Hot Rods and Kustom Cars
It’s been awhile since I’ve done an Artist Feature on the site! It’s time to bring them back with my buddy Milo! Not only is Milo an amazing artist, but he also is cohost of two of the podcasts on Set To Stun Productions Network, Hack With Ambition on Wednesdays and Adult Supervision Required on Fridays.
I was always into art and did some drawing in school, but kind of got away from it as I got older. I remember thinking tattoos were the coolest thing in the world. Then I started going to car shows. I was amazed by the pinstriping and kandy paint. I never thought I would end up doing it for a living. About 9 years ago I ordered my first pinstripe brush and 1/4 pint of 1shot. The first time I pulled lines I was hooked. I thought “Damn, I can do this.” Of course looking back on it now, I know my first attempt was a total disaster, but I stuck with it and realized I could not be without art in my life.
This question is tough because I am actually working on it now as I type this. It is a 12×24 board all in heavy silver flake and the plan it to do kandy patterns, pinstriping and one of my flyin eye cut outs mounted to that. The plan is to have it done for Lone Star Round Up. It will pretty much have just about everything I have figured out in it minus leafing unless I can figure out a way to work that in too.
Lots of people inspire me. I look at Doug Dorr’s work and talk to him a lot. He was my mentor and taught me a lot. I owe everything to that dude! Also, the work of Hot Dog, Von Francho, Skratch. Those dudes kill it and amaze me with their clean line work. I draw inspiration from lots of other places, too. I look at a clean car and instantly start striping it in my head. Anything with nice curves really. Old Signs, low riders, hand lettered drag cars. Hell, even stain glass windows in churches. Just about anything can be art and inspiration if you look close enough at it.
Some day I would like to try my hand at sculpting. I have never done that, but that is way down the road. I still have lots of things to master that I am already working with first haha
Be ready to work, nothing is given to you out there. Talk to the guys that have been around. Learn all you can and listen. You never know everything, and if you ever think you do then it is time to stop.
Twitter: timebombkustoms
Facebook: timebomb138
Instagram: jsin1977
Website: www.timebombkustoms.net
See you at a show,
Royboy
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Through listening to Friction In The Static Podcast I learned of an artist named Johnny Jalopy. After checking out his art a quick friend request on Facebook was sent. For about 3 years now I’ve enjoyed seeing everything from his doodles to his full on masterpieces. Johnny is my next victim for the Artist Feature, sit back and enjoy his art and learn a bit more about the man.
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1.) Do you remember an “ah-ha” moment that made you know that art was going to be an integral part of your life?
I have always had a desire to be creative and have always dreamed of doing art for a living. The moment that I knew I had to go for my dream is the day I lost my Dad. He was a great artist that never believed in his work and was too afraid of rejection to try to sell or show is work. But he always dreamed of selling it. So I made a promise that I was going to go for my dream and not let anything stop me.
2.) If you could pick 1 piece of your work that would represent the entire body of your work, which one would you choose?
I dont think I have one yet as I always see my art as a work in progress. I feel like I still have so much to work on and so much to learn. I am not sure if I will ever be satisfied with it. Sad right? Hahahaha But one of my pieces that has had received some great responses is my Zombie Squad Van. Very fun to do and I feel like I nailed the look of metal flake.
3.) Who or what most inspires your work?
My Dad Raymond H Wood, Big Daddy Roth, Ed Newton, George Trosley, Dave Bell, Dave Deal, Thom Taylor who are legends. And my art friends like Zombie, Nate Greco, Todd Jones, Ben Dragdaddy, Bernie Ramirez, Mark Ervin, Lemorris Harris, Kristina Magnuson Albrecht, Gary Campesi, Chuck Majewski, Scott Fisk, Mike Yapps, George Webber, Micky Hora, Max Grundy, Keith Weesner, David Lozeau so many other I feel bad I left them out!
4.) Is there an artistic style or process that you haven’t tried yet that you want to try?
Still working on pinstriping and would love to try sculpting and metal work.
5.) What’s 1 piece of advice you’d give an artist that’s just starting out today?
Work at your craft every moment you can. Dont give up and believe in yourself. Find your own style don’t pigeonhole yourself into on style, try them all.
