Cycling is an aesthetically pleasing activity, from the simple elegance of a bicycle to the scenery that surrounds it. Bringing cycling art into your home evokes the beauty of the sport even when you are recovering on the couch after a big ride. There are many types of cycling art; find something that fits your taste and decor and share the charm of cycling with family and visitors to your home.
Painting
When people think of art, they most likely think of paintings. Done right, a painting can conjure feelings that go beyond exactly what you see in the scene. A bicycle does not need to be the centerpiece of the scene. The painting could focus on the landscape, with just a hint of your cycling passion tucked discreetly in a corner. Or you could focus the art on a single bicycle and commission a painting of your favorite ride from a painter like Taliah Lempert, who is renowned for painting bicycle portraits.
Sculpture
A bicycle sculpture takes the interpretation of a painting and makes it three dimensional. You will be able to see different details and angles, but with that it will require more space in your home than a painting. There are myriad media for sculptures – metal, wood, ceramic, glass and many more – find something that speaks to you and speaks about your riding experience.
A popular variation is using old bicycle parts and upcycling it into cycling art. This is also something you can do yourself to preserve your equipment that perhaps has a sentimental value. Worn out chainrings from your favorite bike? Those could be wind chimes. Your old handlebar? It could be your new coat rack.
Books
The content of a book is art. The book on your shelf also says something about you to. When someone comes to your house and sees your reading selection, it tells a piece of your story. Go ahead and read some classic cycling books, then proudly display them on your shelf.
Perhaps the best known cycling novel is The Rider by Tim Crabbe. It was originally written in Dutch, but is available in other languages, including English. It is well worth the read and lives up to the hype – if you can find a copy.
Photography
Cycling is a difficult sport to photograph, making a quality photo that much more of a work of art. Whether the photo captures a defining moment in a race or an unprecedented scene, keep in mind that it is a highly developed skill. From one moment to the next, cycling can depict a range of emotions. Find a photo that says something about you through the lens of a great photographer. Perhaps the most famous modern cycling photographer is Graham Watson who has been following the professional peloton for over thirty years.
A Whole Bicycle
A bicycle itself is a marvel of engineering and a work of art. If you manage to acquire a historic bike, it could be something that you hang on the wall (it would be unlikely that you ride it). It could be special because of its previous owner and his or her ride on it, or it could be special because of its design or paint job. Whatever it is, it would be a conversation piece in your home.
Invest in Cycling Art
Cycling art does not usually carry a lot of value compared to other art. What it does is say something about you and your feelings for the sport. Additionally, you could be supporting an up and coming artist who got their start depicting people and their bikes.
