Curious villagers have asked me: “What the heck is the Artisan Chair?”
Located in a prime location at 612 Oswego St., near the corner of Tulip, the storefront features a classy font with its name and the addendum, “By appointment only,” all of which spur inquiring minds.
Turns out the Artisan Chair is a tattoo studio, but one that promises “refined ink and distinguished art.” No, this isn’t your granddaddy’s tattoo parlor. You won’t generally see clipper ship images, tigers, anchors and daggers at the Artisan Chair. You’re more likely to choose an abstract colorscape or a tree of life complete or a lovely portrait of your favorite movie star, athlete or pop artist.
Let owner/artist Matt Tyszka explain:
“We artists love telling your own particular story, and we put our energy into making that story come alive on the outside,” Tyszka says. “It becomes a part of you that is self-evident. Don’t you deserve that dedication from your tattoo artist? This is our life and our passion, and we wear it proudly.”
Former art major
Tyszka studied art at SUNY Oswego before deciding to pursue tattooing in 2006. He specializes in portraits and still lifes. At Artisan Chair, he’s joined by Autumn Burns, who may spice your session with a psychic reading, and Nick Toscano, who’s rumored to possess superpowers.
“Receiving a tattoo is all about the experience,” Tyszka says. “We begin with your vision in mind and develop a complete concept and plan before any work is performed. Your comfort is our primary concern throughout the duration of your session — the Artisan is a refined tattoo studio environment dedicated to the highest level of sterility, professionalism and courtesy. You will leave us with the highest quality ink and a story you will be proud to share for a lifetime.”
To schedule an appointment, call 214-8947, or visit theartisanchair.com.
Black Sea Tattoo
So now the village business district features two tattoo shops. Two years ago, Black Sea Tattoo & Piercing opened at 105 First St.
Owned by Bulgarian-born tattoo artist Stefan Kalpaktchiev (pronounced kal-PAK-chee-eff, Black Sea also offers quality body piercings by Mona Leah “Monica” Ridgeway. For info, dial 214-4208, or visit blackseatattoo.net.
LHS alum Vet of Year
When James A. Durkin attended Liverpool High School in the early 1970s, he put his electrical expertise to work on stage lighting for school plays and also for the school TV station.
“Most of my free time,” he recalled, “I worked at MacArthur Stadium and at the War Memorial with my dad.” His father is the Syracuse Chiefs’ most famous vendor, Jim Durkin, who’s still out there this season hawking programs.
Anyhow, after graduating from LHS in 1974, inspired by his dad’s Korean War service, the younger Durkin joined the U.S. Marine Corps and then married his best friend, Barbara Jane MacDonald, in July 1975.
Iran hostage crisis
He was attached to Marine Air squadron VAMQ-2 for nine years and was detached to the USS Midway, USS Nimitz and other air-craft carriers. Jim received his VFW eligibility during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979-80.
Last month state Sen Mike Nozzolio (R-54) selected Durkin as his 2015 Veteran of the Year.
Durkin joined the VFW in 1980 and is currently a member at Post 7414 in Canandaigua, where he served repeatedly as All-State Commander and All-State Quartermaster. He’s co-dean of the VFW Officer Training Institute where he teaches other vets the best way to support their fellow veterans, veterans’ families, communities and posts.
In addition to his VFW duties, Durkin spent the past 30 years working for the Gleason Works in Rochester, first as lead electric engineer before taking over the reins of the entire engineering department.
Jim and Barbara, who live in Canandaigua, have one daughter, Elizabeth, born in 1986.
The columnist can be contacted at [email protected].
