Amy Jamieson sat in a chair at Sacred Images Tattoo and Piercing while Mike Araya prepped her ears, cleaning and measuring them to find the perfect spot for her new plugs.
Jamieson’s ears were already pierced. She was in the shop Monday to go bigger — taking the holes to an 8-gauge, or just over an eighth of an inch in diameter.
From there, through a process known as stretching, she plans to enlarge the holes to nearly a half inch. If done correctly, and slowly, it could take years.
Stretching — often misidentified as gauging — is exactly what one would think, an expanding of the tissue around a piercing.
“Skin is incredibly rubbery,” said tattoo artist Sara Martin. “You can pretty much do what you want with it.”
The most common and easiest stretching is done to the earlobes, but most piercings can be stretched.
Martin has small, stretched side-lip and tongue piercings. Her ears, which she has been stretching since she was 19, have been at an inch in diameter for more than two years. She has no plans for further stretching, in part because it would mean an investment in more jewelry.
Martin has dozens of pieces that fit in her ears, in what she calls her “antiquity collection,” housed in a large jewelry box. The pieces are works of art, made of metal, stone and even bone. There are intricate carvings, large plugs, wooden donuts, weights and even a little bit of metal and crystal bling in the form of tunnels.
Online, body jewelry pieces, especially larger ones, are not cheap, often starting at around $50 for a pair.
There are many reasons for piercing and stretching. Jamieson, for example, is fond of the aesthetic.
“They’re pretty,” she said.
Some do it for the endorphins.
“It’s a release they can’t get anywhere else,” Araya said.
Martin takes a more spiritual approach. Her piercings and body art are a part of a larger symbolic process, based off ancient ritual that pushes the body “to gain an awareness of the mind and the spirit.”
Historically, the practice was often used as a status symbol. The Egyptian King Tutankhamen had stretched earlobes visible in the death mask found in his sarcophagus. And elaborate earrings found with the mummy were up to a centimeter in diameter.
The Buddha, Siddharta Gautama, wore immense heavy gold jewelry before denouncing wealth, and is thus usually depicted with long stretched lobes.
Stretching, from the lips to the lobes, has also been a tribal practice spanning most of the globe, from the Inuits in Alaska to the Mursi in Ethiopia. Its scope reaches all six habitable continents.
“Piercing is huge all over the world,” Martin explained.
The cultural appreciation, however, does not always extend to modern America, especially older generations, who often associate it with the more hardcore punk rebellions of the 1970s.
“The main issue a lot of people have is they don’t understand where it came from,” Martin said.
But it’s catching on.
“Now you can go to a high school and out of 30 kids you will find a couple with holes big enough to stick your pinky through,” Araya said
Araya said he has always been a piercing enthusiast, getting his first at 9 years old. He doesn’t consider himself a heavily modified person, but does have stretched ears as well as septum and eyebrow piercings.
Either he doesn’t get many second glances, or he no longer notices.
“In the 1980s and 1990s, people would have thought I was a crazy person,” he said. “Now it’s so common and really pretty.”
Piercing and body modification in all forms is also highly personal. It is an external expression of the self, marking one as an individual.
“I look at photos of myself before I had tattoos and piercings and that’s not me, it’s a child growing up,” Martin said. “Now I see myself as a more complete and whole individual, spiritually, emotionally and physically beautiful.”
Rachel Hergett may be reached at rhergett@dailychronicle.com or 582-2603.
Scorpiomom posted at 12:22 am on Sun, Jan 22, 2012.
Anti- Also, your assumption that I need state assistence because I choose a tattoo is COMPLETELY insulting! My family isn't well off, but we don't struggle, thank you very much! We had a little extra money in our Christmas bonus for me to get this tattoo, so my husband took initiative to get me a tattoo certificate. What I wonder is, how in the WORLD you come to the conclusion that only impoverished families get tattoos. You're just a closed minded, sad person.
Scorpiomom posted at 12:18 am on Sun, Jan 22, 2012.
I got my last tattoo for my kids. To symbolize the pain I went through and also the beauty I saw in their birth. NOT for attention! Think of choices you might not make, but others will. Say one can't afford to keep a child. They either abort, or give it up for adoption. Might not be something you'd do, but if the child won't suffer from not having what they need, it might be worth it, right? Well, you choose not to tattoo, but you don't need to judge me for it. It's just a choice you wouldn't make for yourself.
bozonative posted at 8:25 pm on Sat, Jan 21, 2012.
Really anti? So why do some people chose to have tattoos that are in easily covered places? and nice of you to judge how a mother spends her hard earned money and her parenting all in one fell swoop with no true knowledge about her personal life! How does her spending money on herself make her an irresponsible mom? Inquiring minds want to know--mine included as I have paid for some of the art that graces my body....and am truly not sure how that is linked to my parental responsibilities....
antishenanigans posted at 8:35 pm on Fri, Jan 20, 2012.
It would be nice if mom's like you spent their money on their kids so other people wouldn't have to make up for your lack of responsibility. And NO ONE gets a tattoo unless they want attention. There's no other reason to get one.
Scorpiomom posted at 1:34 pm on Fri, Jan 20, 2012.
