Wow! What a small world. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the name Mark Rush. He’s one of the most famous airbrush artist there is. Actually he is one of the pioneers of the airbrushed T shirt. I was actually an airbrush artist for years between the early 80’s through the mid 90’s. We made A LOT of money and led the beach bum, rock star style lifestyle. I remember one guy I painted with was a big time windsurfer and decided to see if he could make enough in one day to buy 2 new boards. He painted his guts out that day at the water slide and pocketed $800! Cash! Not bad for a 22 year old kid in 1983! All the airbrushers traveled around the coast checking out each others work and Mark Rush was always THE king! It sounds like a silly way to make a few bucks but we worked at State Fairs, Fishing Rodeos, and Water Slides and it was quite a money maker. Long hours, late nights and work every weekend and every holiday, but it was all worth it for a 20-something with money to burn. I never did get shot in the head, but I did come close to shooting someone else in the head though. One night about 1:00 AM after painting all day at the Fishing Rodeo, with my pockets bulging with cash, I went to make a phone call at a pay phone (no cell phones in those days) when a guy walked into the booth with me and asked if I had any dope or money. I said “hell no” as I reached into my back pocket and pulled out my revolver. He quickly backed out of the booth with his hands up, saying “don’t shoot me man”. Anywho, I just can’t believe it, Mark Rush...well I’ll be dipped.
Sounds like he’s still kicking.