Garrettero Kustom Photography And Art

BOMB SQUAD 3rd Annual Bomb-B-QUE

2013-02-14T11:37:00.001-07:00

The palms trees swayed in a collective sigh of relief last Saturday morning as the Bomb Squad Car Club of AZ (Eastside) rolled into formation at the Papago Park event site...it was dry. The threat of rain had loomed over the previous days right up to showtime. All day the clouds came and went, blocking the sun to a chilling temp, and then opening up again with warmth...layers on, layers off, repeat,... but no rain fell!
One may credit it to the cars being blessed at the Hell City Saint's show back in November...makes sense to me.

The anxiously awaited 3rd get together that is the Bomb Squad Bomb-B-Que, topped last year's on all counts. Kerry Hudson, the club founder and organizer of the event rented a bigger space at Papago Park this year, and a beautiful one at that. There were more cars and a cool variety of them. There's no official head count, but there was a steady crowd from about noon 'til things wrapped up around 6pm.

Kustom trophies made by club member, "Choppa" Brent Haines

The Hell City Saints & friends

Models, Carly Deville & KandyK

The Host Club...Bomb Squad

Kerry put a lot of work into planning the after-party....it kicked ass!

Four very cool local bands played at the Sail Inn, Tempe. The Sinisters with their killer Hi-Fi Spookosonic surf sounds and Whiskey Kiss played a stellar rockabilly set.
Club member, Arkansas Tommy and his band, The Earps, rocked the joint and the girl punk trio, The Venomous Pinks, inspired a mini-mosh pit as they brought the evening to a blazing end. A great variety of what Phoenix has to offer!!
Here they are in no particular order...

Whisey Kiss

The Earps

The Venomous Pinks

If you are ever in the vicinity of Rockin' Ray....I highly recommend the Sante Fe burger.

Lisa & Mysti, the Devil's Daughters, hosted the after party and are seen here presenting Kerry with the crown of cool in special recognition for putting on such a great party and his all around support of the local kulture scene. I hear he hasn't taken it off yet, nor should he!

What a blast!!

Thanks Bomb Squad!

Keeping the Merry going...Mooneyes Xmas Show 2012

2012-12-29T22:11:00.001-07:00

The lovely, Carly Deville

Another great time at Irwindale Speedway.

Bo Huff's "Rockabilly Hound" & "Rockabilly Playboy"

Pinstriping by the amazing, D.A. Garcia

Pinstriper extraordinaire, Junior Huff

The beautiful, Mae Janae

Mr. Rhythm laying 'em down.

Mr. Rhythm's work.

Supermodel, Sabina Kelly

Hey Cheech!

The stunning, Josee Leone

Happy New Year!

Mooneyes Xmas Party...

2012-12-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

'58, '59 & Fine...

David Novello's Chevys
with Lily VonZombie

Pinup: Carly Deville

2012-12-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Carly

Got a chance to meet up with my friend Carly Deville at the Mooneyes Xmas Show. We did a shoot and had some laughs.

Pinstriper: Jowee "Mr. Rhythm" Ramirez

2012-12-03T05:47:00.001-07:00

The Rhythm of Pinstriping

Jowee “Mr. Rhythm” Ramirez could have gone another “Rhythm” path and chosen a career in music. Most of his old band mates did just that, but to everyone’s surprise a different rhythm called to Jowee from his favorite guitar.

Most reactions to the above photo have been the correct assumption that “Mr. Rhythm” is a guitar player, but it’s his brush-name, not a stage-name. Not many would think of pinstriping in terms of rhythm , but consider this:

#1 definition of "rhythm"

RHYTHM

[rith-um]

Noun

1. Movement or procedure with uniform or patterned recurrence of a beat, accent, or the like.

A pretty stiff way to put it, but..."movement or procedure with uniform or patterned recurrence" is very much part of the flow in the art of pinstriping. While pinstriping is a highly improvisational art form, there is the bilateral mirroring of the image, the "patterned recurrence" that may be the most challenging aspect of a whole piece and like an improvised blues guitar solo, designs (riffs) are inspired, repeated, and built upon.

Jowee Ramirez may have chosen "Mr. Rhythm" as his brush-name for the beat he hears in his head while dancing the hairs of his Mack along the hood of a car, panel, or stilleto; then again it could simply reflect that he's an accomplished guitarist.

Either way, his brush-name, like his talents, are multidemensional.

The inspiration….