How do people get ahold of you?
https://www.facebook.com/johnnyjalopy
JohnnyJalopyllc@gmail.com
See you at a show,
Royboy
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Awhile back I started running these Artist Feature pieces. I’ve been blessed to find and befriend some amazing artists over the last few years and this seemed the best way to introduce all of you out there to these amazing artists. A couple of years ago John Wells of Vintage Torque asked me to work with Keven Carter of Car-N-Art so that he could create the cover of Vintage Torque’s KKOA Leadsled Spectacular DVD. Since then I’ve been enjoying watching Keven’s work get bigger and bigger. Last year’s Kid Rock Rebel Soul tour featured a bunch of Keven’s art on shirts and as the backdrop for the stage. Very kool stuff! Without any further ado, here’s an Artist Feature on Keven Carter.
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When I was about 11 or 12 years old I remember being over at a friends house and his father, who was sort of a dry fellow and not around very often, spoke up to us about his job as an engineer. His words to me at the time seemed prolific in my life, though probably advice many of us hear from time to time: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I know this helped me realize that I didn’t just want to finish school and grab a job without some sort of passion about it just to make a buck. Though I have a lot of interests in topics all over the board, I think what I currently do probably wrangles most of those things into one category.
As far as any singular moment, I’d say that probably tops my list. Certainly I was given a lot of encouragement from my family and teachers who helped fuel me in pursuing a career in things (art related) I enjoy when I was younger. I wasn’t always clear on the exact direction, nor will I probably ever be, but that is life; You try things and see how they pan out for you. The only question is how hard you try and how long you do them before before desire loses it’s luster and you give up.
Man, that’s a pretty hard question for me! From time to time I have people approach me and bring up a specific piece I worked on that has brought them joy or encouragement or sparked something inside them or at least stayed with them. Those will always be my favorite pieces because they made an impact on someone other than me or a client and I think that’s why I like doing art, because it can have a lasting effect on people. I like to look back at things I’ve done in the past and see where I was or the way I was doing work and see how I’ve grown. Some of those pieces stop me in my tracks and I’ll look at them with admiration and have a little sense of pride building up inside. I think I may keep those impressions to myself though as not to effect others judgments.
History plays a big part of my inspiration. I’m pretty passionate about a lot of automotive history being a native of Detroit. It’s fun to look back at how products have grown over the years and see the changes and cues along the way. I feel the early years perhaps are the most inspiring with exterior design being the most influential: Back in the years where speed and aerodynamics were suggested in shape as opposed to be factual. This idea plays in a realm of fantasy that spawned many cool looking designs and some of the best products in appearance.
Two things that come to mind: 1) I’d like to take a stab at metal casting some physical pieces because I’ve never tried it. 2) I’d like to be able to play with some more modern toys out there like CNC machines, 3D printers, lasers, water jetting, etc. I think I could lend some of my current skill sets to modern toys to try to make some new fun things.
If time wasn’t a factor I’d probably do more painting. I used to enjoy it a lot but I just don’t feel I have the time anymore. I came across a blog the other week that had a bunch of cubist style modern day works that was pretty interesting to look at and I thought to myself I’d like to attempt to try it for fun. But for the most part I’ve been exposed to many forms of art over the college years which I’m glad I have the opportunity to explore some new ideas.
I don’t think I could give just one piece of advice and have it give any gravity to someone starting off today, so I’ll give a few from my personal experience as a commercial artist:
Work Hard. I know this sounds like some blanket advice that anyone will tell you, but it certainly is true. Work ethics are so important as it’s seems to be slipping away all around us. Hard work and persistence can pay off if you give it your all and the right amount of time.
With each piece you do, you’ll grow. As I mentioned earlier I like to look back at things I’ve done. Sometimes I’m filled with pride, other times I cringe a bit; this is part of the growth process that will make you stronger everyday forward.
Be Humble. With the voice of social media today anyone can be anything they want to portray. I certainly don’t want to cut on social media because as an artist of a new era is concerned, it can be your new best friend to take advantage of global billboard. I myself are from a slightly different time and perspective, so I’m not huge in the social media world (to a fault) For years I worked under a company name rather than my own. This had a few draw backs for me in growth. I still have people thinking that I’m some design firm, an artist collective, etc. I’ll poke around the internet from time to time and see how others will boast, brag, talk shit, but overall this won’t help you as much as being humble and thanking people for compliments and thanks along the way. Clients like to work with humble folks, not drama queens.
