Gotta love the early 20th Century imagination of where things will go as an inspired future beckoned. Art Deco form with streamlining lines. We were promised the future: we’ll, here we are? Where are our flying cars, excess relaxation time, less stress. I think we took a wrong turn somewhere!
Most published illustrations are based on staged photographs. Norman Rockwell’s covers for The Saturday Evening Post we’re such examples. Here is a piece of work by one of his contemporaries Gil Elvgren, who was known for his pin-up girls as well as advertising illustrations for companies such as Brown & Bigelow. Many of his ladies ended up as nose art on WW2 bombers.
Twenty-one year old motorcycle triallist June Adams on her bike, March 1951.
– the Automobile Association combination must have been through a ford on the way to a breakdown. Ready enough to tip it up and drain the cylinders. Fishtail muffler seems appropriate.
Between 1985 and 1995 cartoonist Bill Watterson created the wonderful duo of a mischievous six year boy and his imaginary feline companion. The newspaper strip was awaited for each day – especially when he was looking forward to his beanie hat. Here is someone’s reiteration of the pair haring down a hillside upon a motorcycle.
At 95 Gina Lollobrigita had a full and interesting life. As a sex symbol in post-war Europe she acted in several films opposite leading men such as Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Burt Lancaster, and , as seen on the lower right image, Rock Hudson. Later life saw her move to the other side of the camera, where, as a photojournalist, she managed to get an interview with Fidel Castro. (1927-2023)
– organizing some photos I came across a couple of old photos from the SLR film era. My Kawasaki used to commute in London (top), and my 900 Ninja used in Chicago. Both terrific machines.
The poster for this years biker and band gathering in Chicago. A couple of streets in the Fulton Market district closed down for a long weekend for open air noise with Mods and Rockers. Something to look forward to! Be there or be square!
One of the top rock guitarist of his generation who established a powerful technique that inspires many performers to the present day.
Beautiful drawing of a classic Triumph engine. Quite special.
– Nice artwork with an urban view of a ‘cyclist kicking his bike into life. Terraced housing descends into the distance.
Half Litre History
Nifty Ninja
Another good find in the City yesterday. This was a Kawasaki 500 that some student at the University of Chicago must use as their runaround. I had one similar to this when I lived in London. Great twin engine powering a very useable bike. EX500 in the ‘States, GPZ500R in the UK
Spied on my walk from the office yesterday. Someone’s Triumph parked on a mid landing at a building entry. Keeping it warm in the chilly January Chicago days.
The Goddess of Rock Cher has been a music and fashion icon for over 50 years. Lookin’ cheery with Sonny’s Triumph.
Origami motorcycle – it reminds me of the paper folding instructions in the Rupert the Bear annuals I used to get every Christmas as a kid.
geordiebiker.com 