Pierced Rats; Body Piercing Jewellery & Modelling the Prototypes

Piercing evokes all sorts of emotions within us and society still frowns upon it and deplores the practice thereof. Personal expression of this kind is a cultural phenomenon associated with the individual�s need to express him or herself in a culturally diverse and hybrid society (globalisation) - the coming together of cultures and groupings (collisions) and their social behaviour patterns and beliefs - the creolization of cultures

Modelling the prototype in C clay.  I wish to focus my attention on Body Piercing as an extension of my present research into body modification, scarification and tattoos referencing literary sources such as �Written on the Body� by Jane Caplan. The work will be a continuation of the Tattooed Rats series (follow link to Why Rats); however additions of piercing (actual piercing jewellery) will bring the focus on contemporary society�s fascination with body adornment, in a changing global society. The practice has its roots in indigenous knowledge; traditional culture rituals and was specifically associated with initiation ritual practices and rites of passage to manhood. It was reintroduced to contemporary society by gay men; they embraced piercing as a profound means for expressing their alternative sexuality. (follow links below to ballpoint pen drawings and graphics -ceramic explication). The ceramic statement is titled a spanner in the works - Operation spanner and refers to the controversial case of Operation Spanner.  

1. Drawings of pierced rats
2. Ceramic Explication.

Websites; Body Piercing Jewellery and Piercing studios.

I purchased the body piercing jewellery (image above) from Marisa at Tattoolya; Tattooing and Body piercing studio. She recommended that I visit the website of Wildcat - international supplier of  body piercing jewellery. The site is worth a visit to view the extensive and diverse collection of body piercing jewellery products.   

• Body Piercing jewellery - Wildcat (international Retailer).
• Piercing Studios - Tattoolya (Johannesburg South Africa).
• The Piercing Bible site of Elayne Angel. The definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing. Elayne is the author of the book, titled The Piercing Bible available at Amazon below.

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Book; The piercing Bible � The definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing � Elayne Angel. (myspace link) This book is complete guide to piercing, including; the various types of piercings, body piercing jewellery, the medical procedures (healing times) as well as insight into traditions and practices.

Posted in: Ceramic Process - sharing techniques and methods,modelling,Piercing