Keep working. If you approach a single goal, then it’s time to set some new ones. I feel a good artist is never satisfied and this is what drives you to do more. Don’t count on one single piece to be your statement in life. Everyone will engage with your work differently, so be prolific and keep making those engagements!
Set Deadlines. This is important as a lot of artists don’t know when something is ‘done’. Sometimes pieces get overworked or someone just runs out of time. Know your limits and limitations as well. Deadlines in the commercial world are of the upmost importance. I feel some of the best feedback I get from clients who work with me is I can stay on track and deliver when something is needed.
Twitter: @carnart
Facebook: Car.N.Art.LLC
Instagram: @kevencarter
G+ : +KevenCarter
Website: car-n-art.com
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My friend John Wells of Vintage Torque is a man on a mission. Both his hugely successful Vintage Torque Fest and Iron Invasion shows raise money for HelpingHannahsHeart.org and he’s not stopping there. Also available as a fund raiser are 2 coloring books, I just ordered a couple of the new Asphalt Fiends Coloring Books for gifts for my nephews for Christmas (they are 3 and 5 and I don’t think they read this blog so I am not ruining their surprise). HelpingHannahsHeart.org is a foundation to help families who are dealing with the financial burden that comes from having a child with Critical Aortic Stenosis or related Congenital Heart Defects. The Wells family knows all too well what this financial burden looks like, this is their way of helping others going through the same thing.
The coloring books are a veritable who’s who of the hot rod art world. Page after page of heavy hitter artists lending their art in a coloring book line art form. The 2014 edition features art from Zombie, John Detich, Eric Foust, Grant Cushman, Ryan Curtis, Dustin Weisgerber, Kris Chisholm, Shawn Spiwak, Max Grundy, Andrew Wright, Paul Kester, Nate Greco, Shawn Dickinson, ZAKKA, Mike Learn, BigToe, Chad Lambert, Joey Finz, Mark Thompson, Bruce Gossett, Chad Scheres, Scott Fisk, Jeff Gaither, Johnny Jalopy, Corrie Erickson, Jim Hively, Ben DragDaddys Mitchell, BOMONSTER, Del Swanson, Sara Ray, Sinclair, Arlo Dillman, and GerPeters.
The 2013 edition boasts this line up: Ryan Curtis, Nate Greco, John Detrich, Eric Foust, Mark Thompson, Ruben Montes, Shawn Spiwak, Chainsaw Chuck, Johnny Jalopy, Dane Brown, Bradie O’Neal, Darren Menzies, John Hoogeveen, Chris Hamer, Del Swanson, Thomas Metcalf, Nik Scarlett, Dustin Weisgerber, Grant Cushman, Joey Finz, Chad Scheres, Jeff Schwerdtfeger, Ben DragDaddys Mitchell, Britt Madding, Ryan Curtis, Kurt Wright, Thomas Metcalf, Tom Krohne, Bruce Gossett, Ger Peters and Lil Nick.
I’ve been going over the books for a couple of days now and I’m really impressed. There are some fantastic artists featured with a whole truck load of incredible art just waiting for your (or your child’s) coloring touch. So get on over to Asphalt Fiends Coloring Books and get yourself some ordered. Get an extra to keep because these could easily be a great collector’s item.
See you at a show,
Royboy
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Two or three years ago a friend of mine was talking to me about another photographer that he wanted me to meet. He was really talking this guy up so when we finally crossed paths later that year I really felt like I kinda already knew Steve Giangreco. Our mutual friend Herb had filled me in on many of Steve’s kool projects but one that I didn’t know about was Gears and Gals Magazine. A year later I see the first issue of Gears and Gals and to be honest I was a bit jealous, I wanted to do a magazine! But this was far beyond what I was capable of at the time, and even today. Steve has put together a great publication in Gears and Gals.
Now on it’s 11 Issue, Gears and Gals is an indie publication that is largely the work of just a handful of people. The text is large, the photos are large, the ads are sparse. It’s a great magazine for just visually perusing or for sitting to read some great articles. I’ve supplied show coverage for the magazine in the past and I’m planning on doing so again in 2014.
If you like beautiful tasteful pinups and great hot rods, kustoms, trucks and drag machines, you need to check this magazine out. The majority of the vehicles featured are from the Kansas City area as that’s where the magazine is based out of but the feature vehicles are starting to be shot from farther and farther away from the home base. Issue 11 for example features Chicago area’s Voodoo Larry’s newly redone Voodoo Kreeper and the lovely Collette on the cover and as the feature story.
