What I talk about when I talk about custom painting a SE Big Ripper.

Because Japan. Heh heh heh. And also, because I rediscovered bikes when we were living in Japan and I’m happy to say that they are a big part of our family life now (and also because our local library in Machida had an excellent English language Haruki Murakami collection and I read them all).

That aside, when this D Blocks Big Ripper came into my possession, I felt the need to make a change to the “Xmas Camo” paint scheme. And in a quite stunning twist of timing, I let rip on the frame & fork in the week before Xmas! I know. Spooky…

This is how it started out. Xmas Camo may float some boats, but not me. No Sir.

Underpainted with some yellow and orange. “Pre Xmas Sunset” if you will. But you don’t have to. Up to you.

Pretty much there more or less. Less was clearly not more in this case.

Yep – that’s Alf Stewart from Home and Away. Like most people, I’ve wanted an Alf Stewart graphic on a bike for as long as I can remember.

Bit of Banco and it’s a Kiramekisan Big Ripper!

After I’d finished desecrating it with spraypaint, it seemed only fair to put it back together. More or less stock, but with Skyway cruiser bars, ODI Longneck grips and Maxxis DTH tyres. I like the look of the Thick Slicks that it came with, but at 2.1, they are a little skinny for a 29er I reckon. Plus I’d like to ride it in the rain without terrifying myself too much.

It’s going to be a rider, so it’ll be interesting to see how the paint stands up to regular use – and if I’ll need to get the clearcoat done by a professional on future bikes. Of course, most scratches can be repaired with a sticker or two. Easy!

Have I got a deal for you!!!

Some work available for sale – just for you! Or someone you like!! Or both of you!!!

All located in New Zealand and prices in NZD. Can certainly send to most places – you’d just need to zap me a message and I can work something out…

“Neko no San-jo” series – $550nzd plus postage for the three. Each 18x18in (around 46cm).

“Subete kikazatta Ni” skateboard deck. A wall hanger this one – wouldn’t recommend skating with it! But would definitely recommend putting it on your wall. $270nzd plus postage.

“Doshin wa no guwa ookii” Ichi and Ni. $850nzd each plus postage. 61x91in.

Masks (card, but fortified with a lot of paint and varnish) $50nzd each plus postage.

Thanks for visiting – stay tuned for new work!

Masking my intentions

Not really. Interntions are pretty clear here! Paper masks, about 10 coats of gesso each side to make them a bit more substantial and here we are! With some masks. You may notice some Kabuki mask influence, which is most likely because they were heavily influenced by Kabuki masks. Hijō ni ōkina eikyō o ukete imasu..

Even painted the backs. Yep – no expense spared.

Total deckfest.

May have mentioned before that I enjoy painting skateboard decks. Some Sharaku style kabuki actors and a monochrome Mr Sparkle background – a couple of aspects that I’ll probably explore further. The images are painted to wrap around the decks so you could hang them either way and have something a little different. But kind of the same. Heh heh heh.

Hey! You scrolled down again! This is a WIP shot of the wrapping around. As it were. Also – Down With Putin.

For lucky best wash! For lucky best wash! For lucky best wash!

Because there are 3… Backgrounds are based on the Mr Sparkle detergent box. One would have been fine, but I reckon a triptych works even better. I’ve done a few with the maneki neko frame this year – I’ll do some more on larger canvases and see how it goes after that. These are available for sale (as a triptych), so could be yours!

Thanks for scrolling down. You’re the best.

May as well Totoro.

This canvas had been sitting for several years with Totoro drawn on it, so once I’d finished up with the 12 inchers decided to finally get it finished. Really want to do some more Ghibli. So I just might.

I’ve joined the jacket racket.

For a couple of years at primary school, my son was blessed with a truly excellent teacher. When it became time for him to move on to another school, I offered her a painting by way of Thanks from our family. She suggested that I broaden my horizons by painting this jacket.

You may notice the background colours. Because fk Putin.

How much 12 inch is too much 12 inch?

Not sure, but I reckon this is just the right amount. Saw out last year and saw in this by painting quite a few 12 by 12 in canvases. I think they call this a “photo dump”. Could be wrong – it’s happened before.

Bunch of Decks…

Let’s face it – taking decent photos of your work is overrated… Heh heh heh. Not really – and this was a reminder of my new resolve to take better photos in future. Or even better – take each piece to a professional to take even better shots. That’s the plan.

Skateboard decks are fun to paint. I like to paint both sides, because it feels a bit like cheating otherwise. Or something. With these I went for a Ukiyo-E type geisha character to the”graphic” side and went a bit wild with spraypaint and a halftone stencil (and a Mr Sparkle) on the top side. More colour for your dollar!

Graphic side – geisha and Powergirl!

Would look interesting with clear griptape! Although I probably wouldn’t recommend riding one of these…

Doo that hath been Scoobied.

“Gitahiro Iichi”. Commissions are great. Otto’s guitar is based on the Jackson owned by the new owner of the piece. Might have to do Ultraman Homer again soon too…

Here it is in it’s new home.