I just got a piece done by her the other day. She is in no way, gross, attention seeking, unappealing, offensive. She's an interesting, beautiful, eclectic person with a passion for her work. If you see a carpenter's home, you're gonna see his own work in his house. Same with Sara. She's got a beautiful heart, and all I see with the haters is that you're all jealous that you don't have the self esteem to express yourselves. I'm sad for you that you're all so hateful. I hope your kids are really expressive and get tattoos. I'd like to be the fly on the wall when taht day comes, so I can see the look on your mean, judgmental faces!
antishenanigans posted at 1:12 pm on Fri, Jan 20, 2012.
Two Words: Notice. Me.
Csy posted at 11:37 am on Fri, Jan 20, 2012.
@mp_soldier, Observer 84 and spontaneouscreation: You couldn't have said it better. If you tatt and piercing haters don't like it, don't do it. Its a free world. (kind of).
Peterpeter posted at 8:50 pm on Mon, Jan 16, 2012.
Magic, I think you are indeed very prone to brainwashing.
Peterpeter posted at 8:47 pm on Mon, Jan 16, 2012.
Bozonative...perhaps one cannot get a true picture of what others think of us? I'm certainly far more attractive to others than I may think after all. lol.
Peterpeter posted at 8:44 pm on Mon, Jan 16, 2012.
MP...you know I was not talking about having a few tattoos. I was referring to people that use their whole body and face as 'art'. When I wa sin that CERTAINLY was against regs. That it was also made obvious to any literate person I was pointing out what most people think when confronted with such a piece of...art.
Peterpeter posted at 8:40 pm on Mon, Jan 16, 2012.
Paperless...you call me a hater and go into a rant claiming Christians act like the Taliban? My God that is the most hate filled and ignorant statement I have ever read here. I simply stated an opinion of how people like this woman are regarded by normal people and you respond with truly intolerant BS.
Just to remind you, The Taliban stones women for being raped, blows up fellow Muslims for daring to HAVE tattoos, teens that enjoy some music or kids who play soccer. I know having fought the bastards. How dare you be so flippant and hypocritical.
magicdragon posted at 7:05 pm on Mon, Jan 16, 2012.
You are right, I was a little mean. But I now realize if a woman were to put a ring in her nipple, breastfeeding would be more acceptable in Bozeman.
It is probably a holdover from my religious days, I just find poking holes in oneself or others to be creepy. Same with branding and filing teeth. I try to avoid pain. religious brainwashing is harder to shuck than I thought.
mp_soldier posted at 3:43 pm on Mon, Jan 16, 2012.
My tattoos are for me. They are aren't to make me pretty, or unique, or mainstream. They are the way I choose to remember and create a lasting tribute to life changing moments and people that I have lost.
Yes, people get tattoos they regret, but they also get jobs, spouses, and credit card debt that they regret. And they are often the ones who didn't really wrap their heads around the permanent factor.
And as for being jailbirds and nutters... What about the fine members of our military or law enforcement that are tattooed? I am an Iraq war vet, you let me defend our country, but I can't make you a burger because I have tattoos... makes a lot of sense to me.
How about I don't judge you for not having or understanding tattoos and you don't judge me for making a choice about my body and my beliefs.
observer84 posted at 9:19 am on Mon, Jan 16, 2012.
Why the all the judgmental comments? Body art/modification is a cultural phenomena that has existed throughout human history. I would consider Sara's style of body modification much more appealing than the types that society has currently or historically considered acceptable - i.e. make-up, plastic surgery, foot-binding, high-heels, corsets, etc. At least for her it means something and is a huge part of her identity and artistic expression of her self as an individual.
I myself don't have any tattoos or extra piercings but not because I'm averse to it. I just don't choose to express myself that way and my style and choice of aesthetic is different, but I appreciate that others have the desire and ability to choose their own aesthetic.
I would highly doubt you'd ever find Sara working as a car saleswoman or perfume-counter clerk. She's got way too much integrity for that.
ravenwatcher posted at 5:56 am on Mon, Jan 16, 2012.
I've worked customer service jobs of one sort or another my whole life. I have had to not apply to certain jobs because of my tattoos, but that has been the exception and not the rule. I've never known avoidance by customers. In fact, I find more people I run into compliment me!
Now, I got to ask. What about plastic surgery? What do you all think about that?
bozonative posted at 3:50 pm on Sun, Jan 15, 2012.