So now that I’ve told you a bit about the magazine, let me tell you about the experience that this magazine gives me. The paper is thick, the magazine feels substantial in my hands, almost like it’s made to be a collectable. Throwing it away would feel like a waste. Gears and Gals is printed right here in the midwest too, not outsourced to China like so many other magazines. The photography is all well done, the articles are informative and well written. The layout of the magazine is straight ahead and simple with many full page photos featuring some of the many beautiful pinups that Gears and Gals regularly work with. When I was going through the magazine looking for faults the only glaring one was that it was that I wanted more. I don’t know if that’s a fault but it did leave me a touch less than satisfied, meaning that I will patiently be waiting for the next issue to show up. This magazine features many of the shows that I attend and a handful that I don’t make it to as well. There’s great event coverage, feature articles, personality features and more in Gears and Gals.
To summarize, yes the magazine is published by friends of mine, yes I will have articles in it in the future, and yes I’m recommending the magazine to you. First I wouldn’t be submitting articles to this mag if I didn’t believe it was a good product, and second this is as indie as it gets, no corporate politics, no big publishing company games, this is one small teams’ vision and effort going into making a great magazine that shows off some of the Midwestern car show scene. THAT’S something I can get behind. A subscription would make a great Christmas gift, even if you’re getting yourself a gift!
Head over to Gears and Gals on facebook and like their page, go to their site and pick up an issue or better yet subscribe!
See you at a show,
Royboy
20 copies remain! Order today to get yours!
Next up for the Artist Feature part of the site is Ed Tillrock! Ed’s talent with any artistic medium is staggering to someone like me that struggles with stick figures but when he has a pencil in his hand he’s just downright amazing. Ed produces pencil drawings that you will swear are some sort of Photoshop manipulation of a black and white photo, but I’ve sat and watched the man create these amazing images on blank paper. It’s nothing short of amazing.
Without any further ado…
Q: Do you remember an “ah-ha” moment that made you know that art was going to be an integral part of your life?
A: As a kid I wanted to be an architect, but loved to draw! The “ah-ha” moment came in High School in an architecture class. I discovered Architectural Rendering! Art and architecture… A perfect fit for me…. I became a renderer! Did that for over 30 years, until the wheels came off the economy… It turned out to be a good thing for me… About 6 years ago I merged my passions for art and hot rods. I work more now than I ever have, but it’s not work! It’s a labor of love… Drawing with a regular #2 pencil is what I have done my whole life. It was a natural progression for me to scribble hot rods with graphite on illustration board. I love the depth and richness I get with it. I treat my art as if it’s oil on canvas, but it’s all pencil!
Q: If you could pick 1 piece of your work that would represent the entire body of your work, which one would you choose?
A: Bus Stop
Q:Who or what most inspires your work?
A: Tom Fritz’s oil paintings really inspire me. He’s got that passion, hard working effort and he’s a great guy to hang around with. (I hate him!)
Max (World-Wide) Grundy is such an energizing force. He never stops! His passion for his art is unbelievable.
I could also add, Kenny Youngblood, Steve Stanford, Chip, Frank Lloyd Wright, and of course Norman Rockwell….
Q: What’s 1 piece of advice you’d give an artist that’s just starting out today?
A: Learn to draw by hand! Computers are fantastic, but before you can run you need to walk. The basics are important…. And draw every day!!!
Connect with Ed online:
FB: Ed Tillrock
Instagram: @PencilSpecialist
Website: edtillrock.com
Store: http://edtillrockpencilspecialist.bigcartel.com/
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Thanks Ed for taking the time to answer the questions and for sharing some of your art with all of us! Folks, go to Ed’s site, buy his art, it’s that simple and makes amazing Christmas gifts.
See you at a show,
Royboy
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2014 Calendar For Charity Update: 10 Greaserama Edition and 25 Trucks Edition Get your copies now, they make great Christmas gifts!
I’ve been blessed to meet a ton of great artists in my travels, many of them do not get the press/credit that they deserve often working full-time day jobs and doing art on the side. One of the guys that I’ve met along the way that’s become a good friend is Todd Jones. Enjoy some of his work, add him on Facebook and get you some art! – Royboy
Todd was my guest on my podcast “Chrome Pipes & Pinstripes” Episode 5, listen here!
