What got me started in the journey with my own art car the Mercedes Pens and now with Art Car Central was a book called "Art Cars: the cars, the artists, the obsession, the craft
If you have ever seen an art car around town and wondered why would someone do that to their car. Or where curious about the type of person who would drive an art car, then this book is definitely for you. I now have my own copy and it never gets old. You never now, you might end up making your own art car and one day it could end featured here on Art Car Central, I look forward to your art car submission.
Art Car Book by Harrod Blank - A must have for your coffee table
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Bike Fro Art Car
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This is what I call a Bike Fro art car, complete set of hair made entirely out of bicycles mounted to the outside of this ford van.
Oliver von Feistmantl on Art Cars
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Le Baron Convetible Art Car
Oliver von Feistmantl is a comic PoP artist from Vienna Austria that paints on pretty much everything, like houses, ships, snowboards, skateboards and even cars.
He started out as a graffiti artist in the 90´s but got arrested, so he decided to concentrate on legal ways to exhibit throughout Europe, Asia, the Caribbeans and NYC.
He makes acrylic paintings and sculptures in all sizes and in 2008 started to paint on a fishing boat in Thailand and in 2009 started to paint on cars.
The 1974 VW-Bus is called the racebus, because he got an engine from a Porsche 911 and was finished in October 2009. The 93 Chrysler Le Baron convertible was finished in 2010 and is the one he currently drives.
He hopes one day to come across a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow because its his personal dream to one day paint that car as well.
Easy A Team Art Car Project
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The new A Team movie is coming out in June and with it will follow another wave of home made A Team vans. What's great about this particular art car project is that its easy to make and all you need is a black vehicle to start with. The only painting you have to do is the red stripe down the side and all you have to worry about is getting the angle right at the elbow, easy peasy.
Here is the original A Team intro video to get you psyched
Dangerous Duct Tape Van on the Loose
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Dangerous Duct Tape Van on the Loose
I was sent this duct tape art van the other day from my friend mark, an engineer with a duct tape talent and here is what he said;
I am an art car artist and went to the westfest and Seattle Artcar Blowout several times. The duck tape van was created because of inspiring friends in Eugene, Oregon. These early forrays into art have opened new doors for me and enriched my life. As an engineer, duck tape was always there but never appreciated. Discovering the wacky, wonderful world of art cars released my spirit and let me fly.Thanks Mark and while I was at it I found a few more duct tape van jobs created by folks gifted in other areas.
Window Repair Duct Tape Van Job
Rust Repair Duct Tape Van Job
False Advertising Duct Tape Van Job
The Man in a Van Project by - Art Car Covered in Recession stories
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The Man in a Van Project - Needing a new water pump
Participant writing her recession story on the art van
Heartbreaking Recession Story
photos by maninavan's photostream
Aaron Heideman is an artist competing at art prize in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the largest art prize competition in the world. His art car piece is called The Man in a Van Project, and is traveling the country collecting stories from people whose lives have been affected by the recession. Most stories are written by participants on a large roll of Tyvek paper, and the best will written on the art van itself. He is currently on the road planning to visit 37 cities in 20 states, and finish in Grand Rapids on September 15, 2009. There is a section on his web site for support help Aaron complete his project and bring the stories to light. Good luck.
Van Covered with Stuffed Bear Road Kill
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A van covered in stuffed bear trophies is one way to tell the world "I am cute and cuddly" or "I brake for carnival games" or "I break for garage sales" or "I am covering a major bad paint job or "my car is really a clunker in disguise"
Snake Art Cars - Kevins GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car
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GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car - Rear View
GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car - Side View
Inspiration for the GI-Joe Cobra Rattler Art Car
I finally got around to the most sought after car in the world, the snake art car because last week was like snake central. I go a second email from Kevin owner of the Hundai Cobra Art Car shown above explaining to me why he though his cobra car was a good candidate for art car central. Then I kept finding snake pens around the house and one in the car when my phone went missing. Then I went to the county faire and my kids wanted to see the snake exhibit. Snakes every where, so I finally gave in and decided to get this over with and post Kevin's cobra art car. I showed Kevin the real snake car and asked him if he though his car was up to par for consideration to ACC, here is what he said:
Kevin thanks for your submission and I apologize for the long wait into ACC. I am sure it was well worth the wait. I also added other snake Art Cars so as not to excluded any o the other Snake Art Cars.
