Storm
Photo by: Renee M. Anderson, The Dark Queen

 

     Into a generation that would be labeled, "X", was born, Aaron Wayne Anderson in Havre, Montana on May 2, 1974.  Aaron finished his Kindergarten and First Grade years in Missoula.  From there, the family moved to Billings where young Anderson completed his primary education.  Then in the Summer of 1987, the Andersons moved again.  This time it was to the rolling hills of Pocatello, Idaho, where Aaron would make lasting friendships, complete his secondary education at Highland High, and Fine Arts at Idaho State University.

Storm & The Dark Queen ~ April XLII (2007)

     During those crucial years as a young adult, Aaron was a competitive swimmer, aquatic instructor and Pool Manager, where he developed his own "Learn to Swim" program. In college he was a Fine Arts Major and member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, in which he held positions of Social Chair, Rush Chair, Inductor, and Vice President..  Dark Heros in comics, Heavy Metal, Horror Movies, Halloween, the Darker side of Nature, and a distaste for Corporate America and organized religion are among just a few of the things which inspired Anderson's artwork.  As his work developed, he found himself expressing his generation through horrifying, low brow, interpretations of well-known advertisements and media iconography.   During this period his work also reflected experimentations with various states of euphoria - something he no longer condones.  ISU's Athletic Department commissioned Anderson to create a mural on the wall above the athletic offices which gained him local recognition and an offer for, an unheard of, Junior Art Exhibition titled, "Progression Through My Dreams at ISU".  Refining his ideas with the guidance of his advisor, Anderson displayed his artwork at his second exhibition and Senior Thesis Show in the John B. Davis Art Gallery during the fall of 1999.  Influences such as Anthony Ausgang, Robert Williams, and Robert Crumb were apparent in his works.  "Storm" was added to his name signifying the next stage that would "brew" from the following years of aesthetic cultivation.

Storm - The College Years
XXXII (1997)

    The Artist Storm had moved, ironically, to the Salt Lake Valley to assist a long-time companion with his business.  Surrounded by religious zealots, whose sour agendas were fervidly coated with a creamy, sweet icing, Anderson was dismayed that such idealogy continued to exist within a world of science and reason.  This was, in fact, the precise justification he had given for walking away from Catholocism so many years previously (He still completed, albeit constantly questioning every aspect,  CCD, CYO, and Confirmation - All for the happiness of his beloved Mother).  Then the financially, emotionally, and socially frustrated artist meets aspiring photographer and fashion designer, Renee, "The Dark Queen", who was equally discontented over the same issues.  Renee  began taking classes in photography.  Storm learned the extreme basics of tattooing for a hefty price at the World's Only Tattoo School and was reading the philosophies of Anton Szandor LaVey.  Together, they nurtured one another's ambitions and refined their skills.  Success would soon manifest itself.

Storm at the World's Only Tattoo School.
Summer, XXXIX (2004).

   The Dark Queen and Storm consummated their love on Samhain (Halloween), XXXVIII, A.S. (2003).  Art on You was an idea conceived a number of years earlier, but was now re-emerging as an even Darker concept which portrays Storm's visions of an incredibly carnal existence as well as horrible nightmares and blasphemous images on canvas, found objects, and the flesh.  HR Giger, Paul Booth, Bob Tyrrell, and Magister Diabolus Rex were among the artists that Storm was studying.  Knox hired Storm on at Attatude Tattoo at its inception and became his mentor.

The Dark Queen, Criss Angel, & Storm
Ozzfest ~ Pheonix, AZ.  Summer XL (2005).

The Dark Queen established Dark Queen Apparel wherein she reconstructed one-of-a-kind women's apparel from men's Heavy Metal and Horror t-shirts.  Her work was a raving success on Ebay and she began to be recognized by fans while attending various events.  Meanwhile, Storm was diligently pursuing a career as full-time Artist which was realized on March 17, XLI (2006).

Evan Seinfeld, The Dark Queen, Tera Patrick, & Storm
Winter, XL (2005).

Storm and the Dark Queen embark on many adventures attending concerts and events that present numerous opportunities to associate with like-minded individuals, influences and celebrities. Knox incorporated Storm into his crew that attended the Spring and Summer functions of XLI. Such occasions offered Storm moments to showcase and perform his developing tattoo skills. He participated in "The Evanston Freedom Rally" in Evanston, WY, "International Ink & Iron Festival" aboard the Haunted Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, and "International Idaho Tattoo Expo" in Boise, ID.

Storm, Bob Tyrrell of "The Night Gallery", & The Dark Queen
"International Ink & Iron Festival" ~ XLI (2006).

June 5, XLI, marked the "Opening the Gates of Hell ~ SLC 666 Eve" party in Salt Lake which Storm spearheaded along with the support of his Queen, Attatude Tattoo, The Redrum Shop, Cell Block, American KGB Productions,  and Radio Free Satan. The once-in-a-lifetime "holiday" aroused the interest of various media. Storm was interviewed by City Weekly, IN Utah, Salt Lake Tribune, and FOX 13 News.  Only a few months later on November 1, the Dark Queen and her apparel were featured in Rue Morgue Magazine.

Storm featured in City Weekly (SLC) just prior to 6/6/06.

 

Last Updated May, XLIII,  A.S. (2008)
Copyright.  All Rights Reserved.  Art on You XLIII, A.S. (2008)