Valentine's Day is bittersweet for me, as it's the anniversary of my fathers death in 2009. I give much if my automotive roots to my dad, Ken Cooper (1942-2009). Coop, as many knew him by, loved car kulture! He enjoyed installing some wild mod tops back in the day. He also enjoyed the art of lacing on vehicles, smoke patterns imbedded in dashes with an old torch, metal flake, pin striping, and the list goes on. I don't think there was anything he couldn't build or customize.The past couple of years I've rekindled my love for the kulture as well. The art and expression individuals display with their iconic hot rods and muscle cars intrigues me beyond measure. I find it beautifully reflective of ones personality. I've felt that way since I was a kid, and without my moms knowledge or permission, i would borrow her nail polishes so I could add stripes on the hoods and sides of my HotWheels cars.
Those that know my style see the kulture tribute in a recent build. And yet I'm still craving to learn one art that Dad would do, but I want to go above and beyond. His shop chair would often have me sitting and spinning in it, or I'd be rolling around on the creeper when he needed me to stay clear. When his pinstriping brushes came out, I would slowly roll towards him and watch in awe. Silence would take over the garage as he crouched down, leaned in, and braced his hand with the other. Often he'd have a big stogie hanging out of his mouth while he puffed away and begin his art of intertwined painted lines.
There were one or two times my dad would let me touch his pinstriping brushes and it was with careful guidance and a close eye. He treated them like tiny treasures that were irreplaceable if I went against the grain. I get it now.
One of his last remaining and well used brushes popped up in the hot rod shop the other day. It was a heartwarming reminder of time spent with him and his variety of automotive skills. I held the wooden handled brush in my fingers and rubbed the worn areas from years of use. A smile came over my face and ideas of what I would like to do with pinstriping rushed through my mind. Every once in a while when something like this happens, I can't help but feel that it's Dad letting me know his energy is still around, and though he's gone, he is still pushing me to follow my heart and pursue my dreams. Learning to pinstripe and letter has always been one of them. Thanks for the friendly nudge and reminder, Dad.
Kandi Blaze Cooper
2017
