Next up in our VC X BELL HELMETS series meet the awesome Jet Bailey, the talented artist behind Stoke and Bear.
If you’re into anything to do with the custom motorcycle scene here in the UK chances are that you’ll have already come across the amazing work of Jet Bailey via her instagram Stoke and Bear.
After spending years training in painting and fine art, Jet specialises in one of a kind oil paintings featuring everything from life like paintings of classic motorcycles to her most recent portrait series based on women who ride.
Jet’s one of a kind BELL MOTO-3 helmet painted for this project literally blew us away and we know it will do the same to whoever wins it!
Follow Jet on instagram and read on for how she created this absolutely mid blowing helmet!
AND DON’T FORGET!…
You can buy a raffle ticket HERE to be in with a chance to win this awesome helmet in our draw on the 21st October on the VC INSTAGRAM stories!
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I am originally from Derbyshire but now live in South Somerset, UK
What first got you into painting?
I have enjoyed painting ever since I can remember, it has always been something I have used to relax and express myself, but I really started to focus on it at the end of my school days! I went on to do a degree in Fine Art, and specialised in Painting. I also did my Master’s Degree in Art Therapy, and worked as a therapist for some years. Around two years ago I decided to focus on being an artist full time, and so Stoke and Bear was born!
Where do you most get your inspiration from?
I get most of my inspiration from the biker community and lifestyle. I have always loved motorcycles, and my current body of work aims to explore and reflect on the contrast between the beauty of femininity, and the more masculine trends of motorcycle culture and fashion. Through my paintings, I continue to explore how motorcycle culture is becoming more diverse, and whether this is beginning to translate into a stronger sense of community and freedom.
What medium do you feel you work best in?
I love painting using oil paints. I find oil paints blend much easier and can be worked into over a longer period of time, meaning that I can spend time on creating a piece.
How would you describe your style of work?
I think my style is quite realistic, but also introduces texture and movement, and some abstract qualities too. I try to capture the feeling of freedom and movement that you get with motorcycles, alongside also capturing the character of a person/biker.
So, Where did the idea for Stoke and Bear come from?
My partner builds custom motorcycles and I create motorcycle themed paintings, so we wanted a name that could combine the two things - the art and the motorcycles. We wanted something different and memorable, but it was quite a random name we came up with!! I guess we were thinking of ‘Stoke’ - to add fuel and power something, and we have a dog that is huge like a bear!
Have any other artists in particular been an influence on you?
I particularly love the work of Jenny Saville and how she uses paint and figures in her work, she has always been a huge inspiration for me. I really love how she envelops the viewer with her large scale paintings, and combines realistic imagery with abstract mark making. There are also lots of artists and motorcycle artists that I follow online through social media that continue to inspire me too.
How does your life inspire your work?
I am lucky to be able to do this full time, and so I am able to attend shows, events and meets in the motorcycle world. Riding itself also inspires me, the freedom and movement, as well as the unique stories of riders from around the world, continue to inspire me everyday.
When did you first hear about VC?
I first came across VC when I began riding my own bike. I was looking around for women’s motorcycle groups that I could be involved with or take inspiration from. VC really empowered me to embrace the motorcycle culture and keep meeting awesome people who have similar interests.
Tell us about your incredible Bell Moto-3 helmet design!
I really like to think of themes for helmet designs, and this one I wanted to do something a little different to what I have done in the past. I went for a music theme (music is also something that helps me relax) including headphones and a retro style cassette tape, and wanted to include a portrait too, as this is what I really love painting. The abstract mark making to me reflects the dirt bike feel of the helmet, and I think gives it a more ‘painterly’ feel.
What materials did you use to create the helmet?
I used One-Shot enamel paints in gloss. I also used a small bit of ChromaFlo 6000 to enhance the flow of the paint, particularly in the more detailed elements.
How long did it take you to create?
I am not sure exactly! But I would say it took me about 2-3 weeks in total (off and on!) from first designs to final product!
