MEDIA: Galvanized sheet steel, fiberglass, wood, and polyester on 1971 Vespa motorscooter. Paint is acrylic lacquer, topcoated with polyurethane clear coat.
DIMENSIONS: Length 70" , width 28" , height 42" , weight ~230 lb.
REMARKS:This scooter is inspired by old opulently carved carousel animals, like those solid, magnificent horses with flowing manes, flashing eyes, and jewelled saddles, that were such a thrill to ride as a child.
Like the carousel horses, crafted before the advent of plastics, this work is built as solidly as possible. The Vespa has a steel body. The head is made of galvanized steel, cut with tin snips, then bent like origami.
Fiberglass and bondo are used as sparingly as possible, for smoothing and transitions.
Details like the feet are solid, carved wood.
The paint is translucent lacquer, applied over a silver basecoat, to give the work an inner fire.
Ready for the road.
