Tag Archives: Featured Artist

August 2020 Featured Artist: Tucson DIY Artist, Writer, Photographer Martha Retallick

“Martha, what is the most exciting part to you about making recycled art with parts from BICAS?”

For me, the most exciting part about making recycled art is the treasure hunt. I never know what’s going into the finished piece because I’m still looking for the parts.

“What are your favorite parts to use in salvage projects?”

My favorite bike parts to use are disc brake rotors, chainrings, and freewheel cogs.

“What do you hope to make next?”

My next project will be incorporating a chainring into a house number sculpture for my gate. I have other ideas too but haven’t designed or built anything yet.

“How are you nurturing your everyday creativity during the pandemic?”

I’m upping my culinary and home brewing games. In the past few weeks, I’ve been learning how to make mesquite biscuits, pizza, and apple soft drink. I’ve also added beer to my fermentation repertoire.

Awesome photos above are from Martha’s incredible salvage creation made from BICAS parts and other found objects! Check out Martha’s newly-launched website at http://www.westernskycommunications.com, then visit the BICAS Etsy Shop to purchase some salvage parts of your own. Parts are available for shipping or at-store pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BICAS Salvage Mask by Tucson Artist Racheal Rios

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic this May 2020, our allstar friend and colleague Racheal Rios created and shared a playful, unique mask on her Instagram each day. Some were made of all-natural materials, some edible, and some made of salvaged items, all on her page at @rachealrios. Check out this mask made of all BICAS art parts that she created this past week! We love Racheal’s work and how it supports our mission of creative upcycling. Make your own BICAS salvage crafts by visiting the ‘SALVAGE’ section of our online shop at etsy.com/shop/bicasart, going live June 1, for usable bike craft parts, craft kits and more. Stay safe, everybody.

BICAS Artist Gavin Troy

March 2020 Artist Feature: Gavin Troy, Tucson artist and longtime friend of BICAS

Artists Gavin Troy and Pasqualina Azzarello in the founding days of BICAS. Gavin and Pasqualina painted many of the iconic images outside BICAS’ original building.

Gavin, how did you first get involved with BICAS?

I met (BICAS founder) Kim Young at Gentle Strength Co-op in Tempe before BICAS was founded. We became good friends and kept in touch when she moved to Tucson- I visited her when she first began working for what would eventually become BICAS. When BICAS had its first art auction Kim invited me to show a piece and BICAS has not stopped inviting me since. I moved here in 1998 from Tempe and eventually rented my first art studio above BICAS. Super fun times back then, and I love contributing art towards fundraising to support BICAS.

When Gavin Troy’s studio was above the original BICAS location, he painted a dreamy blue desertscape leading to the BICAS entrance.

What are some of your most cherished memories with BICAS?

In1998, moving into the building above where BICAS was located W. 6th street, life was amazing and the building was buzzing with creative people. It was a hub for all the creative folks here, Flam Chen, Barbara Williams African drum class, BICAS, and many visual artists along with welders and other creative beings were all in one area. The place was electric with creative energy.

: Gavin’s work at the old BICAS entrance on W 6th Street.

: Gavin’s work at the old BICAS entrance on W 6th St.

What are you working on currently?

Being with my (almost 9 year old son), gardening with him, going on bike rides, working in the studio on paintings, riding the skateboard, posting up paintings on social media to share with others around the world, sending love and good vibrations.

“It is important during these times to go within, find ones’ center, and let go.”

How would you describe the importance of art in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic?

The focus of my work, first and foremost is the inner journey as a way to reflect and be in this world, to open up and create from this inner center. Then, sharing this work with the community. This form of self discovery has been an amazing way to heal, learn and grow. The hours of focused time painting are a blessing. It is important during these times to go within, find ones’ center, and let go. The main point is being creative in whatever form this may take and sharing that. I am thankful for the gifts of inner work and creative viewpoint.