The bike builders get all the love at Born-Free, but what about the guys that turn bare metal in to eye dazzling works of art? Zach Boxx, owner of Throttle Addiction, has created the Art and Fuel Paint Exhibit and intends to focus the spotlight on the painters and their many talents. He has chosen seven of best painters from across the world to display their custom Throttle Addiction tanks painted specifically for the exhibit. Do you think you have the skills to compete against the invited talent? If so, Zach has graciously saved the final opening for a ChopCult member.

The Art and Fuel Invited Painters are ruling today’s custom paint world. If these names don’t ring a bell, then you’re not spending enough time reading mags, cruising the net or studying the today’s chopper scene. Let me introduce the talented crew:

* All photos were contributed by the artists below*

Gen Katsuragawa - Love Ear Art

Gen resides in Yokohama Japan, but spends plenty of time in sunny California. If you follow the insane Japanese chopper scene, then you’ve surely laid eyes on some of his work. His distinctive style of wild colors and mystical women will take you on a psychedelic trip.

Gen freely uses body filler to add texture and depth to his paint work. We can’t wait to see what he comes up with for Art and Fuel. If you want your paint to match your last LSD trip, get a hold of Gen, he frequently travels to California to complete work.

www.loveearart.com

Follow Gen on Instagram @gen_loveearart

Denis Babin-The Reservation

Denis recently relocated to Southern California by way of Philadelphia. Upon arrival in the motorcycle mecca he made a big splash. His collection of rare motorcycles includes a 47 knucklehead chopper, 47 Indian Chief and a 63VL framed Panhead.

A builder and a painter, Denis has the skills. He’s perfected the art of recreating old looking custom paint, complete with cracks and chips. Many would ask why spend hours upon hours on a beautiful paint job just to crack the clear and make it look 50 years old. Because it’s awesome, that’s why. It’s not for everyone, but there is no doubt Denis is one of the best.

Follow Denis on Instagram @dbabin

Jack “Pacman” McCann

Pacman is a traditional freehand painter. Be it a 40 Ft building sign or pinstriping a tank, Pacman is in his element with a brush in hand.

If you’ve been to any motorcycle or car events in the Southern California area, chances are you’ve passed Pacman set up in a booth laying down lines. Last year Pacman painted Chopper Dave’s beautiful gold and white supercharged sportster for Born-Free 5. Get in touch with him if you need quality lines or brushwork painted by a master.

www.lineandletter.blogspot.com

Follow Pacman on Instagram @elpacmangringo

John “Harpoon” Harpov

Harpoon lives and breathes the Southern California motorcycle culture. When it comes to the Born-Free show, Grant and Mike get the attention, but Harpoon was helping from day one to make it happen. A wizard with the paint gun and the striping brush, Harpoon can do it all.

He is so respected in the industry that he was asked to participate in the painting of Larry Watson’s coffin. If you’re asking who is Larry Watson you’re embarrassing yourself, look him up now. Aside from painting, Harpoon is one half of FMA and has recently launched Vard Mfg. Harpoon is sure to deliver on his home turf. Check out all of his ventures below.

www.Vardmg.com

www.choppedout.blogspot.com

Follow Harpoon on Instagram @the_harpoon

Scott Takes - Underground Art Studios

Scott Takes lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is a true talent, which is why top builders from around the country have him paint their bikes. Scott's airbrush work and skill in realism has set the bar that many are measured by. Most will remember the matte paint job that Scott painted on Kevin Bass’ Born-Free 5 invite bike.

That bike ended up winning Best Panhead at the show. An artist of many mediums, Scott is the real deal. One of his greatest accomplishments was painting an 850 square foot mural for the 100th year anniversary of Harley Davidson. He is sure to deliver an amazing piece for Art and Fuel.

www.undergroundartstudios.com

Follow Scott on Instagram @scott_takes_underground

Pete “Hot Dog” Finlan

Pete known to all as Hot Dog runs a 6000 sf paint shop in Oceanside California where he paints anything and everything. From toilet seats to million dollar cars, Hot Dog has it covered, and covered in style. He has accomplished a lot in his 32 year career and is still going strong! 

Many of you will recognize his work on the numerous bikes he painted at West Coast Choppers. One of Hot Dog's most unique projects was painting a custom Humvee in Iraq with the troops while filming for the Discovery Channel. He also painted The Kosmosaki, Duane Ballard's Born-Free 5 Invite Build. Hot Dog is a painter with no limits and it’s exciting to have him aboard.

www.hotdogkustoms.com

Follow Hot Dog on Instagram @hotdogkustoms

Scott Hoepker - Chemical Candy Customs

For 7 years Scott has been turning out flaked and candied masterpieces that leave many drooling. Chemical Candy Customs operates out of Texas, but Scott's talent draws clients from around the world.

Scott laid down the paint for Gas Monkey Garage’s build off bike, Bell Painters Series helmets and Luck MC’s wild Born-Free 5 Knucklehead.

Scott helps promote the Just Kickers event in Oklahoma and runs one of the few remaining popular blogs featuring choppers, paint and fine looking ladies.

www.thebackstreetbucket.blogspot.com/

Follow Scott on Instagram @chemicalcandycustoms

How to become the ChopCult Champion: Post up to 3 pictures of your paint work in this thread by March 14^th. Over the following weekend Zach and I will narrow down the entries to the Top 5. On Monday, March 17th, we’ll announce the Top 5 and open the polls. You will then help us choose the ChopCult Champion to join the Art and Fuel Paint Exhibit. We will only be accepting votes from our website survey and no other social media outlets.

Once chosen, The ChopCult Champion will receive a Throttle Addiction tank of their choice to paint. They will then enter their painted tank to the Art and Fuel Paint Exhibit. But wait that's not all, Zach will then ask the crowd to help him choose the Art and Fuel Best Painter from the exhibit. This contest will take place at Born-Free 6 on Saturday, June 28th. The Art and Fuel Best Painter will then receive a prize package worth over $500.00 from Throttle Addiction, Dice Magazine and Paint Huffer. In addition, the Born-Free co owners Mike and Grant, are allowing the Best Painter to choose the Born-Free 6 Best Paint award on Sunday, June 29th, and present the trophy on stage. If you believe you deserve a shot at this great opportunity, please submit your photos. Would of, could of and should of won't take your brand to the next level. The time is now!

I would like to thank Zach for using ChopCult to promote his exhibit and his ongoing support. Zach will continue to use the Art and Fuel thread for updates and in progress shots. Do me a favor and check out his website and give him a follow on Instagram and Facebook. Additional thanks to Mike and Grant for allowing Zach and ChopCult to contribute to their show. For all things Born-Free 6, please go to www.bornfreeshow.com and buy your Born- Free 6 posters here.

See you at Born-Free 6!