"I'm sure you will see that the whole car is in theme of a G.I.Joe/Cobra Vehicle and a lot of effort and design went into it. While I enjoyed the cobra car link you sent me I feel as though my car has a lot more artistic design complexity over a simple repeating snake scale pattern wrap on a car.
I'm also including a pic of the cobra rattler toy that my car's theme is based on, please view it to compare my car and the the theme I'm trying to achieve.
Thanks again, your blog is fun to look at!"
Kevin H.
Snake Car - Covered in Vinal Wrap and "Real" snakes.
(snake car that Kevin mentioned in his email to me)
Snake Art Car - Truck actually "hand" painted.
Photo by Eli the Bearded
Snake Van - Printed Vinal Wrap
Photo by Akbar Simonse
The Phenomabomber Beta Art Van- The Phenomenauts and their Intergalactic Mission
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A band of space cadets came together in 2000 to form what is now known as the The Phenomenauts. This intergalactic band of pioneers led by Commanders Angel Nova and Joe Bot, are a blend rockabilly, punk, and good old-fashioned rock‘n’roll. This this quintet has quickly become well known and loved by all who have witnessed their amazing shows. Their space adventures are made possible by the use of their space ship called "The Phenomabomber Beta" seen here parked in dry dock.
Go on Long Road Trips with the Toilette Paper Van
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Photo by Delta Niner
This fabulous TP covered van was seen and not heard at this years Houston Art Car Parade. I think this is the ultimate solution for those long road trips with a van load of kids on the way to Disney land or some camping trip. Its strictly a summer road trip vehicle or else it would just look really tacky if it got rained on. I am also glad that the TP is set up flap facing forward and that the van has an additional 4ply bumper cushion for ultimate safety and comfort.
The Fahrvernpüssy Lounge by Tré Taylor
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The Fahrvernpüssy Lounge VW Art Van is the creation of Tré Taylor who is also the amazing vocalist for The Dangerous Martini Quartet. Her VW Art Car is a 1973 type 2 camper van and has a 911 Porsche engine. The Interior, Custom Glass Mosaic Art done by Sherry Tobin and is basically a mobile Cocktail Lounge, with it's own little wet bar.
The Fahrvernpüssy Lounge with Tré Taylor at the Wheel
The Fahrvernpüssy Lounge Interior
The Fahrvernpüssy Lounge in Full Lounge Mode
via
The Von Tiki - Tiki Style Party Bar on wheels
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I wrote about the von tiki party bar art car some time ago. Now I bring you the in depth video interview with the creator of this art car, Jake Goldstein.
Frozen Shuttle Van Technology Saves Life - An Art Car Story
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Shuttle Van Frozen Rear Thrusters
I got this email today and its a reminder that a lot of good people are having a rough time with this crazy weather. Its also a great story of the positive and life saving aspects of owning an art car. The story is about the Shuttle Van Art Car and written by Bill Viereck about how the Shuttle Van Technology saved his bacon not having any power due to heavy frost.
"So when do you fully realize the payback on the undetermined investment made in your art car? Well, start with a deadly ice storm that encapsulates younder 2+ inches of solid rock and devastates all infrastructures around you. No power, no water, no heat, no dice.
My search through camping supplies, used on various multi-car odyssey's, uncovered battery lighting and a sterno burner complete with three cans o' heat. Now hot tea and camp coffee was awesome, but an ice melt sponge bath is a horrific trauma. However, the inch-thick slab of ice on the roof of a good sized doghouse will provide enough non-potable water to flush your toilet a few times. You'll need lots more sterno, though.
My 2000 watt generator was purchased to operate the Shuttle Van's systems during stand-around appearances and to recharge at campsites lacking power. A gallon of gas will run a 1700 watt fog machine (or a typical space heater) for about four hours in favorable weather. My lawn tractor kindly donated almost three gallons of old gas. At the peak of the storm when temps were down to 16 degrees, three hours of heat were a very special treat.
