It seems that each time I post now, I vow to post more frequently, due to being fed up with the algorithm controlled hoo-haa of things like Instagram, etc. Well, this time I mean it. Heh heh heh
So I'll be going back to 2025 and slowly bring things up to date.
At the start of 2025 (summer here) I was painting some old oil barrels. Not the first I'd painted, but I reckon they got a bit better each time.
Barrels were then delivered to the Incubator Gallery at the Historic Village in Tauranga (New Zealand). The Incubator is kickass – as is the rest of the Historic Village. You really should visit.
In general. But specifically in this case – Zuckerburg, for how Facebook and Instagram have become steadily more crap to use as a tool to promote your art. So for now I’ll be using this blog more and hopefully can stick it to the robots…
Which means I’ll be zooming all over the place time wise. That probably sounds a lot more exciting than it actually is, but at least I’m not bloated and orange (yep – gone political…). On that note, I’m looking forward to visiting the States when there are better people in charge. Hopefully that can happen.
So anyway, back to the art. 2024 was my first attempt at the New Zealand Art show in Wellington over Kings Birthday Weekend. Wasn’t able to make it down there myself, but sent some paintings down and they all now reside in new homes. Domoarigatogozaiimasu to the fine folk who purchased a Kiramekisan last year – I’ll have 8 more in this years show. Below are last years.
“Himawari”
“Wasabi”
“Budo”
“Ichgo”
“Umi”
Please excuse my photgraphy – I hereby vow to improve.
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!
kirameki san experiences sustained loss of traction 