A new tattoo and piercing shop, Dark Waters Tattoo and Piercing, has officially opened its doors along the scenic Bath waterfront at 99 Commercial St. Owned by married couple Joe and Elizabeth Zapper, the shop began operating a few weeks ago after securing the space in September.
Since opening, Dark Waters has served approximately 20 clients, including both regulars from outside the Bath area and a number of local residents. Joe Zapper specializes in photorealistic tattoos—an intricate style aimed at achieving a lifelike appearance—and works with clients on larger projects such as sleeve and leg tattoos. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Zapper, a skilled body piercer, is attracting clients from across the region, including Bethel, Rumford, and Waterville, for piercing appointments.
To build awareness in the local community, Elizabeth has been posting flyers in various locations, including Brackett’s Market and Bath Iron Works. The couple is committed to increasing their visibility as they continue to settle into the area.
Joe, a seasoned tattoo artist with over 50 years of combined experience, has previously owned several tattoo shops, including Tattoo Creations, Skin Illusions, Twin City Ink, and the Creative Edge Tattoo and Body Piercing in Auburn. During their time at the Creative Edge, the Zappers earned notable accolades, including “Best Tattoo Shop” in 2022 and “Best Tattoo and Piercing Shop” in 2023. However, they decided to leave that business behind in order to start fresh in Bath and embrace a new chapter.
Elizabeth, who is one of the few female body piercers in the area, is particularly focused on appealing to families, with a special emphasis on mothers and daughters getting their ears pierced for the first time. She is also skilled in performing dermal implants, a popular procedure that uses high-quality materials like implant-grade titanium. Dermal implants, which have grown in popularity over the past 15 years, cost approximately $60 per piercing.
A Lewiston native, Elizabeth holds a master’s degree in fine art and sculpture from the University of Montana and began her career in the tattoo and piercing industry in 2006, working alongside Joe as an apprentice while also pursuing her passion for bronze sculpting.
The Zappers’ decision to relocate to Bath was motivated by a desire for a more laid-back atmosphere and proximity to the ocean. The shop’s location offers clients a picturesque view of the Kennebec River from the waiting area.
Dark Waters Tattoo and Piercing charges approximately $100 per hour for services, with prices negotiable for larger custom tattoo designs. The Zappers look forward to establishing themselves as a prominent part of the Bath community and continuing to grow their business.
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