Shot of Art: Local frame painter creates pinball bike

Although utility items like bikes are not often designated specifically as art, I'm going to make an exception for this pinball-themed frame, whose paint job comes courtesy of a partnership between Toronto-born professional cyclist Michael Barry and local frame painter Noah Rosen. Lifelong friends, the two came up with the idea of creating a custom-painted bike to auction off for the charity, Right to Play.

Pinarello, who supplies bikes for Barry's Team Sky, donated the frame, and the two were left to dream up the colour-scheme and design. When asked where the pinball machine idea came from, Rosen explains that "in talking over different concepts for the design, Michael reminded me of the pinball machine I used to have in my basement. We would run around outside all day, playing baseball and riding our bikes then we would head down to my basement and play pinball. I think all the years he has spent on the road have sharpened his childhood memories."

The auction for the frame concludes on July 15th. In the meantime, it's on display at Blacksmith Cycle.

Photos of completed frame by Walter Lai / photos of work in progress by Velocolour