2013 Skull Canvas Helmet Art – Creative Cranial Covers

Posted by Jim Volgarino on Jan 7, 2014 in Art & Photography | 0 comments

Hot Rod Art and Motorcycle Helmets

The Barber Motorsports Park Vintage Festival draws thousands of two-wheeled enthusiasts each year who are excited to see not only the old, but also the new. Larry Gardinier decided it would be the perfect spot to display and sell the work of artists who could paint on, what else? Motorcycle helmets!

“I’d seen a video of a helmet show out on the west coast,” Gardinier explained, “and thought maybe I should try something like that myself.” Gardinier is a 20 year veteran automotive artist and admits he’s always ready to try new things. Painting on helmets seemed a natural.

“Of course I had someone ask me why I didn’t organize a similar event on my side of the country,” he says. “I couldn’t think of any good reasons and Skull Canvas was born.” Plans are already underway for the third annual 2014 Skull Canvas display and Gardinier is excited to pull together another group of great artists who can show off their talents…and sell some creative helmets.

The 2013 Vintage Festival featured 27 artists, including Gardinier, who exhibited an incredible display of helmet art. “The Vintage Festival is ideal for a show like this,” he explains, “as tens of thousands of fans show up to enjoy vintage bikes, auctions, swap meet action, road gear, seminars…you name it and you can find it at this event.”

The first couple of years have gone reasonably well and Gardinier says plans for 2014 are already underway as he makes contacts with artists wanting to become part of this display and sale. “Know what feels better than getting paid for your work? Getting somebody else paid for theirs!” Gardinier teamed up with hot rod and bike builder Bryan Fuller this past year to sponsor the event and is encouraging all artists to get involved.

“Even if you aren’t creative enough to become part of our merry band of misfit artists,” he explains, “I’m always looking for potential sponsors. This has turned out to be a fantastic experience and the artists and spectators have really enjoyed the creations that have showed up the last couple of years.”

The 2013 Skull Canvas display included 40 helmets.

Artists displaying in 2013 included Jennifer Skidmore, Tom Laura, Kathleen Harrigan, Elvis Startermotor, D.E. Hill, John Dunn, Richard King, DJay Gillespie, Chastin Brand, Beth Kearney, Mark Hagstrom, Angela Graczyk, Bernardo Corman, Phillip Sims, Igor and Giulia Montevecchi.

Check out the custom helmets below and let us know which one is your favorite.