Iron Horse Trail, Kitchener. Photo: KJ Bedford.

 

Bke DNA is an exploration of the possibilities of using a bicycle as paint brush. By attaching a powered paint roller to the back wheel of a bicycle, the movements of the cyclist were recorded by the trails left by the bicycle's paint coated tire treads. The resulting lines and curves registered the fluidity and particularities of a bicycle's mechanics. While the project allowed for a certain level of randomness characteristic of the average cyclist's motion, an effort was made to explore the graphic potential of "drawing" with a bicycle. Using a variety of colours of paint, the bicycle was used to execute consecutive passes over a designated stretch of pavement in order to create evolving patterns and designs. The project is a reflection on the creative nature of cycling and a celebration of both art and bike culture in general.

 

 

 

Roadsworth began painting the streets of Montreal in the fall of 2001. Initially motivated by a desire for more bike paths in the city and a questioning of "car culture" in general, he continued to develop a language around street markings and other elements of the urban landscape using a primarily stencil based technique. In the fall of 2004, Roadsworth was arrested for his nocturnal activities and charged with 53 counts of mischief.  Despite the threat of heavy fines and a criminal record he received a relatively lenient sentence which he attributes in part to the public support he received subsequent to his arrest. Since that time, Roadsworth has received various commissions both locally and internationally and continues to be active in both visual art and music.