The 1%ers
I am a lifelong motorcyclist and have always been interested in the motorcycle clubs that emerged after World War II.
In the 1950s after a spokesman for the American Motorcycle Association stated that only 1% of motorcyclists gave motorcycling a bad name, some of these clubs wore the label "1%ers" as a badge of honor.
I recently read Sonny Barger's autobiography, "Hell's Angel," and was inspired to do his portrait. This led to a series of paintings based on the Oakland HAMC from the 1960s. To me, Sonny Barger embodies the best of the 1%er subculture: biking, brotherhood and hellraising good times.
In the 1950s after a spokesman for the American Motorcycle Association stated that only 1% of motorcyclists gave motorcycling a bad name, some of these clubs wore the label "1%ers" as a badge of honor.
I recently read Sonny Barger's autobiography, "Hell's Angel," and was inspired to do his portrait. This led to a series of paintings based on the Oakland HAMC from the 1960s. To me, Sonny Barger embodies the best of the 1%er subculture: biking, brotherhood and hellraising good times.
