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(Music by Mono courtesy of Temporary Residence Limited)
I met Adam Cramer five or six years ago, when I was living in South Philadelphia. My film career was just getting started and I was spending a lot of time in a local coffee shop called Gleaner’s Café. It was the neighborhood hangout, and while the coffee was good, it was really the local color that drew me to the place. Adam was a regular with an iced-coffee always in hand, and from our very first meeting, he made an unforgettable impression.
It wasn’t until I started rebuilding vintage bikes myself that I learned that Adam, coincidentally, did it for a living. With our shared interest — his much further honed than my own — it wasn’t long before I started imagining a short film about him. I feel incredibly honored to have had this chance.
I’m compelled by what Adam has to say. As someone who rebuilds motorcycles as a hobby and comes from a blue-collar family (my grandfather had an auto body shop, and my dad’s a woodworker), I personally get enjoyment from working with my hands. And while I don’t agree with Adam’s entire take on things, I do believe he makes a valid argument. Clearly, it comes from his heart, his head, and his own skilled and calloused hands.
As an aside, I do think that the larger setting of this film is worth mentioning. Liberty Vintage is in Fishtown, Philadelphia. The name of this neighborhood is derived from the area’s historic role — since the 1800s — as the center of shad fishing on the Delaware River. The area has been a working-class one for generations, and I wonder if Adam’s thoughts resonate widely there. I have a feeling they might.
And finally, many thanks to the Japanese band Mono and Temporary Residence Limited for allowing me to use their music. I’m appreciative beyond words.
67 comments
Sign in to add your ownopendoorstudio says:
amazing! I love this!
1 year ago
sherrytruitt says:
This is awesome. I went to college in Philadelphia and lived in Fairmount for years. I know this area well and will just have to stop by one day.
1 year ago
ThoseThreeWords says:
I'm the product of a motorcycle-riding family--even my dear, sweet mom rides!--so naturally, I love this feature. Vintage bikes in particular just have a classic coolness surrounding them, a sense of adventure, the spirit of freedom--it's captivating. Just draws you in and doesn't let go. Love it.
1 year ago
SchneiderGallery says:
this is hot! harley harley harley harley davidson :)
1 year ago
DecadesOfVintage says:
I love the synergy of this project. Thanks
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Your work is amazing!
1 year ago
nightowlcraftworks says:
There are not enough years in my life to learn all the things I'd love to learn <3 Great video!!!
1 year ago
matthewholdren says:
This takes me back to my days in philly and having my bike worked on by adam. I loved that shop and remember being in awe of the dirt and old bikes. Its my kind of place and its great to see a fellow craftsmen highlighted in such a well done short film. thank you
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Great film and story!
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
both brothers are hog fans..one vintage the other brand spanking new...fun!
1 year ago
woodguy32 says:
For years I made my living Build Woodie station wagons.. until I lost my Right hand functions from an 80 year old driver hitting me.. Now I build the strange things you I have here on Etsy.. I can now handle the size.. I do the same thing but with Hot Rods and old race cars.. wood
1 year ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
Amen, waaaay too many recent college graduates who can't DO anything. Flying this out to my peeps.
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
Love it! I think this goes to the heart of what Etsy as a community believes in. I am proud to be able to most things myself, with my own two hands.
1 year ago
BDVintage says:
This is awesome! My life is filled with people who are passionate about old bikes and hot rods. I have a huge appreciation for this art. Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
thetarnishedhalo says:
Oh, a man after my own heart...well, and my husbands too!! LOVE this! Wonderful way to wake up and read about my two favorite things...a coffee shop...and motorcycles! LOVE, LOVE, Love it!!! Thank you, for wonderful inspiration, makes me want to go for a ride, the wind blowing in my hair(well under the helmet) but alas, it's 23degrees here in Denver, hurry Spring, HURRY!!! :) thank you, have a wonderful Day!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
That shop is pretty close to my idea of heaven! having ridden classic bikes & newer models, I can honestly say that they don't make 'em like they used to! So lovely to see an American keeping classic Brit bikes alive, & to know they're loved even on the other side of the Atlantic.
