RE: [CR]Bike as functional art

(Example: Events)

From: "Jill DiMauro" <jpdimauro@starpower.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: RE: [CR]Bike as functional art
Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2001 22:53:55 -0500
In-Reply-To: <000801c17931$b5f56040$9fbf56d1@Marta>


Ah.......functional art. Gets me thinking. How can one look at a bike without reflecting on the sensual ride? Sometimes I paint on my bikes (the road is my canvas, the bike my brush and the sights, sounds, smells....my paints) and sometimes I dance. I forget where I end and the bike begins. When I look at my classic bikes it is much more than a visual experience. I reflect on all the subtle feels of the ride. Riding inspires me, gives me hope and reaffirms my destiny.

Jill DiMauro Maryland

-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of garth libre Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2001 6:58 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Bike as functional art

Dale has pointed out that overly poetic ramblings are not germane without a strong root in mechanical assessment. I am inclined to agree with this, although I am inclined to violate it at times.

I had a ten year professional career in Classical dance that spanned the entire 70's decade. With my body somewhat broken (spinal fracture), I returned to what I knew as a teenager, road biking. This physical interaction had much to do with my complete recovery (along with yoga, and Buddhist meditation). During the 90's I achieved a degree in Mechanical engineering, and a series of ASE certifications in automotive mechanics. This earned me a job as an enforcement officer with transportation here in Dade County. We combine out knowledge of mechanics with our wolfen instincts to hunt down for hire transportation violations and illegal operators (taxis, jitneys, limos, school buses, hospital vehicles etc). I had a brief unsuccessful time with SCCA racing with my race prepped Miata, but my real love is still bicycle racing. I nightly return to my bike workouts and the relaxing reading of Classical Rendezvous list service.

I feel that I have less historical knowledge of classical bikes than most here, however I have a powerful artistic and mechanical appreciation which makes me a fellow member. Yes, historical knowledge is important for putting artistic and mechanical innovations in perspective, but it is not the "juice" which makes this human expression breathe. The "juice" is this trio : 1) How does a particular frame or part make you feel when you see it, touch it, hear it. 2) How does a frame or part feel when you use it. 3) What is the human struggle with physics behind its manufacture.

The first point is strictly an artistic reaction to the creation. The second is a combination of art and physics. The third is the story of the artist (engineer, designer, frame maker) who must struggle with the limits put on him by the laws of physics and his desire to create useful art. It seems to be about numbers and statistics and machining and brazing and metallurgy and sport competition, but it is really the story of art. That is what makes the classic bike so interesting. It is really not faster, and only somewhat more comfortable, but it is acres more artistic. Surely the frame maker is not trying to trim seconds off some competitors time when he lovingly cleans up every lug, or cuts it with custom flourishes. Neither is he trying to lighten the frame with perfect execution. The shape of the body of some derailleur is not just about function but sculpture too. Form may follow function, but details often follow artistic dreams. Bikes are a functional art. Maybe functional art is the highest kind.

With this in mind, how can we ever drift too far away from art, because it is art which really runs the show. Garth Libre in Surfside Florida