Extreme Body Art – Erl Van Aken
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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.
What greater character reference can you get than by one who knows Erl best — his own son, Earl Van Ekan.
“He is a great man, often misunderstood … He is one of the most easy going people I have ever known, while also being a walking talking encyclopedia of knowledge.”
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That’s cool stuff, unlike the link above
. It’s cool to see his perspectives; definitely been through a lot.
This was really great and artistic – thanks for sharing!
Wishing you a lovely weekend too
Hi Deborah,
If this is art, well I guess it’s a matter of taste. I would be suffering from strong masochistic tendencies if I invite all this pain and misery to my body.
My only question is, how long does it take him to pass airport security? I wouldn’t want to be behind him there.
–Durano, done!
Wow really very nice. I love it.
I too follow the path of ECKANKAR. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me.
Girl, this is scary! I know I’ll have some nightmares tonight…
Yes, Tattoo, there is a lot more to Erl than simply what meets the eye. He’s quite an interesting man.
Thanks Renny, hope you have a great weekend too
Hi Durano
Art always is a matter of perception, but like you, I’d never be able to do anything such as this to my body. Haha, I’m sure it would take a while and draw considerable attention at airport securities 
Glad you enjoyed it Artikelverzeichnis.
Interesting, Robert, I haven’t heard very much about Eckankar myself.
Haha, I’ll have send you some funnies to give you sweet dreams to make up for it Mig
Hey, it looks like you had a spammer in the previous comment! What does golf have to do with tatoos?
I find people that take themselves to the edge quite fascinating…at least he’s original! Mahalo for sharing.
2 things came to mind when I saw this post,
1st..It figures he’s from northern Maine…I’ve met some real odd balls ther-ah…Ayuh.
2nd A skit Chris Farley did on SNL re. body piercing..It was set up as a talk show and each guest came out with more piercings than the last, each asked what the biggest problem with piercings were and they all agreed “It’s the PUSS” from all the infections…The skit was funny but to do that to your body is….crazy!!
Well, for some people they enjoy having tattoos and piercing and they consider this as an art. And for me, there’s nothing wrong of having it. Though it’s beyond the norm!
Your right Deborah, he is an interesting man. In fact, he is my father. I just stumbled onto this website and it was nice to see the postive comments.
Kuanyin, I swear that I replied to you before, but there isn’t anything here from me now. How odd. Thanks for pointing that out, and it has been dealt with
I think he would be really cool to meet in person.
Tom, the clip from SNL sounds hilarious
Would you believe if I told you that I’m considering a navel piercing? There is a lot of beautiful jewelry for women with them.
Well yes, it does go beyond the norm, Andy. I think you either like it, appreciate it, or have a major aversion to it.
Earl, how nice of you to drop in, and what a wonderful surprise
I think the biggest lesson for people here is that no matter what people may think of someone’s outward appearance, there is far more than what meets the eye to an individual.
No doubt you’ve had some wonderful times having Erl for a father and to pass on his beliefs and life experiences to you
Yes, he is a great person and father. He has shared a lot of his life experiences with me (as well as some great stories).
There is more than meets the eye…
Well now you really have my curiosity going about these great stories, Earl
Count yourself fortunate to have a father such as him 
Hi Deborah! Thx to share your point on body art with us
@Durano: I dont think I’d be ready to do that too but as History has taught us about Human culture, many rituals and even culture are based on scarification… I guess body art is a part of those
Hi Video
Yes, that’s very true about human culture and scarification, piercings, etc. If you look at the second link under ‘Relates stories’ for extreme body piercings, scarifications etc, you’ll see exactly that.
[...] stories: Extreme Body Art – Erl Van Aken Tags:art belly bar belly chains belly piercing belly ring bellybars bellychains bellyrings body art [...]
My question is WHY?
I don’t get the obsession with piercing and tattoos.
Really can’t they find a better, more productive hobby?
That’s the thing about ‘art,’ Jaki, it’s all a matter of personal perception. Some find beauty in it while others dislike it, some intensely
Now this is some horrible stuff! I think that I wont sleep tonight very well. How can someone do that to himself? I don`t get it, how much pain can a man support? As I can see, a lot !
I’m sure that bridge in his stomach could be really useful for hanging stuff
this guy is koo, he’s a model at my school for life drawing and anatomy!
coooooooooooool:)
I will never do that to my body. I’ll never allow my son doing that. That’s horrible.
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Live a little, would ya? Nobody cares that “you would never do that to your body or let your sheltered kids do it.” It’s not horrible-that’s only your opinion which is one in more than 6 billion. I realize this may come as a shock so you might want to sit down, but humans are individuals and may actually have different perceptions of beauty.
Wow thats crazy, remember to think before you ink!!! or piece in this case.
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