by Since the day that I read the article The Mechanist on Not Being an Artist, I have often thought back to it, particularly when I am walking to my office and I pass what I consider to be the most elegant yet dangerous mode of street transportation — the motorcycle. I have given it much thought because every time I see a well designed and built motorcycle, my first thought is that I am lucky to have come across it and that it is as if I have entered a museum — only that I am clearly the sole visitor to the museum, and there is no admission fee.
Recently, I came across a motorcycle that was so lovely that I had to take a picture of it with my phone to share with you. Here it is in all of its glory.
The first thing that I would like for you to observe as you look at this magnificent work of art is the way that the artist chose to use purple on the vehicle. The wheel cover is one shade of purple, the front plate is a darker shade, while the windshield has a light purple that fades as it dances upward.
Consider the inner, more functioning pieces of the motorcycle. Bear in mind that when a motorcycle is being designed by its artist, they must consider not only how beautiful it will look on the road but make it so that it is well-balanced and sufficiently streamlined — a good-looking motorcycle that easily tips over on one side while riding or consumes too much gas due to fighting against the wind constantly is not the kind of motorcycle you want to put in a showroom! The parts of a motorcycle that make it go must also be designed in such a way that they are accessible without too much hassle to a mechanic — if the mechanic needs to dismantle the entire body to replace a part, the cost of repair would be prohibitive!
Next let us admire the form of the seat and cargo area. To me I see one long form that flows outward toward the back of the motorcycle. The vegan in me hopes that the materials used for the seat and luggage are constructed and not animal derived, but I have to say that I appreciate the sleek look of it all.
You may be interested to know that despite the fact that I admire and examine many motorcycles as I pass them on the street, I would not actually drive nor ride on one — I am quite fearful of having my easily breakable body that close to the road with no protective shell around me, going seventy miles an hour on the Interstate. The idea does fascinate me, but I have seen too many motorcycle wrecks to dare climb aboard. What I can and do, however, is admire their aesthetic — taking photographs of two-wheeled works of art is a joy!
Fine work, Gordon! I appreciate your eye for deal, and I super love that you stopped during your day to record for us a work of art found in situ!
Thank you! When I saw it sitting there I just knew I had to capture it! 🙂
Was the owner around? It would have been neat to find out the choices behind the design aesthetic.
Not as far as I can tell, alas. That would have made for a great conversation! 🙂
Speaking to the owner is a must in my book. You mentioned the paint, and that was the first thing that grabbed me. I always ask Whom? and Where? and most importantly What Brand of Paint? (remember, that’s what I “do”, I sell paint and paint related accessories) That was a very professional fade job. It’s not easy to accomplish that feat.
Lillian,
I would have loved to have spoken with the owner but it’s a big big city and I just snapped the photographs in passing, alas.
alas….I always forget New York is SUCH a big city. But I understand.
Definitely a work of art …………..glorious purple . Definitely an object of desire.
I can almost imagine Prince riding it!
Ha – yes ………………….. I was imagining myself riding it – it has been many a year – make that decades since I rode a motor cycle in my feckless youth . Riding one again is on the bucket list – but I have a lot of firsts to do before I get to the “repeat experiences” .
Do you have any photographs of your feckless youth on a motorcycle?
I am not sure that I do – I may have a picture of the motorcycle in question but this was in the days before I personally had a camera – I will have a look in the depths of the chest of photographs that travelled with me to Portugal.
I may have one more interesting one of my grandmother on one …………………….
I know we’d love to see it! 🙂
This may take a while ………………………….. but the next time I open Pnadoras box – I will look for it !
🙂 Thanks for your consideration!
It truly is a work of art! I think its awesome that you stopped to photograph this motorcycle and yen thought to make an article about the beauty of it all. Nice job!
You know that next time you see a motorcycle parked on the street, you will want to stop and have a look! 🙂
Definitely!
Then we can have a follow up article!
I have always wanted a motorcycle. Go fast! My brother and his son both have Harleys and tour all around the Midwest together having fun. It’s freedom of the road and I like it.
That sounds like a fantastic father / son bonding opportunity! Beautiful!
Gordon! When I was a teenager (which is long ago… 🙂 )…… my first love was a bike. I considered the bike-owner as my friend because of that. I still love the 2 wheeler beast on the road!! Thought about joining a bikers’ club even…. couldn’t do it because of my back pain….. but the love for it is still the same!
Sorry to hear about your back pain! Always fun to look, though!
I happen to be a licensed motorcyclist, and THAT IS a work of art, brother. Carry on!
P>S a little birdie told me today is a special day……
May it be well. 🙂
The little birdie spoke the truth! Thank you 🙂 Glad you like the motorcycle!
Lillian,
I hear you! And then once you are done thinking about how big New York is, remember that Walt Disney World is BIGGER! 🙂