Fountain 'Pierces' Students,

'Tatoos' with Personal Experience

 Desiree Mendez, circulation manager

One of the new hot spots in Levelland is body peircings by Dave.

Dave Fountain moved from Bakersfield, California to attend South Plains College and learn how to play the banjo.

Before moving to Levelland, he had a piercing shop in Bakersfield for almost 12 years.

Fountain said he started learning how to pierce and tattoo in 1981 because he was in the right place at the right time. He said he decided to become a pierce because he spent many years watching people do piercings the wrong way and he felt that he had to do something about it.

He was certified by Gaunlet in 1998, and Fakir Intensives recertified him in 2005. He also is certified in blood borne pathogens.

Fountain also went to a motorcycle repair school in 1991, and work for Harley Davidson Motorcycle company befored deciding that he liked doing piercings better.  He opened Fountain Piercing in August of 1994.

“I like doing piercings, because I have a lot of interaction with teens,” Fountain said.

Fountain also said he likes to help people and feels that he is setting a good example for teens.

During Fountain’s life he has had a few close calls motorcycle accidents.

“I've cheated death many times, and I know that I’m here on borrowed time,” said Fountain.

Most piercings start at $25 while the cost for tattoos depends on the design.

“I love doing piercings better than tattoos because it is a lot easier and quicker than tattoos, and because I don’t have to spend all my time in a chair,” Fountain said.

Fountain also hosts Narcotics Anonymous meetings, which are held Mondays and Thursday. He has been clean and sober for 13 years now. He does not allow drugs or alcohol around him.

"I don’t like to be around drugs, because in my earlier days I nearly died from a heroin overdose, and I thank God that I’m still here," said Fountain.

His shop hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays. The shop is closed on Sunday.

“I love working with teens and being around them,” Fountain said.

For more information, Fountain can be contacted at  (806) 897-0707.