Beacon’s jam-packed Main Street has gained another business-Distortion Society, a bohemian and eclectic destination that blends tattoo studio and art gallery under one roof. This multidisciplinary art center features contemporary art paired with non-traditional tattooing, marrying the professional interests and styles of husband-and-wife co-owners Bradley and Michelle Silver.
The pair moved to the area four years ago from New York City for the quieter but still culturally and artistically thriving town of Beacon. Bradley previously worked at Inked NYC as a resident artist before the couple decided it was time to pursue their shared dream of a multidisciplinary art studio. In their minds, the idea made perfect sense, but they had no idea what the public reception would be. “Most tattoo artists are artists before tattooing,” says Bradley. “They don’t just do tattoos. It’s less different than anyone would think.”
Deciding to take a shot, they opened the business in May and have gotten a warm reception from the community. “People in the tattoo world are excited about this because art and tattooing already exist together in their minds,” Bradley says. And those without tattoos seem to have interest as well. Michelle describes visitors that come to the gallery, look at the paintings, and, from there, look at Bradley’s book of past pieces with the same attention they would a classic canvas. “There’s a stigma behind tattoos, especially with older generations, but the tattoo-art connection doesn’t drive people away,” Michelle says. “People love the combination of body art and fine art.”
Bradley’s style emphasizes non-traditional tattooing practices. “We are breaking out of the four categories of tattooing and doing something unusual,” he says, referencing the four categories of traditional, Japanese, realism, and tribal. Bradley considers himself an abstract artist, specializing in blackwork tattooing with geometric elements. The second resident artist at Distortion Society, Choon Lee, is also an abstract tattooer, focusing on fine line and illustrative imagery. Between the two of them, plus a rotating slate of guest tattoo artists, the studio aims to offer something for everyone. “It’s helpful to have a mix of non-traditional artists,” Michelle says. “Lee’s style is different from Bradley’s but complements his by keeping that non-traditional flavor.”
On the fine art side of things, Michelle plans to have monthly exhibits at the gallery, curating shows that span different mediums and styles. The current exhibition, Evan Paul English’s “Un/entangled” opened July 8. His five paintings dive deep into the themes of romance and American domesticity through a queer lens, with floral motifs running throughout. The vintage florals are what caught Michelle’s eye—English carries this theme in both his paintings and body art, making him the perfect fit for Distortion Society’s two-pronged approach. English is popping up at Distortion, both as an artist and guest tattooer, through July 30.
Distortion has also built in an aspect of local activism to their work. During Pride Month in June, they had their first fundraiser event—a tattoo flash pop-up to benefit the Newburgh LGBTQ+ Center. The Silvers were excited about the high turnout. “It was very successful,” says Bradley. “I was booked out all day. I did five tattoos, and I usually only book one client a day.” Michelle is thrilled about the connection with the LGBTQ+ center, how well received the business was by the locals, and future plans for activism events. As a new business on the block, Michelle and Bradley are excited to “foster the community of Beacon and be a place to get a little weird.”