In the above photograph is Jowee's prized Ibanez which was striped by his friend, Manuel Cisneros. Manuel had previously done some amazing work on the Ramirez ’54 Bel Air and Jowee had to have some of that coolness grace his beloved guitar. Mr. Rhythm feels much gratitude for Mr. Cisneros. At an artistic crossroads, Jowee followed the stripes Manuel had laid down for him.

Jowee & Manuel

Mike, Jowee’s pops, a man of music himself, initially had misgivings about his son giving up a musical career, but encouraged him and bought Jowee his first striping kit.

Soon Jowee was striping everything! The walls and shelves in the garage/club/music room are adorned with some of his early work, as well as some recent projects.

Feel the "Rhythm" . . .

This Senorita to the left, leaning on the '54 is probably my favorite.

A team piece. The So Cal Line Lowcos, Mr Rhythm & the amazing, D.A. Garcia on tiki duty.

Mr. Rhythm can be found with his car club brothers, The Usuals Social Club, at most of the shows big and small around the Los Angeles area. He'll be celebrating his 4th year of pinstriping where it all began, at the Mooneyes Xmas Show, on December 8th.
This year he has the honor of creating/donating the pinup trophy for the "Miss Mooneyes" pageant. I've considered entering just becaue I know the trophy will be bad-ass.

Go to the show, hit him up and get some art. Or, contact him on Facebook:

Jowee "Mr. Rhythm" Ramirez

Happy Halloween 2012!!

2012-10-31T06:47:00.000-07:00

"Scene From The Bookshelf" #1.....

R.I.P. Norm Grabowski 1933 - 2012

2012-10-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

One of Norm's killer hand made shift knobs...

Beauty at the wrecking yard....

2012-09-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

A shot taken at Ralph's Wrecking in Whetstone, AZ

at the Hell City Saints Misery Run...more to come.

Phonography

2012-09-04T14:04:00.001-07:00

Called it in from a rockabilly show, Phoenix.

Viva Rat Fink!

2012-09-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Friday's Teaser Shot

2012-08-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Ketchner/Sabrina Shoot...more to come.

Haboob Photo Shoot & Lowrider Cruise

2012-08-06T23:11:00.008-07:00

Here are some shots taken a couple weeks ago in the downtown Phoenix area. I had been wanting to shoot some lowriders with ladies and murals...accomplished both, but it was under some severe weather conditions. The shoot has since been dubbed by the participants as the: Haboob Shoot.


"Don't turn around, Rena"...the wall of dust, known as a "Haboob" heading toward us from the East.

The shoot was planned around the 2nd annual "Back 2 Sku Cruise". The B2SC is a charity event that raises money and collects school supplies for needy Phoenix kids. It was a great success last year, with a great showing of cars from local clubs and solo riders.

Above a favorite shot from last year...see the archives....

Click here for last year's cruise...

Unfortunately, July is the probably one of the worst months of the year to do anything outside here in Phoenix, but obviously the event has to take place just prior to school starting, so the show goes on.
My original plan was to meet the models at the Calle 16 Mural Project to take a few shots with my buddy Freddie's beatiful '60 wagon. Then we'd meet up with the cruise.

Paul, my amigo/assistant and I were at the murals a little before the ladies showed up. It was so hot (110...if I recall) that I was not going to blame them if they just bowed out, but they all made it and the shooting began!

Rena...

Beautiful mural by Gennaro Garcia

Here's Rena pre-haboob. I'm not going to comment on all the following photos, but you can pretty much tell from the blowing hair and brown sky when the dust and wind kicked in. For instance this shot of Mercedes, below. The wind working nicely with us in this one.

This wall here and the following two shots are the beautiful work of El Moises (link to "Arte De Moises"

I was surprised that after heat, dust and wind that the ladies were willing to change outfits and try some shots...they we're great. After about 90 minutes of shooting rain clouds rolled in and available light was getting scarce; we called it a wrap. The ladies bid us adieu and we headed out to the final cruise point to check out the cars and drop off school supplies.

Here we have the beautiful Abby, El Moises & Freddie's wagon...

Mercedes...

Freddie's '60 wagon, paint by Freddie! The fantastic mural is by Pablo Luna. Great combination here!

This incredible mural is by Pablo Luna

Said "combination" just doubled with Mercerdes & Rena.

Franchesca! Pinup stylist and mentor.

Laying low & slow, cruising the storm out.

Well things didn't go as planned. I really wanted to shoot the cruise like last year, but I love the mural shots and met some really great young ladies that I hope to work with again.

