Hold Fast: Alex McWatt

The artist Alex McWatt's craft grew out of his youth spent scribbling on any surface he could get his hands on, it began with scrapes of paper evolved into carving into the family furniture and eventually he began marking walls. With spray paint in hand and real natural skill McWatt dove into the world of graffiti. Drawing influence from punk music, skateboarding culture and his fellow taggers he left his mark on walls all over the world. 

Over time McWatt looked to other surfaces to use as his canvas and eventually his interests led him to tattoo. In 1999 he started an apprenticeship under Elio Espana at Fly Rite Studios in Brooklyn where he spent two years learning the trade, the art and the tradition. His work shows a deep respect for the old-school style established by Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins, as well as, reflects his years as a graffiti artist. In fact, in a nice full-circle turn of events his designs are now found on skateboards, t-shirts, TV and gallery walls. After respectful tenures at Fly Rite and TrueBlue Tattoo in Queens lasting almost 8 years, McWatt opened Three Kings Tattoo with partners Vincent Signorelli and tattooer Mattie No Times in 2008. A welcome addition to the Brooklyn tattoo scene.