The Rhythm of Pinstriping
Jowee “Mr. Rhythm” Ramirez could have gone another “Rhythm”
path and chosen a career in music. Most of his old band mates did just that,
but to everyone’s surprise a different rhythm called to Jowee from his favorite
guitar.
Most reactions to the above photo have been the correct
assumption that “Mr. Rhythm” is a guitar player, but it’s his brush-name, not a
stage-name. Not many would think of pinstriping in terms of rhythm , but consider
this:
#1 definition of "rhythm"
RHYTHM
[rith-um]
Noun
1. Movement or procedure with uniform or patterned recurrence of a beat, accent, or the like.
A pretty stiff way to put it, but..."movement or procedure with uniform or patterned recurrence" is very much part of the flow in the art of pinstriping. While pinstriping is a highly improvisational art form, there is the bilateral mirroring of the image, the "patterned recurrence" that may be the most challenging aspect of a whole piece and like an improvised blues guitar solo, designs (riffs) are inspired, repeated, and built upon.
Jowee Ramirez may have chosen "Mr. Rhythm" as his brush-name for the beat he hears in his head while dancing the hairs of his Mack along the hood of a car, panel, or stilleto; then again it could simply reflect that he's an accomplished guitarist.
Either way, his brush-name, like his talents, are multidemensional.
The inspiration….
In the above photograph is Jowee's prized Ibanez
which was striped by his friend, Manuel Cisneros. Manuel had previously done
some amazing work on the Ramirez ’54 Bel Air and Jowee had to have some of that
coolness grace his beloved guitar. Mr. Rhythm feels much gratitude for Mr.
Cisneros. At an artistic
crossroads, Jowee followed the stripes Manuel had laid down for him.
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| Jowee & Manuel |
Mike, Jowee’s pops, a man of music himself, initially had misgivings
about his son giving up a musical career, but encouraged him and bought Jowee
his first striping kit.
Soon Jowee was striping everything! The walls and shelves in
the garage/club/music room are adorned with some of his early work, as well as
some recent projects.
Feel the "Rhythm" . . .
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| This Senorita to the left, leaning on the '54 is probably my favorite. |
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| A team piece. The So Cal Line Lowcos, Mr Rhythm & the amazing, D.A. Garcia on tiki duty. |
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