The Daily Swank - Bicycle Art

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 12^th 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

Comments

[Jessica]

lovely bikes! I remember doing a still life of a bike in high school and it was probably the best pencil still life ive ever done. It won 2nd at the county fair I believe.

[auctionwally]

That's a neat bike article. How timely too, in our town we are starting to see more people use bikes for everyday errands!

I don't know what your experience is but I find the Tandem bikes are among the best sellers at auction.

Fun post, now I just have to figure out how to attach a trailer on my bike for my Yard Sale finds!

[LuAnn Smith]

I love vintage bikes. I ride a 1970s retro Schwinn in retro lime green. I love her. Thanks Gab for once again finding something I really need!