1 year ago
WhisperingOak says:
One word: cool
1 year ago
blainedesign says:
His comments about the deindustrialization of American society really hit it. I think the handmade movement is a force for social and economic reorganization. Really, in the practical matters of life, nothing could be more important than rehabilitating our ability to make the things we use.
1 year ago
MJSGems says:
Great story and film, love old motorcycles and cars.
1 year ago
jalexstudios says:
Love this! Great film and story.
1 year ago
knownway says:
My husband will love this... He works in an office job that pays him well, but he'd love to be able to have a shop like this and work with his hands. It would be so much more rewarding for him. Loved the video.
1 year ago
WoodlandCottage says:
Great work, guys! I love vintage autos, bikes, etc--so much character, history, folklore! Thanks for sharing...
1 year ago
TubeHeaven says:
yes. awesome philly artist. great video!
1 year ago
TubeHeaven says:
oh, and yay for fishtown!! i live a mile from this guy's shop!!!
1 year ago
EnRouteStudio says:
I want that minibike in the corner. I will work for it!! :)
1 year ago
HisBlessings says:
I worked with kids that were not good with books a few years back. They would have worked for the bike in the corner. They would have worked for the 10 speed hanging from the ceiling just to learn from him. He should contact the high schools, there are kids that need him that would flourish under him. We are nothing unless we are raising up others. I believe the artist of old knew this, they were always raising up new artist.Our world today teaches us that we are to keep secret our craft, this is wrong, our craft should live past us. His gift is so great, I don't want it to die, but die it will if no one comes beside him.
1 year ago
stepbackink says:
cool Nice article
1 year ago
lake says:
This is, by far, the most significant and meaningful handmade portrait I have seen. Thank you.
1 year ago
kvanvliet says:
I work here! My studio, BYO Print, is above the motorcycle shop in Adam's building. A wild ride everyday!
1 year ago
tigersanddragons says:
My partner loved this article, it made him really miss his motorcycle (not a vintage one)which he sold before moving across the country. Ironically his second degree was in the practical world of programming, but the economy has been such that he`s been out of work for over 2 years. So he began experimenting with steel etching last year and working hard with his hands.
1 year ago
PixelGallery says:
Thank you for the wonderful video, sad but true. I have a 1968 Triumph Bonneville, they just don't make them like that anymore. Classic!!
1 year ago
ArtTales says:
Very cool!
1 year ago
desatsi says:
I loved the video and the originality of Adam! It must be a next him! A spirit like Adam's shouldn't be lost!
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
Awesome !!!!!
1 year ago
GardenDaisies says:
Sad, but true. I'm a lover of old cars and motorcycles. I would love to see his shop and shake his greasy hand. Thanks for this handmade portrait, guys! It was awesome.
1 year ago
fuetsy says:
cool
1 year ago
Hammermann says:
Cool film, it reminded me the book "Shop Class as Soul Craft" by Matt Crawford, recommended even if you are not a gearhead like myself. The bikes hanging from the ceiling look awesome!
1 year ago
PlumeandPetals says:
Love all the different kinds of motorcycles!
1 year ago
designlab443 says:
Awesome film work! Cool shop Adam!
1 year ago
Ninkybink says:
Great film,very cool individual!
1 year ago
goldencalfdesigns says:
Hey Adam... I told you I would work for bike! there are younger people out there that want to do what you do. I'm still waiting for that phone call back...
1 year ago
theroyalvintage says:
MOTORCYCLES ARE COOL and i am a little drunk :)
1 year ago
Zunicorn says:
Not many things more glorious than vintage motorcycles!
1 year ago
theroyal says:
very bleak outlook but honestly who can blame him. i wrote something very long in response but it is too depressing.. MONO is a good band anyway.
1 year ago
shandke says:
This is the best feature to date! I have a vintage Harley Davidson and wished I knew how to repair it. My father did, but he's gone now. I grew up in a family of bikes and in a garage. I can smell his space from here!
1 year ago
armcandyforyou says:
I am a TOTAL bike lover ,this is a treat for me!
