As a kid art was always my best and favorite subject in school. Any chance I got I would sketch anything I could think of. In middle school I was part of a small group of advanced students who came in before school to learn art. I was lucky enough to have Howie Nisgor as my instructor, he would show off pictures of his pinstripe and lettering work in class and it intrigued me. This is where I foun
d my passion for pinstriping. Everyday after school I would go home sketch out designs and practice my lettering. Unfortunately my goals got away from me and I never had the chance to pick up a brush and try striping but the art form always stuck in the back of my mind. In 2004 I got my first set of brushes for Christmas, picked up a can of one shot and started striping. I was hooked and haven't put down the brush since! Pinstriping takes a lot of practice and practice is key when learning. I do my best to paint every night even if it's just a small panel. I am constantly trying new techniques and experimenting with different types of materials. I mainly use house of color paints to create unique backgrounds with transparent candy colors and one shot for all my striping. I was lucky enough to go to Artie's Party last year at Syracuse Nationals, which is a car show in Syracuse, NY. I met some of pinstripings best artists many of which I have looked up to for years and been following their work on pinhead lounge. Jack Lindenburger, Al Batista and Big Stevie Sharpe are some of the artists that inspire me to try different striping techniques and broaden my horizons. Bill Watkins is a master at metal grinding and candy backgrounds, he has inspired me to try and create new patterns in my own work. I encourage anyone to ask questions if they need help. Pinstripers are one big family and will welcome you with open arms if you are willing to learn. Thanks to all the artists for some amazing art and encouraging words.
