Motorcycle Artist

Women have taken to the road on motorcycles in record numbers over the last several years. For many it is chance to get away from it all, out on the open road, but for at least one rider, the bikes paint a picture of success, literally. Its probably one of the last things youd expect to find tucked away here in Waxhaw, North Carolina, but through the doorway of a converted bedroom is the studio of world-renowned artist JoAnn Bortles, whos work is displayed on some rather unique rolling palates. "Art is a journey and you never know where its going to take you. You dont really want to know where its going to lead, and my journey has just been on a sheet metal of motorcycles," Bortles says. Bortles started painting motorcycles on a dare, after she was forced to quit art school almost 30 years ago to help her family make ends meet. It was the beginning of what has literally been a wild and wonderful ride. Her art has won every major award in the biking world, and has been on the cover of countless magazines. "It has given me such an amazing life, such amazing adventures. I mean, women riders are everywhere," Bortles says. Shes won trophies and praise for her painting around the world. There are stacks of magazines with her creations on the cover, and these days, you can even find her words inside. Bortles has branched out, becoming a full fledged author, from articles to entire how-to books. Shes had four published, and there are two more on the way, including an A-to-Z guide for women riders. The motorcycle world is in the middle of a huge shift. There are a lot more choppers, with ponytail holders on the handlebars these days are becoming a lot more common place. In fact for some, a Harley can be the ultimate accessory. "Well you see, the great thing about a motorcycle is, you have those mirrors so you can always check your make-up and your hair," jokes Bortles. Women are the fastest growing group of new riders right now. "Theyre lawyers, theyre doctors, theyre grandmothers, theyre authors, theyre real estate people. I mean, its not just some wild woman in a bar with a pool cue," Bortles says. For more information on Bortles, or to contact her about painting something for you, visit www.crazyhorsepainting.com.