LOL! I am a teacher and have worked in school districts in three states without a single complaint. I also worked as a manager of a non-profit. But keep up the judgmental attitude:) Sad for you but whatever. And to peterpeter, I have often had people stare at me when none of my tattoos or piercings were visible--sometimes gross old men that I definitely did not ask to stare at me so I find that comment interesting....so, if someone has something about them that elicits creepy stares it is the fault of that person and not the creep staring? hmmmm....where have a heard a similar argument?? oh and btw, there is nothing about me that screams jailbird or nutter but thanks:)
spontaneouscreation posted at 3:33 pm on Sun, Jan 15, 2012.
wow, the self-righteous judges are out in force on this one. magic, you're normally pretty accepting in your posts - i'm surprised.
who cares if someone chooses to decorate themselves? if you don't like it, so what? they do. they don't have to ask your permission, peter. they don't care what you think.
i'm sure lots of tatooed people regret that their choices have closed some opportunities for them. if they're actually smart, they'll find ways to work around the obstacles their body art creates.
but again, why is that any of anyone posting here's business? if it's not your kid (bozonedad) then just shut the f up and let people be themselves. they're not affecting you at all.
i'm guessing the folks posting here who get their panties all bunched up when they see tatoos and piercings are also the ones who get all wound up at the sight of a mother breastfeeding, who feel they have the right to tell others what they can do in their bedrooms, who they can be attracted to and fall in love with, what they can do with their bodies - oh, and here we are full circle.
lighten up and let people be themselves.
paperless posted at 3:24 pm on Sun, Jan 15, 2012.
the comments in this article by haters like peterpeter are a classic example of the Christiban flexing their muscles.
The Taliban does a fine job of exercising theocratic government control in their respective countries. Lets keep it out of ours :)
kcinmontana posted at 12:30 pm on Sun, Jan 15, 2012.
Hey bozonative, maybe if you re-read the post you might get it. Carreer change, obviously not. As I joked about a customer service job as if any owner/manager would hire someone who CHOOSES to look like that. Key word being chooses. Fact is most people would do business elsewhere as peterpeter stated in his post. You can ocviously do as you please but dont try to ram that freaky look down on me. And to expand on my earlier post.....A little tat on a rear end is one thing (it is not exposed for ALL to see, maybe on arms which also can be covered) But as I jokingly said........Nothing says HIRE ME more than neck tats and giant holes in your ears. Most people regret their tats at some time in life as they get older, just research how popular lazer removal is nowadays. I know you can give me examples otherwise.....I SAID MOST. How many successful people have neck tats ear holes etc. JUst saying, why limit what you can do
BornInMontana posted at 11:43 pm on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
I can just imagine this person hiking in the woods and getting that basketball hoop stuck on a branch. Blood. Everywhere.
Peterpeter posted at 9:15 pm on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
Not mine. At least not for generations and generations.
If you think you have some long lost tribal connections, what would they be anyway? You really think your tattoos have the same meanings? I'd like to hear what they are...
But we both know you guys are simply looking for attention and donning the uniform of a certain part of society. Just like the rebelling punks and Goths all wore the same uniform while claiming they were expressing their individuality.
I'm just pointing out the truth about how these people look to others, and there are reasons behind most stereo types, which many employers and customers subscribe to. Watch a documentary on prisons then watch one on doctors or rocket scientists perhaps....
You can do what ever you choose, I don't care. But don't cry about discrimination caused by your own actions designed to shock or get attention. Little hint, it does not shock anyone, but it does bring out negative reactions.
Good luck.
lemmy posted at 9:11 pm on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
peterpeter, have you ever watched Top Chef? Many of the greatest chefs in the world are fully sleeved with tattoos!
ravenwatcher posted at 8:55 pm on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
Almost every tribal culture I can think of has some form of body modification. Even Europe... think Ötzi the Iceman found in the Alps. He had stretched ears and tattoos.
You mean to say that your ancestors belonged in jail or were "nutters"
Peterpeter posted at 8:02 pm on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
Bozonative...you people must want to be judged if you do this stuff to your self, just not how you want to be. You are after all making a statement to other people.
Like it or not 15 tattoos and 20 holes sings jail bird or nutter to most people. Employers who need people to interact with the public will avoid you like the plague. If I saw an inked up guy making my burger I'd walk out.
BozoneDad posted at 4:54 pm on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
Impossible not to judge people who put crud all over their faces....sorry but you do it because you want to be judged / labeled. Don't cry when it happens.
bozonative posted at 4:14 pm on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
kc--why would she consider a career change? That is just silly as she obviously loves her job!
To the rest of you, maybe tattooing and piercings are not for you but why do you judge those who do want them or have them? I would argue that they are becoming more mainstream and less taboo--I myself have 13 tattoos and over twenty piercings and I am seldom met with stares. My thought: I you don't like them, don't get them but don't judge people who do and we won't judge you:)
kcinmontana posted at 12:52 pm on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
Wonder if she would consider a career change? Maybe a customer service rep? An assistant jailer (the inmates would love her) We continue to try to pass this cr@* off as socially acceptable. A little butterfly on a rear end might be cute but nothing says hire me more than cr#! all over your neck, YA that will bring in more customers, of course unless you stay in your chosen field. P.s. A very small percentage would consider that art.....Also the ear stretching is a real nice touch....
william turner posted at 12:21 pm on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
Unsavory, unappealing, and actually (contrary to the article) becoming somewhat passe in many areas. The "body art removal" industry has been gaining in momentum as people come to grips with the reality of their job prospects anywhere outside of a very few industries.
cotton posted at 7:32 am on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
BAD ART IS BAD ART,
on a canvas or on your body bad art is still bad art
magicdragon posted at 7:30 am on Sat, Jan 14, 2012.
No matter how many rivets you use, you can't turn a pigs ear into a silk purse.