5150 - Red

This composition is inspired by a famous electric guitar of the 1980's. The Kramer guitar that Eddie Van Halen customized and became epic. "5150" refers to the guitar, an album, and the band's concert tour in the 1980's. It also refers to California law. I believe the guitar's alternative nickname was "Frankenstein" because Van Halen had modified it extensively, including its jaunty, angular paint and tape job. On the 5150 guitar, Eddie used electrical tape for the black lines.

In composing this, I used that guitar's paint and tape design for inspiration. In photoshop, I added layering of the lines, shadowing, grit, background texture. I also decided to omit elements that referred directly to guitar shapes or parts.  In memory of my old friend Mike, a gifted musician and guitarist, who died young. RIP, Mike (1966-2021).

Details

• Paper Size: 17 x 25 inches
• Image Size: 14.25 x 22.25 inches
• Margins: about 1.5 inches
• Paper: 100% cotton rag paper. Archival grade. Matte.
• Edition of 5 prints. 
• Release Date: 2022