A Meditation on Custom Motorcycles

The stars aligned a couple of years ago when rad New York-based photographer Jerry Buttles bumped into legendary pro skater Max Schaaf in a coffee shop in Oakland, SF.

Buttles – a skater himself who has shot Gonz among other iconic subjects like A$AP Rocky and Mick Rock – visited the artisanal bike builder in his workshop, the hotbed for his customising project 4Q Conditioning, and snapped Schaaf among his tools and materials.

“I’m way too good at being alone. And that’s why I like the motorcycle,” said Schaaf, in a Huck interview last year. “With skating or bikes you’ve got to fuck up a few times. You’re not going to have some dude really teach you how to do a trick, he can’t do it for you. You go for it, you fuck it up, then you learn from it and keep going. That’s why I still skate and why I still love skating. You can’t fucking fake it.”

Buttles’ images have now been collated for an exhibition at Brooklyn boutique Kinfolk – a simple meditation on custom motorcycles and Schaaf’s passion for them – which runs over the bank holiday weekend May 1 – 4, 2014. We quickfired the talented lensman to find out more.

How did the Max Schaaf show come about?
I have been sitting on the images for a few years now. It was a matter of the right opportunity.

What did you want to capture with this series?
Honestly, I just wanted to capture Max in his environment doing what he does everyday.

Can you describe some of your favourite photographs from the show?
The show as a group flows well. But all the images alone have their own character. One of my favourites is the portrait of him holding the gas tank. I can’t really put my finger on why it’s my favourite but the lighting has a lot to do with it.

Were there any challenges in completing the body of work?
No. None at all. I didn’t have a shot list. Just shot until my rolls were finished and that’s it. I went into it very open and planned on being happy with whatever I captured.

What drew you to the Kinfolk space?
For starters the space is beautiful and very unique. I have watched it grow since the beginning and once it opened I approached them about the series. They were very welcoming at Kinfolk.

How do you hope the show has an impact on viewers?
I would like people to see the love and dedication one has for their passion. Max is a very interesting person and talented at what he does. This is a way of life.

What are you working on next?
More environmental portraiture and space documentation.

You can see more work on Buttles’ website.