1 year ago
SORTOFCHIC says:
Your film is amazing, Andrew! Beautiful images and a great capture of this very charming and touching character! I love the cut very much too. And, yes (refers to shandke) the smell... it crosses even the ocean - my positive thoughts from Switzerland.
1 year ago
MasonRabbitsPaperie says:
Amazing video! There are very few things in life that feel as good as creating something with your own hands or having the skill and the knowledge to fix something that is broken and restore it back to it's original or a better state.
1 year ago
SweetMoonlightShop says:
there is nothing like a vintage bike. amazing.
1 year ago
dearpumpernickel says:
What a beautiful film and what a beautiful subject. Will places and people like this always exist? I very much hope so.
1 year ago
HiddenTreasures101 says:
Great video...I agree that most kids today don't know what a phillips screw driver is but given the "need", they will find what resources to get the job done. I too love old things especially motor cycles and have one in our garage which has been sitting there for 25 years now. It's a beauty and hopefully one day we can get it fixed and running but until that time all we can do is look at it and wonder the times that we had driving it. Keep up the good work and I love the fact that you love what you do....if only we all could do just that.
1 year ago
MixedMotif says:
All I wish for my son is that as an adult he is as fulfilled as Adam is on the path he treads. Bryce gets excited when I bring out the clay and the paints ... I love that he enjoys creating & experimenting with me, even if it's not boy stuff!
1 year ago
AndrewDavidWatson says:
Hey, I'm glad you all enjoyed the film. I can't thank Adam enough for letting me hang out in his shop and I'm really happy ETSY was into the idea.
1 year ago
jared says:
Wow, this is so great. My brother used to work in this shop!
1 year ago
girliepains says:
the bag is beaut!
1 year ago
pinkracer says:
I am trying to add my Dashboard blog or creat an Etsy Blog, can someone help? i am so new to this site, but I love it! http://fromcombatbootstoballetslippers.blogspot.com/ This is my blog.
1 year ago
arsniccandy says:
Awesome article and items:) I worked at the Indian Motorcycle factory for three years as well as other bike shops and grew up with my dad building hotrods and motorcycles. Much love and respect to the art of building bikes!:)
1 year ago
AKingsThings says:
Great story and film!!! we need more Guys like him. His is the ultimate 'Man Cave'...
1 year ago
poorjimsvintage says:
Etsy is helping to encourage the next generation of DIY-ers. I know that I(me being 19) am not the youth that man has mentioned in the video. I am a creator and a crafter and I am not even close to the technology driven kids of my generation. Yes, I have adpated to the worlds newest technology but by no means am I to go and purchase the lasted Ipad. I grew up respecting my elders along with the items that they grew up with. I wanna continue the rest of my life appreciating the vintage and antiques of this earth and have a career were I use my hands and create EVERY DAY! Like the man said "I couldnt and wouldnt do anything else".
1 year ago
kalaisha says:
see: http://theonemotorcycleshow.com/show.html
1 year ago
michae456 says:
I loved how you create your unique store please chech out my store here is the website http://www.etsy.com/shop/michae456 thank you for shopping at sparkle unique collection bead store
1 year ago
NymphsNecessitys says:
Awe Inspiring...Love The Story and The Shop!
1 year ago
NymphsNecessitys says:
Opps...I thought I was still on another blog...but this is awe inspiring too!
1 year ago
Traversable says:
Wonderful !!
1 year ago
DarwinsDress says:
How excellent!! What a great personality! I love the bikes, gorgeous! I have similar feelings about the 'MTV' generation and hope the new craft revolution will help to change the possibly dismal future of American creativity. The youth of other countries may take up the cause in countries such as Czech Republic where they have a great love for beauties such as vintage motorcycles and will work hard to restore them because they haven't had the wasteful excess that this U.S. generation has grown up on. Great words, great portrait of the artist at work!! Thanks for sharing!
332 days ago
TheKnerdfarm says:
I love the part about how kids today don't know the difference between a flat head and a phillips and if they did they still wouldn't know what to do with it. Great Video!
330 days ago