Elanso

In the realm of body art, tattoos, and body piercings, you won’t find many more in the extreme than ‘modification pioneer’ Erl Van Aken, who bears several of the first known piercings such as his namesake the Erl — a bridge piercing passing horizontally through the fleshy part between the eyes above or at nose level — and a large bipedicle flap created on his stomach –a procedure which allows a ‘handle’ to be created coming off of the body.

Erl Van Aken has garnered immense respect from the art community for modeling his tattoos, body piercings and costumes which have stimulated some highly creative conceptual art pieces among students.

Not only has Erl worked as an art model, he is also an ordained non-denominational Priest, trained in stage combat and in exceptional physical shape.

The artist has also performed as an actor in movies such as The Cableguy, Austin Powers, Thunderdome, and Blade (as Lord Von Esper), and appeared on TV shows such as Mad TV, The Single Guy, and even The Newlywed Game.

He did work for NASA in the 1960’s, on the first satellite for the US, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, as well as the Rover vehicle. “In that sense I’m on the moon!” says Erl.

Erl left that line of work to become a multi-media artist, but was soon unable to supply his incredible demand in various art forms of lost wax jewelry, junk sculpture, stained glass, furniture, hardware, clothing and accessories, leather works, and much more.

Born 1939 in Brewer, Maine, Earl Douglas Van Aken II says growing up in Fullerton, California was rather unpleasant in a community with a very narrow band of perception, “Being a person of ‘different’ thinking, not subject to peer pressure, I was not well … tolerated. I survived, so did they.”

“I did some motorcycle riding and hell raising during this period [1960’s] as well. You know, sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.” Says Erl. “This carried over into the early 1970’s, and became a lifestyle all its own, nearly costing me my life on more than one occasion.”

“In the 1980’s I was involved in fitness for several years in order to restore my mind, body and spirit, all of which had suffered tremendous damage. These were some the most pleasant and rewarding years of my life.”

“In about 1996 I started doing fine art, costume and animation modeling. This in time led to work in film, TV, video, and commercials. I very soon was a member of the Screen Actors Guild or SAG, and The Federation of Radio and Television Actors or AFTRA. Following soon was representation by the Coralie Jr. Agency, an old established company in all aspects of entertainment.”

“I was only recently approached by a personal manager, and have signed with her for an experimental term. I have had a non-denominational ordination for several years and enjoy performing marriage ceremonies.”

“I am also involved in community and youth services. I prefer to stay out of religious arguments and do all things in a spiritual context. The God of one’s perception that opens your heart. I follow the path of Eckankar.”

Erl Van Aken is living proof that appearance can be deceiving, and much can be learned from this man’s life experiences.

Visit Erl’s website to learn more (you must be of legal age), or contact him by email.

All photos property of Erl Van Aken.

Related stories:
Extreme Tattoos - Breast Implants
Extreme Body Piercing - Branding - Scarification
Gang Tattoos Passé - Extreme Makeovers
Extreme Tattoos for Science and Tech Geeks
Aussie Artist Implants Third Ear in His Own Arm