Big thanks to Mercedes, Rena, Abby & Frankie. Also, to AZ Los Boulevardos cruiser Freddie for his magazine-star killer wagon, and to Ryan who cruised out in his bad-ass caddy...which I wish we would have had time to shoot with. And without my buddy Paul on flash and his all around help I'd have been overwhelmed by the number of ladies to shoot and dealing Mutha Nature...thanks amigo!!

Lastly, if you have not been out to the Calle 16 Mural Project....check it out. The link has the locations and bios on all the muralists. Go see the city!

RIPS' Zombie Beach Party 2012!

2012-07-30T09:11:00.004-07:00

Dive-bar party in all it's gory glory!

Rips, a great little dive-bar in Phoenix threw a "Zombie Beach Party" over the weekend. With some great local bands and some very committed participants! It was a killer time.

Here are the winners of the Zombie get-up contest

Tonya, Kaysee, Miss Michelle & Aura.

Whiskey Kiss...great band! They're heading to

Viva Las Vegas next year (VLV16).
Here's a link: Whiskey Kiss @ Reverb Nation

Trailer Queen performed a great and goulish set.
Trailer Queen @ Reverb Nation

Bassist, Jamie Waldron.

Here playing bass for Trailer Queen.

Above and below, make-up artists were there to help you get your scary on!

Atomic Shore....kick-ass surf instrumentals and a lot of fun to watch.

Atomic Shore's site:

Local favs, The Jamie Waldron Trio....Jamie's band.

Jamie Waldron Trio @ Reverb Nation

Che Nemeth on bass.

That's what I witnessed! It was a lot of fun.

The music was stellar!!

Sweet dreams, all !

Survivors...

2012-07-10T23:12:00.001-07:00

Salvage In The Desert

I don't want to make any car guys sad with this post, though this first photo looks as if the '53 Chevy died of dehydration in the desert like a run down horse in a spaghetti western. (The quarter that wasn't eating by buzzards!) If you're familiar with the legendary "dry heat" of Arizona and likely want to strangle the next person who utters the obvious in a phrase, you know that it's a lack of hydration that is keeping this car alive. Chrome still shines out in the Casa Grande desert and classic sheet metal is still holding up better than anywhere else in the country. (Okay, that's a guess based on the phrase "But it's a dry heat" ..hands gripping throat now.) To their credit and financial success, Desert Valley Auto Parts (DVAP) is saving these classics from the scrap heap, with some restoration sales, but mostly selling classic parts to local car enthusiasts, out of state guys and they even ship parts to Europe.
I had met Jason McClure, who co-runs the business with his dad, Ron, at a Good Guys show back in 2010. He urged me to visit one of their two sites and photograph the amazing collection of cars.
I chose the Casa Grande site which contains 1950's and earlier models. Here's a few images...

60+ and still a shiny smile, or grimace...orignal teeth.

Click here to check out Desert Valley Auto Parts (DVAP)

I'll be posting more from DVAP down the road.

Stay hydrated.

FRIDAY FINK!!

2012-07-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Tiki Friday...

2012-06-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

What's cooler than a Gretsch guitar? ...one with Tiki pinstriping.

Surf's up!!

The Gathering Of Kustoms...Part 2

2012-06-20T21:34:00.002-07:00

Here's my second and final post on the 'Gathering, and a fine gathering it was!

John Saltsman's bug-eyed custom '49 Studebaker truck...the "Atomitron".

Bill Torres' sweet '58 Fairlane...Mercifuls C.C. Long Beach, CA.

Gordon McIlonie's '58 Caddy & Bill Torres' '58 Fairlane...Mercifuls C.C.

With such nice ass-ends on these rides, I had to show another angle on this second post.

Tiny, Fan, Bomonster

As I mentioned in Part 1, I heard about the show via the Friction In The Static podcast. I knew Tiny and Travis Haight (Travis Haight Photography) would be there filming for the new Diehards Kustom Kulture TV show and made it a point to hunt them down and say hello. In this pursuit of Tiny, I ran into my amigo BOMONSTER...damn baddest-ass Kulture/hot rod artist around! Seriously, if you have not checked out his site...GO! He's a scratchboard artist which gives his art a distinct look that couldn't be cooler. He's very prolific and his ideas are fresh with a retro hot rod feel. Check it out.

Above Tiny interviews his long time friend, Syren; a tattoo artist and fashion jewelry designer/manufacturer for Episode Two. Travis, the Diehards photographer/videographer in action.

Travis Haight, Mr. Rhythm & Phil all smiles over the playback.

