Did I tell you about the gorgeous vintage bike I landed last year? Complete with it's original basket, I was in a dreamy state of bliss for the last few months of warm air. I really do need to show it to you. Today's Daily swank reminded me of my bike and reminded me I need to get it out of storage, it's almost riding time!
I recently spoke with the artist Taliah Lempert behind these paintings about what made her decide to start painting bicycles in the first place.
"My paintings of bicycles are a long term project in it’s 12th year.It started when I began commuting by bike and fell in love with mine.My bike was so awesome I couldn’t help but make it the subject. Then I started painting my friend’s bikes and it grew from there.
Painting pictures of bicycles satisfies what I want to say. Structurally beautiful and symbolically positive, I love how a bicycle relates to the figure & exploring what each is specifically the person who rides it.
Most bikes I paint are, or have been, used daily for transportation,messenger work and/or for racing. They are worn and customized uniquely, being at once a specific bike and a collective symbol of empowerment.
Most of the bikes in my pictures are vintage, I like painting used bikes."
To see more of Taliah's work visit her online gallery.
To see her work in person visit Dream Wheels
May 2-23 2008 Opening reception: May 2nd 5-8:30pm.
You can also find her most Sundays at Brooklyn Flea 10am-5pm Starting April 6, 2008
