First Frightday is coming!
Last October 6th, 2023, we had the pleasure of hosting our very first "First Frightday" at The Grand Arthaus in Downtown Phoenix, and wow, what a night it was! The gallery space came alive with an incredible display of creativity as over 30 talented artists from around the country showcased their unique styles on coffin-shaped canvases. Each piece brought its own twist to the theme, creating a diverse and mesmerizing collection that drew in hundreds of spectators and friends.
The energy was electric, with artists mingling alongside guests and sharing the stories behind their pieces. Meanwhile, kids had a blast crafting their own vintage Halloween paper masks, and our DJ kept the spooky vibes flowing with an inspired mix of eerie tunes. The event also featured a lineup of spooky-themed vendors, adding to the Halloween spirit, while attendees enjoyed complimentary coffee and hot chocolate to keep warm on the crisp October evening.
We can't wait to do it all again! Mark your calendars and join us for our second annual "First Frightday" on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 6 pm to 10 pm. Come experience a night of art, music, creativity, and community at The Grand Arthaus — we promise it will be a frightfully good time! See you there!
WHAT IS PINSTRIPING?
Pinstriping is a decorative art form that involves painting Thin lines down the side of a vehicle but has evolved in to designs used to embellish vehicles, motorcycles, and custom objects. These designs are often used to enhance the contours of the object, adding a touch of elegance, individuality, and style. The practice is closely associated with the custom car culture, especially within the Kustom Kulture scene.
The Art of Pinstriping
Pinstriping requires a steady hand, precision, and an eye for symmetry and flow. Artists often use specialized brushes, such as Daggers, swords, and Scroll brushes. artists typically use enamel or urethane paints. The designs can range from simple “old school” straight lines, to intricate patterns, scrolls, and flourishes. The lines are usually freehanded, allowing for a unique and personal touch in each creation.
Pinstriping is also an expressive art form, with artists often developing a signature style. Traditional colors like white, gold, silver, and black are common, but vibrant and metallic colors are also used to create striking effects.
History of Pinstriping
Pinstriping as a decorative technique dates back centuries, used on horse-drawn carriages and even early furniture. However, the modern art of pinstriping as it is known today began to take shape in the early 20th century with the rise of automobiles.
1950s-1960s: The post-war era saw an explosion of car culture in the United States, with hot rods and custom cars becoming increasingly popular. It was during this time that pinstriping became a prominent feature in the custom car scene. Artists like Von Dutch (Kenny Howard) were pivotal in popularizing pinstriping. Von Dutch, often referred to as the "Godfather of Modern Pinstriping," brought a rebellious, free-form style to the art, influencing a generation of custom car builders and artists.
1970s-1980s: Pinstriping expanded beyond cars to motorcycles, bicycles, and even helmets and other personal items. The rise of Kustom Kulture, a movement celebrating the custom car scene, lowriders, and rockabilly culture, kept the art of pinstriping alive and evolving.
1990s-Present: Today, pinstriping is a respected art form within the Kustom Kulture community. It continues to be practiced by a dedicated group of artists who uphold the traditional techniques while also pushing the boundaries with modern designs and materials. Pinstriping remains an integral part of custom vehicle culture, celebrated at car shows, bike rallies, and art exhibitions.
This art form is not just about decoration; it's a way to express identity, creativity, and the spirit of customization. For many, pinstriping is a bridge between art and craftsmanship, where each individual piece tells a story of dedication and passion.
Journey to DesignerCon
Hey everyone,
I’m beyond excited to share some incredible news with you all! For years, I’ve dreamed of attending Designer Con, whether as a spectator or a vendor. This year, on November 15, 16, and 17, my dream is finally coming true! Not only am I attending, but I’ve been accepted as a vendor at this amazing event, which is happening for the first time ever in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As a Kustom Kulture artist based in Phoenix, Arizona, this opportunity means the world to me. I’ve been working tirelessly on new merchandise and art specifically for this special occasion, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you. What makes this even more exciting is that I’ll be setting up alongside my good friend Jaymeer. For those who don’t know, Jaymeer is a renowned skateboard artist known for his incredible contributions to the Burnside DIY skatepark in Portland, Oregon.
Jaymeer and I are collaborating on some unique and exciting pieces that we’ll be releasing exclusively at Designer Con. I can’t wait for you all to see what we’ve been working on. This event is not just about showcasing our art; it’s about connecting with other artists, meeting new people, and immersing ourselves in the amazing world of contemporary art and design.
I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and want to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. I’ll be updating my blog and social media with all the latest news and behind-the-scenes looks as I prepare for this incredible event. Stay tuned for more updates, and I hope to see many of you at Designer Con in Las Vegas!
Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey with me.
Cheers, Spawk
Working with the Phoenix Suns
2023 was an amazing year for me. Other than having no AC at my house and putting up with the Summer heat, Things really started looking up when the Suns reached out about working on another project with me. I was able to create a new T-shirt design as well as Creating the Font used in almost every promotional ad and display in the 2023/24 season. I am honored to have gotten such a great opportunity. I was able to execute both the font and shirt design in less than a months time. In the future I hope to be able to design something as epic as a Team jersey but for now I believe this was my biggest accomplishment as a small name in the art and design world.
Mike Meyer Lettering Workshop (RECAP)
We had the pleasure of Hosting Mike Meyers Lettering Workshop and kicking off his West Coast Tour. From the moment Mike arrived it was laughs and good times. He pulled up to my shop in a yellow school bus with his son Jacob and we started unloading right away. My favorite part of it all was hearing all the awesome stories Mike told us during his stay here. We can all learn to paint but the history and stories that come with this craft need to be told in order to keep them alive. I even got to show him and the rest of the class a few good foodie spots in the area because what good is a road trip without great food right? Over all Mike’s class is a great way to learn the craft and keep it from being just another “Dying Art” as people like to call it.
At the end of the 3 day class; Dino and I had a chance to interview Mike for our Podcast series (BEHIND THE BRUSH) where we got to archive some of Mikes amazing tips, stories, and learned a lot about Mike and the reason he teaches till this day. Mike travels the world sharing his experience and you can catch him on the West Coast this year while he completes his West Coast Tour. Next up will be Colorado, Utah, Oregon, California, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to not only learn from one of the best sign painters alive but to hear the history and the stories behind it all. You wont regret it.
All photos taken by my amazing lady @molov_photography on Instagram