Travis here shooting pinstriper, Mr. Rhythm laying some lines on Phil's '56 Merc...both ride with The Usuals Social Club C.C. Looks like they're all pleased about the playback...hopefully it makes the cut.

Syren & Tiny...the buddy shot.

TJ's '57 Ranchero

I really dig this V-shaped Edsel tailight customization!

The Mercifuls C.C. out of Long Beach, CA...with Jack Petitt's '57 far right.

I saw these guys on the highway heading into Corona. I slowed down so I could watch them pass. What a caravan! At that point I knew the 'Gathering' was going to be a kick-ass show.

A front detail shot of Jack Petitt's gorgeous '57 Pontiac Star Chief. As you can see from the group shot, parking was tight and signs abound. Since I had some really nice shots of this ride from the last Mooneyes show (see December 2011 archives) I just went for the details.

Note the light and tasteful pinstriping...perfect for this classy ride!

John Denich's "Grapevine". Beautiful.

The winner of the "Best Kustom" award went to Mark Morton for this gorgeous '53 Merc.

Is this not a sweeeet '42 Ford?

Syren

It was great getting out of the desert to support a quality first time show like The Gathering Of Kustoms.

Being there it really hit home the importance keeping the Traditional-way alive. I started this humble blog to support the local scene here in AZ. I love this stuff!! Kustom Kulture is not main-stream (good thing? Bad thing?...it's a debate) and needs support. That's why I also support Diehards Kustom Kulture TV and as soon as the new trailer is released I will get you a link...you will LOVE it! So, for now go support the show by giving a big "LIKE" on Facebook. Also, the related podcast Friction In The Static delivers Kulture talk with the crew from Traditional Rod & Kulture Illustrated and cool interviews with builders, show promoters, artists and musicians that live and breath Kustom Kulture. Stick it in your ear, and support it too by picking up some of Zombie's artwork on a sticker:

It's car show season (everywhere but here in the baking Phoenix area) so get out there and show your support! Go see some live local music too and on your way to the venue buy some hot-rod or tiki art. Hell, why not get your flask or purse pinstriped!

I know, money, right? I hear ya! Do what you can, it will enrich your life and keep the cool you crave alive.

See you at the next show.

Cheers!

The Gathering of Kustoms 20012...Part 1

2012-06-14T11:01:00.001-07:00

"A Real Kustoms & Hot Rod Show"

According to the three Johns that created it, John Denich, Johnny Jarzen & Johnny B. "Big Daddy", The Gathering of Kustoms was an idea which bloomed from a state of frustration. A group of traditional custom guys all Kustomed up and nowhere to go, they yearned for a true traditional show...so they put one together.

Gordon McIlonie's '58 Caddy & Bill Torres' '58 Fairlane...Mercifuls C.C.

The Rules: No Billet, No Rat Rods & No Rat Kustoms

The car entry fee: $5 which went to charity.

Pedetsrians get in free.

I first heard about the show back in March on Tiny's Friction in the Static podcast, which promotes the same traditional Kulture values as the three Johns. The podcast is like an audio satellite to my favorite magazine, Traditional Rod & Kulture Illustrated (where Tiny looms large), though less polished, more edgy and often hilarious. I recommend sticking it in your ear.


John Saltsman's Kustom '49 Studebaker the "Atomitron"

Ron, Carlos, dog & Phil of The Usuals Social Club C.C.

This sick Pontiac might have been my favorite of the show.


The Grapevine

The So Cal Throttle Kings C.C.

Syren, Tiny & videographer/photographer of Diehards, Travis Haight

I'm going to wrap this first installment of 'Gathering' photos with this shot of an exciting project in the works. Tiny, of Tiny's Kustoms, TR&KI and Friction In The Static podcast, was at the show shooting some footage for his new TV series, "Diehards". I wish I could supply a link to the original trailer I saw a few months ago, it was KILLER!! But due to complications with production companies...bla bla bla....the original trailer has been pulled....but another is in the works and we should be seeing this show soon.

The website for Diehards should be up shortly, so go check out their Facebook page and LIKE IT.

Diehards...Kustom Kulture TV

This isn't some phoney deadline build show, it's about the Kustom Kulture and the people living it.

Here's a link to the Gathering Of Kustoms

Facebook page. Check it out. There's some great vintage photography of classic customs. Also, news of the next show this group of traditionalists will gather at.

Cool Stuff.

Okay, in a few days...more behind the scenes shots from the Diehards taping

and cars and more cars from The Gathering of Kustoms.

Cheers!

Coming up....The Gathering of Kustoms

2012-06-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Still putting together the images, but here's a taste of

The Gathering of Kustoms show

Much more soon....

