Geometry in a shell

    Written by

    Rob

    When it comes to geometric dot-work, the first name that comes to mind is Sonja from Punktum Tattoo.  She has the ability to turn simple dots into a masterpiece of negative space and intricate patterns.

    This almost shell like design was sent into the tribal and blackwork gallery.

  • Blood on the canvas

    Written by

    Rob

    As I mentioned earlier this week you’re going to be getting a look at some of the stuff Samppa Von Cyborg has been doing while on the road in the US.  Today’s post is about a recent performance Samppa and Aneta did as part of their recent NYC tour stop.  The centerpiece of the show was a blood painting that Samppa did of himself, Steve Haworth, and Lukas Zpira, using Aneta’s blood.  The painting is now up for auction, with all proceeds going towards relief efforts in Japan.

    Keep on reading to see some shots from the performance as well as how you can own this painting.  Fair warning though, it is pretty bloody.

    Oh look!  Press release:

    On Sunday March 20th, 2011 the Von Cyborgs had their first U.S. debut performance at New York Cities Club Rebel. This avant-guard performance included suspension, needle play, blood, and candle wax. The performance began with Samppa Von Cyborg inserting multiple needles in the forehead and arms of Aneta Von Cyborg and painting the words murder + victim across her chest; as she kneeled on the stage exposing her milky white skin that created a lovely contrast to the vivid red blood. Once the needles were removed the blood was collected to be utilized by Samppa to create a master piece. As Samppa diligently went to work on the canvas in the background; Aneta remained center stage enduring pain and pleasure through use of needles and candle wax. Both performers were absolutely captivating and together created such an incredible energy. As you looked around the audience each person waited in baited breath to see what next stroke Samppa would make with the brush and what each drop of blood used would create. Each second that went by the image slowly revealed itself; though usually Samppa creates the images of notorious serial killers this time the master piece created was a blood portrait of Steve Haworth, Lukas Zpira, and Samppa himself, the C-Y-B.ORG masters whom also performed and gathered for the C-Y-B.ORG Sickness Tour. As Samppa took his last stroke; Aneta was suspended 2ft above the stage suicide style; resembling a trophy victim to be adorn. Samppa then exited the stage; leaving portrait and victim to be exposed and admired by all. Audience members remained hypnotized and amazed by the astonishing performance; which received excellent reviews and had audience members craving another dose of the Von Cyborgs. Their tour began in New York City and will continue across the U.S.; they are available and accepting bookings. In addition the portrait created has been place up for auction with bidding starting at $3000; proceeds earned will be used to help the people of Japan; a place where the Von Cyborgs have performed on numerous occasions, made many lovely friends and hold very near and dear to their hearts. All and all it can be stated that the Von Cyborgs truly are an experience to remember guaranteed to astonish

  • Mr. Cupcakes, I presume?

    Written by

    Rob

    Another shot today from a portfolio gallery, this one from the scarification master himself, John Joyce.

    Showing off this Johnny Cupcakes logo scar, tieherdown must either really like cupcakes, or t-shirts, or possibly both.