Harrod Blank

Harrod Blank, a creative force hailing from the Bonny Doon Mountains of Santa Cruz, California, has made significant contributions to the world of Art Cars. After completing his education in Theater Arts and Film at UC Santa Cruz in 1986, he relocated to Berkeley in 1989, where he continues to reside part-time.

Blank's artistic journey began when he transformed his 1965 Volkswagen Beetle into a vibrant expression of creativity, aptly named "Oh My God!" adorned with beach ball colors, plastic fruit, rubber chickens, and even a television on the roof. This project marked the start of his illustrious career in Art Cars, an art form he initially believed was unique to him. As he discovered a broader community of Art Car enthusiasts, he was inspired to document their creations.

In 1992, Blank released his acclaimed documentary "Wild Wheels," showcasing 46 Art Cars and their artists, which has since captivated over 55 million viewers globally. He embarked on a nationwide tour to promote the film, leading to its broadcast on PBS as a National Special in 1993. The accompanying book, also titled "Wild Wheels," was recognized as a "Best Book for Young Adults" by the American Library Association.

Continuing his exploration of interactive art, Blank created the "Camera Van," which featured 1,705 cameras to capture spontaneous public reactions. His passion culminated in the feature-length documentary "Automorphosis," premiered in January 2009 at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, after thirteen years of production. His 1998 creation, "Pico De Gallo," a mariachi-themed Art Car, was celebrated in his book "Art Cars: the Cars, the Artists, the Obsession, the Craft," which received praise from notable media.

In 2003, Blank served as Guest Curator for a major Art Car exhibition at the Petersen Automotive Museum. As of mid-2010, he was also working on "Burning Man: the