Danaka Wheeler, Centretown News
Catherine O’Connell shows off her tattoo. The homemade tattoo on her upper arm is just one of the many works of permanent body art she has had done by friends.Imogen Reid has three tattoos. A tube of lipstick with a bullet, a crown above her knee and a banner that says “trash.”
Unlike most people, though, she didn’t get them from a tattoo parlour.
Instead, Reid’s friends dipped a sewing needle into a cap of ink and poked the designs into her skin. The method, known as stick-and-poke, is primarily underground – often performed by unlicensed artists for free.
“Stick-and-pokes have always been around,” says Reid. “It’s like getting a regular tattoo, but at home by a non-professional.”
Once referred to as jail tattoos, stick-and-pokes are done slowly and by hand using a traditional sewing or tattoo needle. The process isn’t illegal, but its underground status has raised concerns for some over the safety of the technique.
“There is no municipal licensing requirement, nor is there a requirement to notify Ottawa Public Health if you are starting a business or giving these stick-and-poke tattoos,” says Toni-Marie D’Ettorre, Supervisor of Environmental Health and Personal Service Settings with the City of Ottawa.
“If we come across one of these premises by the way of complaint, word of mouth or through social media, we often reach out to the person performing the service,” she says.
“We will try to gain entry into where it is occurring and conduct an investigation. But if we’re denied entry, the only thing we can do is provide a lot of information and advice.”
D’Ettorre says it’s about infection prevention and control.
Investigators try to determine where the needles are coming from, if they’re sterile, if the artist changes the needles and ink caps between clients and if the skin is being properly sterilized and cleaned. Such precautions can reduce or eliminate the transmission of blood and bodily fluids, which can lead to the spread of infection.
“As soon as you stick that needle in, it becomes an invasive procedure. You’re breaking the membrane of the skin, which is the protective barrier against infection,” says D’Ettorre.
Reid, 35, got her first tattoo last year. She had no concerns over the safety of the procedure and was confident that the artist was taking proper precautions.
“I trusted my friend to do a good job, to wear gloves, to use fresh needles and to not double dip the ink,” she says. “I’ve heard of people getting infections. You’re sticking a needle into your skin, so there’s always some kind of risk. But I haven’t had any problems.”
A Centretown artist, who prefers to remain anonymous and use gender-neutral pronouns, has been giving stick and poke tattoos to local residents for more than two years. They taught themself the technique by researching methods online, ensuring the safety of their clients through specific cleanliness routines.
“From what I can tell, a lot of people who give stick-and-pokes use sewing needles, but I order pre-sterilized, single-use tattoo needles from a supply company online,” they say. “I like to clean off the work station, lay down a plastic sheet and wear gloves during the procedure.”
Centretown resident Fiona Gragg-Reilly, 20, received one of her tattoos from the anonymous artist and describes the experience as meaningful and personal.
“My tattoos were these spur of the moment, little additions to my body,” she says. “They were done by my friends, so it was more personal than commissioning someone and making an appointment. The opportunity was there, so I just went for it.”
For Reid, the biggest appeal is the cost.
“All of my tattoos have been free,” she says. “I’m poor, so I don’t have access to go to a professional.”
D’Ettorre recognizes the attractive reasons for receiving a stick-and-poke tattoo, but urges all artists and clients to educate themselves before committing to the procedure. Online modules listing safety precautions for personal service settings are available on the city’s website.
“Tattoos are extremely expensive, I get that,” says D’Ettorre. “But before you decide to do this for free, take a look at the e-modules. They’re not boring by any stretch of the imagination.”
If all else fails, D’Ettorre offers a simple solution.
“Save your money and go to a professional.”