NAKED BIKE: HELMET KALEIDOSCOPE

I was asked by Katie McKay, publisher of Modern Moto Magazine, a magazine geared towards women riders, to contribute an article to the May, 2017 issue. I wanted to do something new. It was February, a New York City winter, the deadline was March and most riders didn’t do winter riding. I decided I’d concentrate on gear, specifically helmets.

I’ve been riding since the late 1980’s. The riding gear-jackets, helmets, pants, gloves-when I was a new rider, was for the guys with some pink stuff for a female passenger. Choices were pretty grim for protective, functional and great-looking gear that would work on a woman’s body. Now, women’s numbers and visibility as a presence in the sport and motorcycle community are growing. Finally, the major manufacturers are noticing and taking women riders seriously.

I sent out an invitation for a photo shoot to be held with female riders at my Brooklyn studio to local motorcycle groups, The MissFires, NYC Litas, Gotham Riders, MotoGrrl. I didn’t hold auditions, or use headshots, but the women had to be riders themselves, or heavily involved in biking and bring their own helmets, jackets and gloves.

My initial idea was to make a very clear photographic grid. However, over a 3 day period, 28 women and one fierce dirt bike riding girl came into my studio with so much color, energy and individuality-my artwork needed to honor their participation. Instead of a grid, I used the idea of a kaleidoscope. Just as a kaleidoscope is a constantly changing sequence of elements, so the women bikers in Helmet Kaleidoscope represent the constantly updating and ever-evolving celebration of women’s achievements, collaborative spirit, and fierce tenacity.