Artborne Magazine May 2017 | Page 26

Richard Minino by Adrienne Lee (HORSEBITES) Minino: Modern Heraldry Civilized societies in the 21st century have no need for knights in shining armor riding upon valiant steeds. The Middle Ages were a time of darkness, plague, and war and champions were needed to defend lands and kings. Knights were the superheroes of their time, riding off to battle clad in mag- nifi cent suits of armor and bearing splendid crests upon their shields. Returning from the fi ght was proof enough of their superhuman abilities and the stories told of these glorious warriors would quickly became the founda- tion for lore and legend. Middle Ages, but with more magic, quests, battles, and knight-like heroes. Despite all the fi ctional appropriation, certain profound themes of knighthood remain—the freedom that comes from seeking adventure and the bravery to explore even the darkest roads. Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts are the medieval knights of today, tapping into that same adventurous spirit. They seek nothing more than the independence to travel and live their lives as they see fi t, with no one interfering or imposing any kind of restric- tions. Whether traveling alone or in groups, Over the centuries, fact evolved into fanta- each biker bears his or her colors and crests, sy, and the allure of knighthood still perme- much like the knights of old. This modern ates the psyche of modern thought. Films heraldry is rooted in the pageantry of knight- about King Arthur, the Knights of the Round hood and pays homage to all the champions Table, and other medieval heroes are made who came before. and remade and rebooted for every new generation. The Tolkiens, Martins, Roth- Richard Minino (aka HORSEBITES) trans- fusses, and other literary wizards set their lates this pageantry to the steeds and armor stories in fi ctional worlds parallel to the of contemporary bikers. By customizing gas Heebie Jeebie Hats on Roach Tank - airbrush, paint on steel gas tank 25 www. ARTBORNEMAGAZINE.com