Geckoinformatio

Supplementary Information for the Gecko Cruiser

Part of

Artists Name, hometown John w. Lefelhocz, Athens, Ohio

Gecko Cruiser Statistics
The Gecko cruiser is a late 60’s cruiser bicycle frame covered with 106,500 Czech glass beads. Wire (493 ft.), nylon thread, and epoxy putty are used to hold the beads in place. By not using glue, the beads maintain a clear brilliance.

A seamless tessellated pattern, similar to M.C. Eschers designs, is incorporated onto the tubes of the bicycle. Each tube contains very similar shaped repeating geckos. Red and purple geckos are on each tube. Blue, green, and yellow geckos are used in combination with the red and purple geckos depending on the specific tube of the bike.

How and why have you chosen to express your creative energies in the medium of beads?

I think I like that glass beads have a glowing jolly candy like visual quality.

Be it moccasins, a hand bag or a box of laundry soap, which other medium is as effective as beads to transform an every day object into a jewel quality work of art?

What part of the process of creating bead art gives you the greatest pleasure?

The very beginning of the process gives me the greatest pleasure. When I decide to try my hand at making something new. Anything seems possible. I can get pretty euphoric at the beginning of a project.

Of course the tail end of a project gives me a similarly invigorating feeling, except it is usually combined with a relief that I was able to cheat my self doubt and finish the undertaking.

What do you consider to be your greatest challenge in working with this medium?

Working with beads can make one obsessive. It is hard to step away from the medium and judge your progress.

Getting past the first half of a project is another challenge. You usually ask yourself during this period, "What did I get myself into this time?"

Also, spending time in the realm of couscous sized glass beads and shifting back to real life is tough.

Approximately how long does it take you to create a work like the one in Beadworks?

Two weeks.

I don’t like this question. It seems to be a simple enough a question, but it’s always complex to answer.

Possibly, I started the Gecko Cruiser twenty one years ago (1978) when I took apart, painted and put back together my first bike. Or perhaps I started this work when I bought the bike for the Gecko Cruiser in 1987. I knew that I wanted to do something special to it when I got it (although it did sit in my garage for twelve years). Another starting point was in 1996 when I began to paint bike frames using tessellated (Escher like) designs. Not until October of 1998 did I start kicking around the idea of a beaded bike frame using tessellated geckos. The physical labor for this work took around 300 to 400 hours (about two weeks)

When asked how long it took to make the Gecko Cruiser, you can see why it is easier to just say two weeks.

Approximately how many hours a week do you devote to beading?

When I am not pushing a deadline, I will spend somewhere between five and ten hours per week . As a deadline gets closer, I will dedicate up to twenty to thirty hours a week to a project.

How long have you been working in this medium?

Since October of 1996

How has your work changed during this time?

I’m experimenting more with the traditional side of the medium by using glass beads instead of forming beads from found objects alone.

My work also seems to becoming more elaborate. You can see several different textures at different distances from my more recent works.

Who or what has had the most influence on your work as an artist?

Southeastern Ohio.

I have access to more than eight different galleries in Athens. I get to view all different kinds of art. The rural setting combined with a diverse population is also a powerful influence.

What led you to begin making art?

Mom and Dad left a bunch of crayons and paper lying around when I was young. Unfortunately I drew all over a dresser in my parents room instead of on the paper.

Do you now, or have you earlier, work(ed) in another medium? If "yes " which one(s) ?

I have worked in metal, wood, cement, clay and other media in the form of sculpture. Drawing and painting is still used in much of my work, but I use the computer to sketch most stuff. I am also getting into art quilts (see Quilt National 99).

What are your goals in creating art?

To make something that can convey a feeling , idea or a mood efficiently, but also to keep the viewer interested enough to make continuing interpretations.

What is your studio like? Space, atmosphere, noise, etc.?

What’s a studio?

I work in my living room, basement, attic, garage, bedroom, and at my place of work. I work whenever and wherever it best suits what I’m working with. Each place has its own benefits and hindrances .

What other activities do you enjoy?

Quilting, bicycling, flying remote control gliders, watching Nascar, and fooling friends into believing stories that are not quite true.

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