The goal of the WHO RIDES THE WORLD initiative is to support female riders around the world. Over the past few weeks we have introduced many women and clubs that are part of WHO RIDES THE WORLD.
Today we have the pleasure to introduce you to Jenna and her project A-moto!
How did you get the idea to paint helmets and how long have you been doing this?
Somehow I stumbled over it. In 2016 I started with the first helmet from the Copper Collection. This was for my partner who wore it during the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride in Vienna. The helmet was completely covered with copper leaves and the design was engraved on the helmet.
Then I developed other techniques and combined my interest in drawing and painting with my passion for art and motorcycling. In 2017 I founded my studio “À-moto” and started my website.
I fell in love with motorcycles and art, which led me to meet special people, visit many international events and discover customizers and artists. Then my love for experimentation and design drove me. So À-moto is a kind of love story.
What criteria do you use to select the motifs you paint? And how is the process until the helmet is finished?
I find inspiration in different places … in museums, in nature, in buildings, in magazines and books. It’s often an emotion, an impression, a memory that repeats itself in my choice of colours, on my palette and on my curved canvases.
Some helmets are a tribute. I love to integrate existing pieces of art into my creations. It’s not about reproducing, but learning, feeling and reinterpreting with different colours and brush strokes. It is a tribute to art and to artists. The 4-elements helmet of my Japan collection is a composition of three works of the ukiyo-e genre of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The geisha is the work of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, the samurai of Toyojara Kunichika and the crane of Isoda Koryüsai.
Other helmets are the result of experiments and inspirations of the moment. Other motifs come from the clients who tell me a few things about themselves and their passions. In many cases I find the inspiration for the art on the helmet. After a few sketches I discuss the overall concept with the owner and start with the realization.
What is your goal for the A-moto project?
À-moto is a process, just like life. Through À-moto I want to learn, discover new works of art and cultural expressions, get to know people. It is a real gift to exchange ideas and dreams with someone and to turn them into real creations. At the moment I am concentrating on painting and the use of gold and copper leaves. I would like to develop my technique further and emphasize the aspect of classical art. Since the motorcycle itself fascinates me so much as a piece of art, I would like to decorate fuel tanks in the future. The first project will follow soon…;) Follow the project with the Break Fast Club! But my dream would be a CustomBike completely designed by me.
What role does styling in motorcycling play for you?
Strictly according to the principle form follows function, safety comes first. However, to a great motorcycle the styling should also fit which strengthens the overall impression. But I would never exchange safety for a cool look. Fortunately, a lot has happened here in recent years and the motorcycle clothing has become technically and fashionably much better.
In your role as board member of the Moto Circle Festival you have a curatorial function. How do you approach the topic within the scope of the festival?
The Moto Circle Festival has a vision. But how this vision expresses itself is the result of many interrelated factors. Just as a motorcycle couldn’t run without an engine, petrol and sometimes just one screw, the festival couldn’t happen without the whole community. We are a team of 6 people who organize the festival, but it wouldn’t be what it is without all the customizers, artists, brands and two-wheel fans who support us.
In terms of the motorcycle exhibition and art we get inspiration from relevant platforms, magazines, social media and various events we visit. Over the last few years I have also been at almost all major events in Europe with Wolf and we have visited some of the top customizers in their workshops. Of course, this also helps with the selection of the possible bikes. We try to find a good mix of classic, modern and custom bikes and meet different tastes.
The walls of the exhibition halls (OTK-Sargfabrik) also tell stories that we also use for motorbike-related art. Above all, we want to give small labels and artists a chance to become known and enter new markets.