Q:Why would you want to get marked up like that? Isn't a regular canvas better than your back?
A:Why not? Why do people get tattooed? There is something special about carrying art around on your body, and unlike tattoos, the whip art will usually be gone in a month if you don't get carried away. Of course some people want permanent scars. As adults, we should be free to choose what we do with our bodies, without government interference.
Q:Isn't whip art dangerous? I mean supposing the whip lands in your face, or you catch some sort of disease from getting cut like that?
A:Yes, there is some risk to it, that's why we said "don't try this at home" without the proper training and practice. But many of the dangers can be reduced or eliminated
For example, dress properly for the occasion. Cover everything up that you don't want affected. If I put my back up for an unknown artist, I wear a leather collar around my neck, a motorcycle helmet, a leather belt around my waist (to protect the kidneys) and denim or leather pants. If I know that the artist is skilled, I may forego some of the protective gear.
As far as disease goes, I'm personally satisfied if the "cracker" at the end of the whip is cleaned in isopropyl alcohol before it gets used on me. The more paranoid participants will insist on being painted with their own personal whips that are used on nobody else. If we do get cuts, they are cleaned off with either hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol (not both).
Q:Where can I learn more about whip art or whips in general?
A:Use your favorite search engine and look for "bullwhip".