Caletti Cycles owner John Caletti offered his friend, the artist Jeremiah Kille, the opportunity to paint a bike, and the company walked off with the NAHBS Best Finish award. The striking, handpainted black-on-white artwork on the frame celebrated ocean life, as both Kille and Caletti are inspired by the ocean and Caletti is devoted to environmentalism. He also donates to 1% for the Planet, and is fascinated by the enduring value of metalwork.

The meticulously handpainted frame featured a minute pattern of cross-moving lines populated by a whale, octopus, seagull, and jellyfish. The close-set lines suggested seaweed, or the movement of water. Caletti was so inspired by the painting that he ordered custom-made bar tape to mirror the design. Kille was so prolific in his painting that he also painted the bike owner’s Giro shoes and helmet to match the paint scheme. Miraculously, a steel slingshot also fit into the scheme, made from cut-off seat-stays. The all-encompassing effect was stunning and thoroughly modern.

The artist, Kille, also paints canvasses and murals.