Later 48 hours of entombment, my civilian vehicle had to be moved to escape the new overhangs of trees threatening from above. After working through the better part of daylight to chisel enough away to move that car 12 feet, I turned my attention to the Shuttle Van. All four passenger doors were sealed under the 1/2 inch layer over all vertical surfaces (six times that on the horizontals) but I chipped around thrusters, etc. and accessed the rear tailgate. I wedged my middle-aged girth into the crawl space and reached the two isolation switches for the battery banks. If you're forced to design systems in your art car to handle 111 amps of power drain, you've got some juice available for indoor camping. Fully charged when the power went out, Shuttle Van's reserves could provide some heat for a few hours or operate various other low-consumption devices for much longer. An extension cord stretched from my stranded spacecraft to my satellite receiver just in time to catch the evening news, none of it good. 200,000 customers out of power in NW Arkansas alone, with no clear estimate on restoration. I used the available amp-hours to keep a phone charged, run a portable DVD and a light for well over 24 hours.
Once that initial charge was exhausted, the battery banks offered the advantage of storing the power produced by the gennerator rather than having to use it as it burned. My last gallon and a half of rationed gas gave me 6 1/2 hours of charge for the Shuttle Van, a fresh-brewed pot of real coffee for me and about and hour of heat for my cat.With that I made it to the point of escape, carving 1500 sq. ft. of ice shelf off my driveway and breaking free of the property to buy six gallons of gas and a bucket of chicken.
Do I love my art car? Yes, and I owe my art car. After this Apollo 13-type experience I feel inspired to do more, after I clear nine acres of formerly wooded hillside. Still without power after nine days and eight cold nights I long for hot showers and a warm bed but am able to compose this anecdote on my computer thanks to Shuttle Van technology."
Alien Ship Invades Bondi Beach Australia
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This Alien Ship art car was spotted on Bondi Beach Australia. We know very little about whether or not this a "Real" alien invasion down under. By the looks of it there should be alien abduction stories coming any day now. Cheers.
Amethyst The Magic Bus by Samonberry
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Samonberry is the creator of the Amethyst the Magic Bus who learned his craft at the Old-world school of Gypsy Painters. His art is very true to the original psychedelic art of the 60's and has managed to do a great job of capturing that era. His art includes posters, stickers, fine art, clothing along with this amazing 72 VW bus called Amethyst. I saw Samonberry at my first Art Car Fest in 2005 and was also featured in a video in which he describes how his art car came about.
Amethyst The Magic Bus by Samonberry
Slab City Campground Art Van - Cheap Holiday Destination
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This art van covered with all kinds stuff you find on the side of the road can be seen at a free campground in Slab City, Niland CA. at a former WWII US Marine Base. There is no water, electricity or even a phone but there is a CB-radio owned by a permanent resident to this site named Linda who acts as newscaster/messenger at 6:00 pm every day on channel 23. Its a must see camp ground, it even has a public library. It might become a hot spot in the coming years as people look for more economical holiday destinations.
City Car by Gary Siebel - Art Car covered in buildings
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City on Wheels Art Car
City on Wheels Art Car with New York city in the background
Gary Siebel is the mastermind behind seven arts cars starting in 1985 with his first one called vanishing perspective. Since then his has created and amazing collection of art cars that seem to have a common tread, land scapes. Gary started out as a taxi driver in Seattle and after years of driving around town he came to appreciate the city's buildings. He also studied architecture in school and even though he never applied his knowledge commercially he did by making seven art cars over the past 28 years. On his first city scape car he spray painted a checkerboard landscape of a city as seen from above. Then he added the buildings on the roof, even ones that we were in the process of construction, just like in a real city. One the biggest problems he faced was vandalism and had hundreds of buildings stolen and damaged. This car was also featured in Harrod Blanks "Wild Wheels" book and movie.
Garry now resides in the SF Bay Area and has recently built the City Scape Van Art Car, that enables him to travel around the country more comfortably. In his latest creation he added lights to some of the buildings and the river is a picture of Salvador Dali. I have wanted to write about Gary and all of his art cars for a long time now and felt that his was work needed to be seen by many more people. Wow!!!
5:43 pm I just got an email from Garry with a more complete and accurate story regarding his cars. I was wrong about Garry having studied architecture he was more of a History guy, anyways here is the complete story. Thanks Gary:)
1st art car, 1987, the vanishing perspectivemobile. Totaled by a friend after I sold it.
I lost all respect for autos after pushing a hack for about ten years (hence, 1987), so I just started painting an ex-taxi. A friend suggested dead cat skins, but I rejected that idea.
Next art car also short lived, but I acquired a van (from the dead cat guy), and it went through many changes, from broken window paint job to more perspective to a pretty good brick wall rendition. Plus other schemes, so many I forget, and didn't care enough to record all the changes.