Angel & A Joker

2012-06-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

Cadillac Love #2

2012-05-23T20:52:00.003-07:00

See "Caddy Love Vol #1" in January 2012 archives.

Friday's Image: Mooneyes Kustom Truck

2012-05-18T06:38:00.001-07:00

Friday's Image: "Kingman Club 1956"

2012-05-11T08:45:00.001-07:00

Heading back from VLV15 in the Hudson Wagon.

Viejitos C.C. Arizona Picnic-Show & Shine

2012-05-04T06:35:00.003-07:00

I had missed a few get togethers the Viejitos Car Club of AZ had hosted in the last couple years. A couple were due to schedule conflicts, others because I just didn't know they were happening, and more recently due to a rain cancellation. I wasn't going to miss this picnic/show and shine! It was also my first Lowrider show for 2012...so by April I was aching for some Low & Slow.

Viejitos (Old Guys...in this case, Cars) are an old school club with traditional cars...every car guy from of every stripe should dig and appreciate these fine rides. They have chapters all over the country. I saw plates from all over the Southwest and one from Oklahoma. There were a few riders from other local clubs as well.

Given I only had about a 2 hour window, I took my kids along knowing they could go that distance. Acutally, they really enjoyed it and took a lot of photos themselves...not too bad either. It wanted to rain the whole time we were there, with a few drops actually falling and then as we were packing up our gear to head out, the sun broke through and I had to make a quick back track and reshoot a couple rides in the nicer sunlight.

Check 'em out...

This mural on wheels is Mr. Gato's '51 Chevy and it's incredible!! I first saw this car back in 2010 at the big Lowrider Magazine show/tour in Phoenix and I've wanted another opportunity to shoot the car ever since. Back then, Mr Gato, the Prez of the Arizona Chapter, gave me a bumper to bumper tour and invited me to get behind the wheel for a better interior view where the incredible paint continues to flow. He's a hell of a cool cat, but I didn't not get a chance to talk to him at this show.

This '54 wagon came all the way out from Oklahoma.

I call this...."Mexican Blanket Sunset"...though it was only about two in the afternoon...artistic license, I think they call that...or Photoshop.

!Viva Viejitos!

Go to a Lowrider show!

Have a great Cinco de Mayo!

Viva Las Vegas 2012...PART 3

2012-04-21T11:51:00.005-07:00

Beautiful at poolside...

Here we go with my final and largest enstallment of Viva Las Vegas 15 coverage.

Viva VLV!!

Aly Hellcat

Bo Huff with the So Cal. Throttle Kings C.C.

Beautiful...with Stephanie Lee Panos, Maxine Ashleigh Johnston,Cervena Bramwell & KandyK Modela

CHEERS TO THE TAILDRAGGERS!!

The Nevada/Vegas TailDraggers C.C. hosted a huge 5 year anniversary party for their statewide club with chapters from all over the country. The club posted an invite on Facebook for all to join them Friday in the car show parking lot for free food (great tacos!), PBR and live music supplied by
The Scoundrels (at The ScoundrelsMusic.com). Unfortunately, I had to miss the band's performance but I heard it was great and dig the 4 song CD I bought there at the show.
Here are some of the TailDragger's rides...

More Taildraggers...

Elaina Soto

The Sailor Jerry Girls

This little fella got around!! I've seen some wild photos on Facebook.

Finally, one of the big draws to the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender...is duh, the great Rockabilly bands that perform all day and night! We Phoenicians were there to support two of our local bands that played VLV this year, the Moonlight Howlers & Voodoo Swing.

After all day shooting, when nightfall came I forced myself to put the camera away and enjoy the bands and time with friends. Brendan's Pub at the Orleans Hotel was packed for both our AZ bands!
Voodoo Swing went on at 10:45 Friday night and rocked the place...I could no longer just sit and watch. I made my way to the stage and recorded this iPhone video. I missed a bit of the first verse, but got most of it. As you'll see, they kicked ass! Enjoy, "Keep On Rollin'".

Check Voodoo Swing out at Electric Lotus Label

That concludes my Viva Las Vegas 15 coverage!

I want to thank Dozer and the Taildraggers for the Friday party!

Also, my friend, model & artist, Elaina Soto for her time. Check out her work

Elaina Soto's Art & Contact info for modeling at Model Mayhem

And of course my Bomb Squad brothers, Paddy, Courtney, Leeroy, Shorty, Tommy and our caravan of Az amgios.

What a weekend!!!

See you there Next year!