Body art industry in jeopardy

"People used to get body piercings or tattoos to stand out, now people do it to fit in," Chassity Grech-Ebbole, owner of L.A. Body Art in downtown Mobile, said. Chassity is the number one tattoo artist on the Gulf Coast according to "Tattoo Magazine." Even though piercings and tattoos are more accepted by today's society, the industry is in trouble futuristically, Chassity said. Everyone seems to be rebelling these days, and worst-case scenario, Chassity fears, is the industry could become a "once upon a time." Chassity says it is all about supply and demand, and the demand will never outweigh the supply. If the industry continues making rings for piercings and upgrading tattoo ink, and society has decided that this rebelling phase is over, then the industry will suffer. Right now, everyone has a different reason for getting a tattoo or piercing. One of the grand thoughts about body piercings and tattoos is that it "is" a crazy thing to do. From the minute a needle goes through your body or paint is being etched into your skin, you can feel an instant sensation of craziness. After the fact, your piercing or tattoo is a friendly reminder that you are a rebel. It is also an interesting conversation starter. There is always a story behind someone getting a piercing or tattoo. It's just another way to express yourself. Many people argue that it is okay as long as you aren't hurting anyone. Sometimes, however, they do hurt employers. If an employer won't hire you, then it is probably because the piercing or tattoo is distracting and does not coincide with the image a company portrays. Stephen Hedrick, CEO of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, said in the work environment they are inappropriate if you can see them, but he has no problem with them otherwise. Sarah Wright, Education Director of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra said, "It takes away from the real image of a person." Well, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," an L.A. Body Art employee argues. One of the problems is "the world is close-minded." Chassity mentioned that she was denied a checking account at Compass Bank because of her tattoos. "People have a right to judge, but you can also turn around and say that ultraconservatives need to loosen up just as they want us to tighten up," Chassity said. For example, when Chassity bought the building for her shop, L.A. Body Art on Dauphin Street about eight years ago, she told the leaseholder that she was going to put in an art museum because she knew they would not allow her to put in a tattoo shop. "I can't even stand up for my own industry," Chassity said with frustration. People are quick to stereotype tattoo and piercing shops because they might portray a dirty, trashy or freakish image. However, "the world is loosening up with tattoos and [body piercings]," Chassity exclaimed. You can walk almost anywhere and see somebody with a piercing or tattoo. If you decide to get a piercing or tattoo, do your research. For piercings, know what kind you want, what safety measures you might need to take when you have it, how to clean it and the side effects. Piercing used to represent wealth, courage and power 4,000 years ago, and there is a variety of body piercings you can get. There is the traditional ear, nose, belly button, eyebrow (which is the easiest piercing) or lip ring. There is also the chin (labret), beauty mark (monroe), armpit (axilla) and the back of the neck. Then there are the genital piercings which are the most difficult to pierce. There are about eight different kinds of piercings for male genitalia and about four for female genitalia. A recent popular form of piercing is called tapering, which is slowly stretching the earlobes. Eventually, a huge hole forms. A more uncommon piercing is called a web. It is piercing the top inside of your mouth right above your two front teeth. Body art began over 5,000 years ago. The word tattoo comes from the Polynesian word "ta" which means striking something, and the Tahitian word "tatau" which means, "to mark something." If you decide to get a tattoo, L.A. Body Art suggests you get something small for your first one because they have a lot of people come in who want a big tattoo for their first and can't sit still. One of the big differences between a piercing and a tattoo is you can take out a piercing if you do not like it, but a tattoo will stay forever, unless you want it removed or covered up, which is a painful process. Remember, too, that the closer a tattoo is to a bone, the more it's going to hurt. To get a piercing or tattoo, you must be at least 18 or have parental or guardian consent. Make sure the place you choose to go to is sanitary and approved by the American Red Cross and the Health Department. Be aware the artist is experienced, uses gloves and a fresh needle, and has sterilized everything. L.A. Body Art does all of the above mentioned, provides you with high-quality cleaning supplies and has a 24 hour helpline in case you have any questions. Piercings and tattoos can be addictive. It just depends on the individual. But it is better than having a cocaine, heroine or other drug addiction, an L.A. Body Art employee remarked. "At least this is legal," they said with a smile. Since piercings and tattoos have already been around for 4,000 and 5,000 years, respectively, the industry might not have to worry too much about plummeting just yet. The industry can only keep their fingers crossed and rely on the minds and bodies of future generations. Chassity's talk show "Tattoo Chat" can be found on http://www.myspace.com/tattoochattv or on WJTC-TV44 on Wednesday nights at 1:30 a.m. L. A. Body Art is open 24 hours a day.