**** NOTE: My November 2012 posts have been lost due to system issues. They are: Good Guys Show, Nostalgia Drags and my Day of the Dead shoot...hoping to recover them. Sorry if you came here to specifically see those posts.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The Gathering Of Kustoms...Part 2

Here's my second and final post on the 'Gathering, and a fine gathering it was!



John Saltsman's bug-eyed custom '49 Studebaker truck...the "Atomitron". 






Bill Torres' sweet '58 Fairlane...Mercifuls C.C. Long Beach, CA.

Gordon McIlonie's '58 Caddy & Bill Torres' '58 Fairlane...Mercifuls C.C.
With such nice ass-ends on these rides, I had to show another angle on this second post.





Tiny, Fan, Bomonster
As I mentioned in Part 1, I heard about the show via the Friction In The Static podcast. I knew Tiny and Travis Haight (Travis Haight Photography) would be there filming for the new Diehards Kustom Kulture TV  show and made it a point to hunt them down and say hello. In this pursuit of Tiny, I ran into my amigo BOMONSTER...damn baddest-ass Kulture/hot rod artist around! Seriously, if you have not checked out his site...GO! He's a scratchboard artist which gives his art a distinct look that couldn't be cooler. He's very prolific and his ideas are fresh with a retro hot rod feel. Check it out.


Above Tiny interviews his long time friend, Syren; a tattoo artist and fashion jewelry designer/manufacturer for Episode Two. Travis, the Diehards photographer/videographer in action.

Travis Haight, Mr. Rhythm & Phil all smiles over the playback.
Travis here shooting pinstriper, Mr. Rhythm laying some lines on Phil's '56 Merc...both ride with The Usuals Social Club C.C. Looks like they're all pleased about the playback...hopefully it makes the cut.

Syren & Tiny...the buddy shot.
TJ's '57 Ranchero

I really dig this V-shaped Edsel tailight customization!

The Mercifuls C.C. out of Long Beach, CA...with Jack Petitt's '57 far right.
I saw these guys on the highway heading into Corona. I slowed down so I could watch them pass. What a caravan! At that point I knew the 'Gathering' was going to be a kick-ass show.


A front detail shot of Jack Petitt's gorgeous '57 Pontiac Star Chief. As you can see from the group shot, parking was tight and signs abound. Since I had some really nice shots of this ride from the last Mooneyes show (see December 2011 archives) I just went for the details.

Note the light and tasteful pinstriping...perfect for this classy ride!


John Denich's "Grapevine". Beautiful.





The winner of the "Best Kustom" award went to Mark Morton for this gorgeous '53 Merc.


Is this not a sweeeet '42 Ford?



Syren
It was great getting out of the desert to support a quality first time show like The Gathering Of Kustoms.
Being there it really hit home the importance keeping the Traditional-way alive.  I started this humble  blog to support the local scene here in AZ. I love this stuff!! Kustom Kulture is not main-stream (good thing? Bad thing?...it's a debate) and needs support. That's why I also support Diehards Kustom Kulture TV and as soon as the new trailer is released I will get you a link...you will LOVE it! So, for now go support the show by giving a big "LIKE" on Facebook. Also, the related podcast Friction In The Static delivers Kulture talk with the crew from Traditional Rod & Kulture Illustrated and cool interviews with builders, show promoters, artists and musicians that live and breath Kustom Kulture. Stick it in your ear, and support it too by picking up some of Zombie's artwork on a sticker: 


It's car show season (everywhere but here in the baking Phoenix area) so get out there and show your support! Go see some live local music too and on your way to the venue buy some hot-rod or tiki art. Hell, why not get your flask or purse pinstriped!
I know, money, right? I hear ya! Do what you can, it will enrich your life and keep the cool you crave alive.
See you at the next show.
Cheers!

2 comments:

Stella Rose said...

we so love your local support and the love you show to the things and lifestyle you live. Great shots as usual Bill :)

Bill Garrett said...

Thank you so much!! Hope to see you ladies soon!