The WAKE UP Van, Art Car by Joel Robert Harris - Venice and Los Angeles, California

A Winner Has Been Selected for 2010!

Frequently Asked Questions and More:

FAQ:
1. What does "wake up" mean?
2. Where did you get the idea?
3. What inspired the images on the van?
4. What is inside the van?
5. Where can I view the van in person?
6. Why is one side just black and white?
7. Who designed or painted the letters?
8. How was it made?
9. Can I get a "WAKE UP!" sign or sticker to put on my car or van?
10. Is this van for sale?
11. What reaction do you feel it will evoke in others?
12. How much did the van cost?
13. How much time did it take to create the WAKE UP! image?
14. Do you accept donations for your art car?

Q: What does "wake up" mean?
A: WAKE UP! to your truth. WAKE UP! from a fear-based reality. WAKE UP! from a life of un-inspired living. WAKE UP! from a dream of separation and realize that we are all One. WAKE UP! and feel the inter-connectedness of all life. WAKE UP! and listen to your inner voice. WAKE UP! and express compassion, love, and kindness in all that you do and say. WAKE UP! and join the [L O V E] movement.

Q: Where did you get the idea?
A: I bought the van in 2007 and felt inspired to do something with this big blank "canvas" - the van was calling me to do something artistic to it. I wanted to communicate something but at first I didn't know what - or how. It took me a few years to finally settle on the WAKE UP concept, and then a few more months choosing how to express what I was feeling.

Q: What inspired the images on the van?
A: As I look back over our history as a species, there appears a long list of people with inspiring messages. People that used their life or social status to express a message of Love and Compassion. People that lived with respect for the earth and all life. I included images of spiritual leaders, native healers, and many other people and images that communicate the over-all message that we are one family - all from the same One Loving Source.

Q: What is inside the van?
A: I use my van to haul large paintings, boxes filled with small paintings, art prints, and a large canopy that I use at art shows. The van was previously owned (or so I was told) by Tim Leatherman's son, of "Leatherman Tools", who traveled all over the US and Mexico before trading in the van at a used car lot in Portland, Oregon. The van came with an original abstract oil painting nailed to one of the inner walls. The inside has been completely gutted, insulated, and has a rustic wall-to-wall plywood interior.

Q: Where can I view the van in person?
A: Venice Beach, and all around Venice, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles. Here is a BIG photo of the WAKE UP! image (it will open in a new browser window).

Q: Why is one side just black and white?
A: Both sides started out with the same black outline. On one side of the van I decided to fill in the WAKE UP! letters with a collage of images. The other side is still black and white while I wait for more inspiration. I would like to do more with it - like fill up the entire side of the van with images while leaving the WAKE UP! letters white.

Q: Who designed or painted the letters?
A: I designed everything. The letters are made from collaged images on paper. Barbara and I had a brainstorming session on Valentines Day in 2009 and the idea "WAKE UP!" came to us.

Q: How was it made?
A: I first designed the WAKE UP! letters in Photoshop, printed it on transparency film, and then projected it onto my van so I could trace the same letters onto both sides of my van. I collected photos from the internet, added some words and special effects in Photoshop, and then printed out all of the images. Each image is cut, trimmed to fit inside of each letter, glued, and then sealed with 3 coats of UV protectant. There are several pages of collaged photos/images that make up each letter.

Q: Can I get a "WAKE UP!" sign or sticker to put on my car or van?
A: A signed print is available here: (or you can copy the image to your computer and print it out)
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Q: Is this van for sale?
A: Maybe. Make me an offer and keep in mind that this is a work of art from the inside out.

Q: What reaction do you feel it will evoke in others?
A: Well, what I get most is this: laughter, people yell at me "WAKE UP!" as I pass by. Sometimes people say "That's Cool!" or, "I Love It - Keep It Up!" But, for the most part it is a big reminder for me every time I get in my van and drive around - "Am I Awake?"

Q: How much did the van cost?
A: It was purchased used in 2007 for $2,000

Q: How much time did it take to create the WAKE UP! image?
A: It took me about 15 hours over a 2 week period, and the materials cost me about $45.00.

Q: Do you accept donations for your art car?
A: Yes. One side of the van is still unfinished. I know how I want it to look, but the materials will cost about $300.00. Do you feel inspired to make a donation to the cause? If you want, I can include some of your own images in the final project - and/or add your name or your website link to this FAQ page.