And, here's the other decorated bicycle that is on public display and is randomly moved from one location to another in downtown. The backstory with this one is interesting. The artist, who refers to himself as Dr. Nik Gapeto, said he begrudgingly was shopping at Walmart and saw a display of fake doves. He realized they were intended for shooting target practice. Being vehemently opposed to guns, he bought all 60 or so doves (calling them 'killing mechanisms') … and eventually came up with the idea for the peace Dove Bike. Surprisingly, I've never seen Dr. Nik in person -- just his creative bicycles. This shot was taken at Bayfront Park where it was locked up and on display. One of these days, when I spot him, I'll do my best to get a portrait. In the meantime, here's a video interview he did recently with one of our many local media outlets:
9 comments:
In my part of the world bikes painted white and chained at the roadside to a post or fence are called "ghost bikes". They are a memorial to someone that became a motor fatality while riding their bike.
I think I like this better than the flamingo bike just because of what it symbolizes. Creative guy, this Dr. Nik!
So cool.. the dove and flamingo bikes :) that Dr Nik has a good sense of humour and a kind heart, so happy he found a much better use for the doves :)
P.s. I couldn't see the video SRQ :(
A very cool story. Dr. Nik is a man who acts decisively on his beliefs. (Like Andy, when I first saw this I had an immediate wince, thinking of the "ghost bikes" I have seen in Connecticut, Florida and elsewhere.)
BTW, yesterday in Charleston I photographed a chained orange spray-painted bike, which was sitting in a street without explanation. Not sure if that photo will ever see the light of day, but it is an odd coincidence. Dr. Nik's bikes are far more interesting than the one I captured.
Thanks for posting the interview. He's not such a mysterious character now. Both bikes are interesting and this one is less of a cringe than a ghost bike is.
Nice to see that he has a creative use for these doves.
Wow, what a well decorated bike!
My first thought was instead of a carriage bringing the bride to the wedding, she might ride up on this bicycle!
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