Vanishing Perspective Art Car
The City Car was the result of several factors: the urge to impress a particular babe, an artistic solution to a painting problem, a satire, a flight of fancy... and the fact I traded my semi-functional VCR for the car that had sat in front of my neighbors house for many months.. The artistic solution was the result of the vinyl top, upon which I could not continue to paint the map theme I had started, and the fact I had in hand 64 cut wooden blocks that were supposed to become a chess table, but instead looked rather like Main St when I started fooling around with them. The map led to the 1st City, which has never been any particular place --- but all my cities are grounded in castle Neuschwanstein, Disneyland, Las Vegas, New York, Shanghai, London, etc.-- all the major cities have a certain similarity of skyline.
City Car Art Car
The satire was simply a jab in they eye of consumerism and the cult of the automobile. They are merely transport, yet they are considered to be virtually another form of clothing, and what we wear in public is important. Taxis are trash, however, and by extension, all vehicles are trash because all vehicles are potential taxis.
A flight of fancy -- I always thought M C Escher ideas were rather clever, and his drawings worked because we can only focus on one limited area at a time, so my cities are impossible too, but plausibly arranged so as to work from various points of view.
After appearing in People Magazine, I found there were other art car people, including Harrod making his movie, so I wrote him a letter, and he came up to Seattle soon after because, as it turned out, he was wondering how to get in touch with me.. I sold the 1st City in Chicago not long after because I got tired of people ripping buildings off of it. Haven't heard of it since.(by then, I already had a stalker and I thought getting rid of the car would help get rid of her, too, to no avail.)
Next, and as result of a photo of the 1st Citycar appearing on the back page of Road and Track Magazine (plus the appearance in Harrod's movie, Wild Wheels) Hollywood paid me to create a "Seattle" car and appear in their Honda commercial. (It only appears to be the Seattle skyline view from the park on Queen Anne hill, on the passenger side. More futuristic from the driver side.) That was 1991... After the commercial was done filming in Seattle (filmed with Gene Pool with his Grass car, and some Chicken Car out of Louisiana), I insisted they take the car with them, so the last I heard it disappeared into LA -- probably crushed by now).
Seatle Art Car
After that I created the lunar surface on the Moon Car with the sawdust leftover from the buildings I had cut for the City. The Moon Car lasted for over ten years, and went through four phases: blue/gray, red, purple, and orange. It couldn't make it past smog so it was crushed by Ace in 2005.
Moonscape Art Car
Santana Row, San Jose, commissioned an extended golf-cart shopper transport thing in 2002, then they had the biggest fire in San Jose history, which I got to experience first hand because i had to save my City from the shower of tiny burning embers, but that piece also disappeared into history.
I built the current City on Wheels in five cities over three years: San Fran, Las Vegas, Seattle, Boulder, and Austin. the only help I received was in having a place to build (Hamman's Barn, S.F., Marston's Farm, Whidbey Island (where I also built the Moon Car), Albert's Enchanted forest, Austin, my sister's place in Boulder, and the streets and parking lots of Las Vegas). It is all cut wood, except for a few Monopoly houses driver side rear, and the plexiglas around the wood core of the two dark towers. Many bldgs have E-L wire lighting. No legos, and I pressure wash it to clean. Mileage is the same (the tower group, top front center, is actually set back to decrease drag, but the hood takes the brunt, i find).
I have always treated my wheels in the manner in which they deserve -- no precious art piece that I keep forever without making a new one, like a piece of 'art" mom put up on the family refrigerator from your first grade, that never gets taken down because, after all, YOU did it; no parades; keep it guerilla. I occasionally parked it in front of SFMOMA on a Sunday, ten paces from the front door, the only major art museum to have parking so close to it's front door, and left a comment book on it. I have been working a different side of the street, so to speak, than most art car people. I will delve into that aspect further at a later time.
Cars are vulnerable to the elements and the miles, and this one too, due to mechanical issues, is slated for imminent destruction. The wind is too harsh for the paint job on the front portion to retain it's luster for more than eight months. The glue, Lexel, has been impressive, and -- unlike the 1st City -- only a couple of bldgs have been stolen (bigger ones are screwed down) Registration expires Feb 2009. I designed it so I could strip the buildings off and reuse them. I cannot store it and refuse to dump more money into a pit. That's the risk of an art car -- indeed, of all cars -- sudden death syndrome, from any of a large number of potential reasons.
Gary Siebel more pics on my Srapwall
what a story, I think the best one so far.