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When I was tattooed by local artist Seth Mushrush last summer, he told me his tattooing supported his painting. I mentioned that to him at the beginning of our interview earlier this month, and he took the time to clarify. “I love being a tattoo artist. I’ll never stop tattooing. One supports the other. Tattooing makes me a better painter.” As a tattoo artist, Seth has deadlines and has to adhere to the specific requests of his customers. He approaches both tattooing and painting mechanically. There is a method to every step. However, unlike tattooing, when Seth paints, he tries to take himself out of the equation and just let his hands take control.

The Delaware County native attended Penn Wood High School, where he studied art under an accomplished artist who also taught in Philadelphia. After high school Seth went on to study tattooing in Massachusetts. When he came back to the Media area, he tattooed out of a shop in Delaware and eventually worked his way up to inking full time at Baker Street Tattoo in Media.

It is abundantly clear from his work on skin and canvas that Seth Mushrush is very passionate about what he does. When you browse through his portfolio at Baker Street Tattoo, some of his pieces seem jump off of the page. But even more incredible is the life-like detail he has breathed into his latest set of paintings. In the series he will show at Jinxed at the Piazza (1050 North Hancock Street, Philadelphia; phone 215-978-JINX) from July 9 to August 9, Seth translates pictures of key moments in Phillies history onto the canvas. The 31-year-old artist has wanted to paint this series for quite some time; a life-long fan, Seth was motivated by the Phillies’ 2008 World Series win to finally start the series.

Seth wants his paintings to appeal to everyone. “Even if they hate sports, I want [people] to be able to see the art in [the paintings].” Admittedly, I’m not much of a sports fan, but the detail in his work is incredible. When I spoke with him, Seth was painting in Baker Street Tattoo. He was working on a portrait of Jimmy Rollins—and I’ll admit it, I’d never heard of him. The painting was more life-like and more memorable than the photograph that Seth used as a reference. I was mesmerized by the painting. Judging by my reaction, I’d say Seth has a good chance of winning over non-sports fans or fans of other teams with his work. See for yourself—Seth’s paintings are gracing the Bryn Mawr Trust Window Gallery at 22 West State Street in Media now through July 3!

Seth’s show at Jinxed will be his first solo show. He is very proud of his work and he hopes the show will be a huge success. His ultimate goal is to donate one of the portraits to the Phillies in the hopes that they can auction it off to raise money for one of the many charities they support.

Seth’s show, “Permanent Phixtures,” runs from July 9 to August 9 at Jinxed at the Piazza.  The Gallery Opening Reception will be on July 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information about Seth’s tattooing or painting, visit his website or stop by Baker Street Tattoo.

—Nina J Davidson

Nina is an aspiring novelist and New Jersey native. A little over a year ago, she moved to Media, and it has been the best decision she has ever made. She finds great joy in living here and tells everyone she meets about the magic of Media. Nina is honored to share her love of Media through this blog. She looks forward to meeting more artists and sharing their stories with you here on a biweekly basis.