1.) Do you remember an “ah-ha” moment that made you know that art was going to be an integral part of your life?
I realized it fairly early in life. I always had a keen interest in art. Junior High/ Middle School was when I began to take art seriously. My mind was like a sponge soaking up every bit of knowledge about the subject. I was like any typical teen that was into cars, sports, music and girls, but was always most comfortable with a pencil or paintbrush in my hand. I was a pretty quiet kid so art really became the great communicator for me. Drawing was a great way to start up conversations with people. To this day, art is largely responsible for the majority of my friendships.
2.) If you could pick 1 piece of your work that would represent the entire body of your work, which one would you choose?
That’s a difficult one! I’d have to say the front-engined dragster piece I title “The Gold Digger” I was really just screwing around when I started that piece. Never truly intended to finish it. I had no plan, no direction, no goal in mind. I just started sketching. I just kept drawing and continually refining the piece. Before long I was digging up old photo references settling on several photos of the Masters & Richter Special and a few photographs of Ed Pink’s digger. The piece continually evolved and I was very pleased with the end result.
3.) Who or what most inspires your work?
My earliest recollection of being inspired was seeing several side view drawings of old hot rods my dad drew back when he was in high school around 1959-1961. Later, my cousin introduced me to CARtoons magazine. I learned a lot from George Trosley, Dave Deal, Shawn Kerri, and Dennis Ellefson. Later influence came from Thom Taylor, Charlie Smith, Darrell Mayabb and Chip Foose. I am constantly looking for inspiration. I get a lot of motivation from friends in the business. Ed Tillrock, Brian Stupski, Jeff Norwell, Max Grundy, Chad Lampert and Scott Fisk to name a few. Another artist that I get inspired by is Josh Welton, welder and metal sculptor extraordinaire. He’s an amazing welder and seems to have a knack for bringing his work to life.
4.) Is there an artistic style or process that you haven’t tried yet that you want to try?
There are so many styles and processes I’d love to try. I want to explore with oil painting, both metal and clay sculpture, and I’d love to get back into watercolor painting.
5.) What’s 1 piece of advice you’d give an artist that’s just starting out today?
Don’t expect to get wealthy doing art. Do it for the passion and love of art. Never stop working to improve your skills and remember to try processes that are outside your comfort zone. Be persistent, make lots of contacts and maintain them. Never give up.
Contact info: Facebook: Todd C Jones
Email: tjonesdesign@gmail.com
Last Christmas I found out just how difficult it is to find a book that’s both good for kids
and hot rod based. I looked and looked and came up with just a handful of choices,
most of which were not that good. Now I can add a good book to that list.
“Grandpa’s Hotrod” is a story of a young man who finds his grandfather’s deuce
roadster and as young men have a habit of doing, he talks his grandpa into making it
run again. It’s a short story so I won’t spoil any more of it, but as car folk we all know
it. The passion for hot rods is largely passed down from generation to generation, this
book is a wonderful tool for doing just that. Read it to your kids or grand kids, then
let them find the hot rod in your “barn” and help you bring it back to life. Even if that
involves you pretending to fix something that isn’t really broken.
The illustrative breakdown of the hotrod and all of its modifications can be a fun tool to
teach a youngster about the differences in the cars over the years and can be a great
stepping off point for fun conversations about what they might do to a Hotrod of their
own.
The illustrations were also done by the author as well as the publishing. This book is
as home grown an effort as you can get. The kind of home grown DIY effort that you
should support, in hopes that there are more books to follow.
To order a copy for yourself go to grandpashotrod.com
See you at a show,
Travis
A few years ago I met this crazy artist type named Dragdaddy. Turns out he’s become a good friend, go figure. One of the hardest working artists I know, he works a draining day job and every day turns out fantastic art in his spare time!
Here are a couple of pieces that he’s working on right now.
Ben has a unique style that pays homage to the masters of the past with familiar themes but is done in his own way.
For the last few years Ben and some select artist friends have been creating some larger than life art on the walls of Travis Miller’s shop in Dewey, OK where we hold the Stray Kat 500.
So go visit Ben Dragdaddys on the ol Facebook, buy some of his art (his coloring books are AWESOME) and then thank me later.
See you at a show,
Travis
