Calvin Von Crush

Piercer/Artist

My name is Calvin Von Crush and I'm the resident body piercer at Hartford County, but I also pull double duty as a full time tattoo artist. I take great pride in my piercing skill, but find much more satisfaction in tattooing. I've dabbled in a number of different mediums from clay to computer to canvas and tattooing is the one that challenges me most. It's by far the hardest one to master and working elbow to elbow with a great bunch of artists really pushes my best work to the surface.

As far as artistic training goes I've been involved with numerous art development programs since grade school and have taken classes at a few colleges and even some at Choate in Wallingford. In middle school I was voted class artist at two different schools. One of which I didn't even attend. Having all but given up on art in high school my family and girlfriend were responsible in convincing me to seek it out as a profession. I currently have a degree in graphic design which I still put to use designing clothing and merchandise for some of CT's up and coming bands. I've worked at a few shops already in my short career and have played every role from apprentice to manager. I find stepping down from the roll as boss and focusing on my art makes me happiest.

My influences and favorites are Albrecht Durer, Hieronymus Bosch, Ray Harryhausen, Basil Gogos, Big Daddy Ed Roth, Alex Pardee, Shepard Fairey, and Jackson Pollock. I love doing large scale multi session color pieces, but love doing the small ones that really make some ones day too. I grew up on a steady diet of cartoons, comic books, sci- fi, and horror. I think my love of those genres is clearly reflected in more work. My next endeavor in the tattoo word is to get a firm grip on portaiture which the seasoned vets here are really helping me with. Feel free to get ahold of me on any of the social networking sites and talk tattoos anytime. I'm always looking to meet my next new client!