Koi to momiji (Madako)

Massiliano's sleeve - full colour in two days (Horimatsu)

Massiliano came back up from Milan in order to finnish his sleeve with Shishi, Koi and Botan. We worked for two days in a row and finnished just in time to drive him to his flight. The images are of the slightly swollen and bruised result after the last two days. In February I will meet up with him in Milan in order to get som real studio photographs.

I really like working like this - focused on primarely one or two pieces each week. It has also worked out great for all the travelling clients. They get a lot done in a relatively short space of time, and energy can be kept at an optimum level at all times. Everybody benefits.

For anyone interested in how this piece looked before colour was done, please go here

What do soldiers need from you?

Nothing more than that we be mindful of their sacrifice, appreciate their effort and take the time to understand what they're trying to achieve in Afghanistan before forming an opinion. To honour soldiers and to support their mission is not hagiography. It is not blind patriotism, or unquestioning acceptance of any government's propaganda, be it Conservative or Liberal.

It is simply to recognize that people, who believe passionately in a humanitarian ideal, volunteer in the service of that ideal and then risk their lives for it, are praiseworthy.

Behind the combat glasses, the body armour, the helmet and the assault rifle, is a man or a woman whose fear and discomfort are managed only by training, the company of other soldiers and the knowledge that we, the public, support them.

- An editorial from the Owen Sound Sun Times

Red Koi sleeve taking shape. (Horimatsu)

Christoffer has chosen Koi and Botan in water for his first sleeve. Even though I do make many, many Koi I never grow tired of creating new versions of the design. In the repetition lies the path to mastering any design. In fact, there is no single design I prefer working with above others. It's the tradition itself that intrigues me, and it always seem to be many parts to the whole.

Artistry in Iron Builder Reports on 2011 Las Vegas Bikefest

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"If you are at Las Vegas Bikefest, come say hello to us today from noon to 2pm at the Cashman Center. Then get ready for Saturday night's Bikers and Strippers Ball," said New York builder, "Copper" Mike Copper.
                                                                        Lady Gaga chose his "Precious Metal" one-of-a-kind motorcycle (covered in platinum leaf, 14K gold, and his trademark copper) to accompany her on stage for the release of her new album, “Born This Way,” in New York’s Union Square earlier this year.            

You will have a chance to see it at tonight's Bikers & Strippers Ball, 6 to 10 pm up on the rooftop at Larry Flint's Hustler Club. "Precious Metal" is one of four one-off customs built by Copper Mike/Gravesend Cycles that will be on display at the Biker Ball.

"I will be judging a few contests at the Bikers and Strippers Ball and it's only $25 per person to attend, including door, a drink and contest entries. Best of all, part of the proceeds will go to my favorite hometown charity, Contractors for Kids."

Copper Mike's newest build, Steam Punk in Artistry in Iron Show

UPDATE: Mike rolled into downtown Las Vegas on Thursday night for the custom builders cocktail party at Hogs & Heifers Saloon. He was busy signing autographs from noon to 2pm Friday at the Cashman Center, and his newest build, "Steam Punk" was a top entry in the 2011 Artistry in Iron Show.

Steam Punk features many antique copper industrial gauges, an old fire extinguisher and even an old maritime compass inset on the copper gas tank: Old Skool with bling appeal.
"A very huge congrats goes to Artistry in Iron 2011 winner for the second year in a row, Chris Richardson of LA Speed Shop!," said Copper Mike. "Tremendous talent and a great guy!"

The 2011 Artistry in Iron "invitation-only" custom bike show presented custom motorcycles by 20 of the hottest custom bike builders in the industry. Chris Richardson of LA Speed Shop was selected by his fellow builders as the 2011 Artistry in Iron Master Builders Champion. Copper Mike's “Steam Punk” was the people's choice winner!

American Cycle Magazine sponsored the show at the Cashman Center, on Friday and Saturday. But there were also many meet & greet, autograph sessions during the Vegas Bikefest, September 29 to October 2, 2011.

The 2012 Vegas Bikefest is set for October 4 to 7, 2012.

His bike, "7 Deadly Sins" is featured in the October issue of Playboy Magazine.

Visit his website for more details: Gravesend Cycles.

RAW Combat footage of US Troops in Afghanistan

After publishing my 100th video, I realized that the footage from my tour in Afghanistan only covered the war from a Canadian soldier's perspective. I recently partnered with several of my American brothers in arms to bring everyone back home a view from the American Soldier.

My latest video was contributed by a soldier in Battery 3-321 and demonstrates the devastating power of the M777 Howitzer against a Taliban foot patrol.

To all my viewers, thank you for your support! If you have any questions please subscribe to my channel and contact me via YouTube, or follow me on Facebook

-Scott

Butterfly and Sakura. (Madako)