A regular at the International Nepal Tattoo Convention since its inception, piercer and modifier Quentin Inglis from Kalima Emporioum, UK did more than piercing and body modification in 2015. The earthquake hit the nation on the second day of the Convention — April 25, 2015, and Inglis could not continue his works. But he chose to stay back to help quake-hit Nepalis rather than returning home. Now with 6th International Tattoo Convention approaching, he shares with The Himalayan Times, about his quake experience, and plans for the Convention. Unusual offerings I will be offering some unusual piercings, scarification and branding, magnetic implants and RFID chip implants. I will be giving a seminar of body piercing for Nepali and western piercers. I will be in Nepal to show support to the friendliest and the best Convention I have ever been or worked at. I also want to show to Nepali friends that I haven’t forgotten them or what they have gone through each day (due to the earthquake). Special Convention I am looking forward to coming back to Nepal to see all my Nepali friends and family as well as to meet friends who work in the Convention. This Convention is an important part of my life and I look forward to this time of the year so much. This year feels all the more important and special, due to what happened in 2015. Remembering the earthquake It is quite hard to put into words. Firstly, I feel lucky that I was in lightly-hit area. I feel for those who are from the areas badly affected by the earthquake. As soon as the earthquake struck, I knew exactly what it was — I was in Nepal in 1989 when there was an earthquake. I was concerned about the chandeliers coming down on people (at the Convention venue). And my first and important thing was to get my younger friends, Angie and Max in safe place. Then and in the days after, it felt like you were surfing down the road, at times. But the major thing I remember was everyone helping out, people joining together to try help the affected areas. It was amazing to seeing people driving up to the surrounding areas with sacks of rice, water, et cetera strapped over their bikes. Work during and after the quake I didn’t want to leave Nepal early. I felt that it was my time to give something back to Nepal, after everything it has given me. So, there was never a question of going home early, though the quake struck Nepal on the second day of the Convention. In the weeks after the quake, I helped to build toilets with To Da Loo in the affected areas. I worked with Bijay (from the Convention), Kishor Lohani (who set up To Da Loo), Sandeep (from Rise for Nepal), and lots of other people who came out and volunteered. I tried to help as much as I could. Since returning from Nepal, I have set up a small charity in the UK — Tattooists and Toilets (T.N.T) — to raise money. Whilst I was still in Nepal, my partner organise a fund raising day in our shop (UK) as well as my good friend Karma Webb (owner of Karma Collective). To raise money, we have been selling the tee-shirts of 2015 Convention, a friend is doing the London Marathon and we are organising an art sale of donated art. I am hoping that there will be some projects that I can help with when I come there again for this Convention. Nepal is safe Of course there is a risk, but the chances of another earthquake hitting at the same time of the Convention, is statistically so remote. And sometimes you need to stand by your friends, through the good times and bad. But I do feel it is safe. People should also feel safe. The event by Nepal Tattoo Pvt Ltd is organised by mu’az Entertainment and Mohan’s Tattoo Inn. The Himalayan Times is the official print media partner. It is scheduled to be held on April 1 to 3 at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Durbar Marg.