Big Crowd last Tuesday evening at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for the VIP Industry party for the unveiling of Jeff Decker art collection at the 11th Annual Michael Lichter Art Exhibit. Artist Jeff Decker lives, studies, documents and sculpts motorcycle culture.
Hanging from the exhibition hall ceiling, Jeff had the excellent idea to hang banners with wonderful words about the importance of art. “One Should Either Be A Work Of Art, or wear a work of art” Oscar Wilde. “Art Is Never Finished. Only Abandoned” Leonardo Da Vinci. “I had Reservations About Making Art A Business. But I Got Over It” Mary Boone. “The Problem With The Youth Of Today Is That One One Is No Longer Part Of It” Salvador Dali
I took a few close up pictures of motorcycle history as preserved and created by Jeff at his Hippodrome Studio.See them all the jump…
After the party celebrating Jeff Decker, the crowd moved into the adjoining tent for a screening of “Wide Open”, a short film on the pre 1916 Cannonball Endurance Run. A few “Cannonballers” present included the host, Jeff, Cris Sommer-Simmons, Matt Olsen and Carl watched the first 20 minutes of the ride of the century. The hardcore crew went from Kitty Hawk, NC to Santa Monica, CA on backroads. Ride, wrench, repeat their mantra. Follow on Facebook pages, Wide Open movie for updates or go to Cannonball for more.
The Roaches. Venice. There’s some stories that go with that. We’re sure.
Imagine the owner who wore that in 1961-1969, toking illegal “send-you-directly-to-state-prison-for-one-joint-weed and walking outside, starting a straight pipe fishtail exhaust stretch-chopper, negotiating the tight avenues along the canals and then bar hopping along 101 until closing time.
Big as grapefruit. Crazy as hell.
True Art transcends time.
Hence, Jeff’s Art is truly timeless.
Regarding Salvador Dali’s quote;
I doubt he ever heard any Rap Music(?)….. 🙂
-nicker-
Sure makes one wish, for televised speedway dirt track races again. I could watch that everyday at lunch (instead of OCC) and never get tired of it.
Was fun to watch our friend Cecil (from Cecil’s Cycle’s) wired on crank – hit the wall at Ascot and survive, more than once too.
Jeff Decker = Class. A great guy with an intense vision. When asked what outside of motorcycling inspired hime – the first andswer was food, the second, travel. He’s a rider ad an artist that if you ever have the pleasure of meeting, is worth the time he can spare you. A great guy supported by a great wife too.
The Hells Union jacket has no place in a fine exhibition such as this. The swastikas represent pure evil and really have nothing to do with motorcycling. Just because some perverted imbesile chose to display them many years ago, just displays his ignorance and immaturity. The jacket should be burnt on Main St.
Will love to see his work @ Daytona!!!
I like the Skateboard deck!
i had the honor of seeing this collection of bikes, artwork and culture while in sturgis this year. it was hands down my favorite thing that i saw during the week. the bikes were all incredible in their own way, the artwork classic and intricate down to the last detail, and the things saved from the bikers of the past were a great snapshot of a time that has gone and will never return.
the swastikas on the cut that was displayed should NOT be destroyed. it has just as much value as any of the other cuts that were displayed. its history. just because some do not like it, does not mean that it shouldnt be shown. ‘burning it on main street’ wont take back anything. its a vest. its what was.
i was also lucky enough to be able to meet mr. decker and speak with him for a bit. very very nice guy. grounded. talented. real. an honor to meet him.
thank you jeff.
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