Comments on: How Women First Climbed Astride A Motorcycle

By: Janet/Corn Dog

Janet/Corn Dog — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:26:22 +0000

What elevates this painting from being just another picture of a sexualized woman perched on a bike is the women in the background. Their obvious disapproval adds a whole layer of “story” to the painting and is probably the aspect that resonates most with me. I do think Stella’s beautiful – I DON’T think she represents “how women first climbed astride a motorcycle,” but that’s the title of the blog post and not the title of the picture so it’s kind of irrelevant to me. What I like is how the other women react to her. The complete contrast of their dress to hers and their obvious attitude toward her, remind me that while History seems to want us to remember only the flappers, they really represented only part of our culture. The other part was all buttoned up and gasping in horror at what “those young people” were up to. For me the picture is more a “moment in history” – the old guard meeting the next generation – than it is a picture of a girl on a motorcycle. The “character” Stella is not my favorite in the series, but the story I experience when I look at the painting is really compelling.

By: The Birth Of A New Woman Of Harley at Cyril Huze Blog

The Birth Of A New Woman Of Harley at Cyril Huze Blog — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:33:12 +0000

[...] I reported, David Uhl released “Stella“, his latest painting belonging to the series “Women of Harley” But this [...]

By: Steampunk bikes, spirited women riders, and more snow : Biker Chick News

Steampunk bikes, spirited women riders, and more snow : Biker Chick News — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:48:42 +0000

[...] up, over on Twitter, somebody shared a link to this post on the Cyril Huze blog about new art by David Uhl. Be sure click through to Uhl’s website – and take a look at his “Women of Harley [...]

By: Me....

Me.... — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:24:04 +0000

Not only is David an (inherently) exuberently talented man, but also incredibly intelligent, as well! Absolutely stunning work! I am not the least bit annoyed with the lack of clothes on Stella…I love that she is so rebellious – just what you were looking for! Kinda reminds me of me – but much prettier. Stunning…thanks for sharing, Dave!!

By: mike corbin

mike corbin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:15:41 +0000

david is great artist and he is relentless

By: Jennifer Santolucito

Jennifer Santolucito — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:40:18 +0000

I am in love with this painting.

Jennifer “Scott” Santolucito

By: david uhl

david uhl — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:12:21 +0000

Dot from the maids came along a bit later and would probably have related more to Evelyn, Ruth, Rose, Pearl, and Betty, probably not so much to Stella and Ruby. I am absolutely sure she would have loved my Enthusiast painting for the 100th. And I am positive she would have applauded her elder matriarch the great Vivian Bales.
Of all these paintings, by far the least popular was My piece for the HD Museum of Vivian. Even with the female riding community, very few of my audience cared enough to explore her amazing accomplishments. Sad but true. Vivian graced the cover of the Enthusiast in 1929, and was a lovely and exiting woman that really impressed me. I thought the painting came out beautifully, but it seemed nobody cared. Ruby predated Viv on the cover of Enthusiast in 1926 and the contrast in popularity is remarkable. Even the 500 prints (sold out for 8 years), if you can find one sells for around 5k. go figure?
Stella does not represent a woman rider, neither of course was Ruby, both are just intriguing images of a turbulent era. For 12 years now I have witnessed a peculiar love affair with the Ruby image, probably loved more by women than men. I personally think it’s the rebellion and sex appeal she symbolized rather than if she was a proficient rider.
My interpretation of history covers many factions, and I attempt to do it in a way that will inspire some emotion one way or another. In your case I guess I have succeeded. Thank you for the interesting commentary.

By: Christina Shook

Christina Shook — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:26:21 +0000

Real women motorcyclists in the 20′s were out there doing amazing things. What would Dot Robinson think of your picture?

By: david uhl

david uhl — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:20:52 +0000

Dear Christina, thank you for your comment. I have no doubt my piece represents what “guys want to see” especially myself.
That fact conceded; I have included a link to an excellent historical video of what inspired me to paint this piece. If you take a minute to view, should add context to the attitude of my girl Stella. The dress/outfit is actually an antique from a local theater supply house, it’s what she does in it that fires people up. Flappers – The Roaring Twenties. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3svvCj4yhYc&feature=email

By: Christina Shook

Christina Shook — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:53:37 +0000

Hmmm, really? They took took their clothes off first and wore red lingerie?
Sounds more like what guys want to see.

By: Knucklehead

Knucklehead — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:55:29 +0000

Ahhh! Stella.

By: Pepper

Pepper — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:30:52 +0000

While Ruby will always be my favourite, I’d have to say that David has done it again. I’ve always told him that he does a magnificent job of allowing us to see past a beautiful face and into the souls of the women he paints so well. He’s done it again.

By: Fluke

Fluke — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:56:22 +0000

I have a total passion for the 20 america: music, fashion, design.

I just love this painting, takes me to a time I wish I had lived. well, other than that whole prohibition and depression stuff.

Great work, David. I love it.

Is it really bad on a bike blog that I know the car is a 28 or 29 Model A, but I have no idea what model the HD is?

By: J. Mansell

J. Mansell — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:58:36 +0000

Sexy 20′s.