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Mike Teutul of 'American Chopper' to be guest at Motorcycle Show |
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Mike Teutul
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Jan. 17, 2011
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Mike Teutul readily admitted he "never thought" he would ever be on television, but the experience of being part of "American Chopper" has been "overwhelming, but rewarding."
Teutul will be appearing at the Springfield Motorcycle Show that will be presented Jan. 21 through 23 at the Eastern States Exposition. Vinnie Martino from the popular reality series will also be at the show.
Other features of the annual show will be the artists from Pirate Upholstery, Scott Porges of American Motorcycle Service, Rich Pitoniak of Pitoniak's Custom Cycles and artist Rick Champagne of Eagle Eye Paint.
Besides many vendors, the show will also feature its annual bike competition, live music, a tattoo competition and a motorcycle fashion show.
For Teutul, the show gives him a chance to meet fans and also exhibit his art. Unlike his father and brothers, Teutul doesn't build motorcycles, but he has developed a following with his painting.
He told Reminder Publica-tions in a telephone interview that he started painting two years ago and discovered "it was one of most therapeutic things I could do."
Teutul said the role he plays in his family is one of "comic relief," so naturally that's what came across in the television series. He takes the phrase "comic relief" as a compliment.
He took his role in the show seriously, he explained.
Noting the intense competition on the show between his father, brother and designer Vinnie Di Martino, Teutul said, "It feels good to be a horse of a different color."
He called them all "great artists."
"They all work in a collaborative effort in a painstaking process. I don't know how they do it," he added.
Teutul will be bringing posters, prints and t-shirts of his work to the motorcycle show for exhibit and sale. He will also have on exhibit 20 to 30 of his original works.
His interest in painting came as part of his time in rehabilitation for alcohol abuse.
Teutul enjoys the works of Salvador Dali, Ralph Stedman Jackson Pollock and Picasso among others and their influence can be seen in his work.
He has opened a gallery in Montgomery, N.Y. and features his work on the Web site www.therealmikeyteutul.com.
He states on the Web site, "I started painting because I wanted to test my artistic ability around July, 2009. What keeps me painting is the endless possibilities from a blank canvas. I enjoy the feeling I get from painting. I don't have to think about anything but shapes and colors. Painting is extremely relaxing and I think everyone should do it. My artwork is different because no matter how much I strive for excellence. I'll never have a refined stroke, and because of that I think I'll always have a signature style. Love or leave it.
The response to his work has been "very positive."
Although Teutul has tried his hand at stand-up comedy, he said, "I don't know if my heart is in it."
Painting is a "definite love" for him, though.
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