Market Basket : A piercing question

Local artist wants to expand offerings in downtown South Bend.

You won't see any neon on this tattoo shop facade or late-night hours that could attract an unsavory clientele.

David Martin, a local artist who has won national and international awards for his work, would never offer customers a book of standard designs that they could hastily and randomly have inked on their bodies.

And the South Bend native would not allow any tattooing or body piercing activity to be seen by pedestrians through the window.

That just isn't him.

Martin opened a holiday pop-up shop called Bicycle Art Gallery in the 200 block of West Washington Street last month, featuring the art of unique local artists, including some of his own oil paintings and beadwork.

But he wants to expand.

He hopes to become a full-time business owner in downtown South Bend.

An artist all his life, Martin, 39, wants to add custom tattooing and body piercing to the temporary pop-up. And he wants to help his industry grow in a positive manner in his hometown.

Martin acknowledges that there are still tattoo shops that unknowingly push the negative stereotype.

"I understand that tattooing has a certain taboo about it, and I also understand that downtown is very particular in the image it wants to portray to the public. I take both of those things very seriously," Martin explained in an e-mail to city officials.

He has personally met and visited many local business owners and leaders to explain both his concept and his dedication to the highest professional standards.

An average custom tattoo at Bicycle would cost from $150 to $200, and the shop would be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. He would do the tattooing, and employee Noel Spring would do the body piercing.

His zoning hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Council Chambers at the County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend.

The hearing takes place before the matter goes before the Common Council.

"South Bend is ready for it," Martin says, "but it (the city) just doesn't realize it."

Most people in the tattoo circle know Martin by his nickname "Half Pint." The Pokagan Band Potawatomi native picked up the name years ago when he wore traditional long braids like Laura Ingalls on television.

"That just killed my career," he says with a laugh.

Martin understands the stigma that some people associate with his industry, despite changes that have been made over the years.