Professional artists say ‘kitchen magicians’ wreaking havoc on tattoo community

Illegal tattoo artists known as “kitchen magicians” are wreaking havoc on the tattoo community, creating an increased risk of spreading the infectious disease Hepatitis C, according to one local artist.

Working as a professional artist the last four years, “Pretty in Ink” owner Jerry Poland said 50 percent of the jobs he does are cover-ups of kitchen magician work. ”Kitchen magicians,” given their name due to the common practice of tattooing in kitchens at house parties, expose unsuspecting patrons to the risk of developing Hepatitis C at a discount price, Poland said with a used car salesman grin. Poland noted it is illegal to tattoo outside of a permitted shop.

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Tattoo Artists Help Alzheimer's Care

ST. GEORGE - Thrumming motorcycles and a large group of people covered in tattoos and body piercings might seem unlikely companions for several retirees who volunteer at the Senior Center, but the groups laughed together warmly as they raised funds Saturday for the Alzheimer's Association.

"You're never too old to get tattooed," said Adam Roettger, co-owner of Vamp Body Art, as he showed photos of work he'd done recently for some senior citizen clients.

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Two Piercing Studios Could Have Infected Clients with Hepatitis or HIV

Investigations in Toronto have brought forward two body piercing studios that were not abiding by proper infection control practices and their customers could have been infected by hepatitis B, hepatitis c or even Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Public Health authorities are urging people who got piercing in last six months, to get a medical screening.

In a routine annual inspection, it was brought to notice that two piercing studios, New York Body Piercing, 1700 Wilson Ave., Unit 151 and New York Accessories & Body Piercing, 423 Queen St. were not following infection control practices and some of their instruments were not properly sterilized for infection riddance.

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