ART/EVENTS: ARTROD UNVEILING

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ARTROD UNVEILING

 

Curtis and I went to the most fun lunchtime event last week! It was the unveiling of the Artrod project, which is fabulous new automotive art from artist Steven Vaughan. (I think it’s a play on “hot rod.”) On top of how amazing the car looked, to make it even more special, the celebration took place at the mecca of classic cars in Los Angeles, Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake.

Artist Steven Vaughn, (on the right, adjacent to the car,) and pals.  Photo by Karen Salkin.

Artist Steven Vaughn, (on the right, adjacent to the car,) and pals. Photo by Karen Salkin.

After marveling at Artrod for a while, Curtis and I managed to close our gaping mouths in time to chat with Steven Vaughan for a few minutes. My first (joking) question to him was, “Where do you get your weed?,” because the art was so spectacular! After a big laugh, Steven answered, “Maybe a gin and tonic, with a little lime.”

But Curtis got the real scoop. Steven explained to him that the design is an anti-violence message.  To that end, the artwork starts out aggressive and macho in the front, moves through ones of angels and Wonder Woman on the sides, and winds-up in the back with an image of Marilyn Monroe making the peace sign next to a big rose, symbolizing love. (And even though the back window is a small one, in the shape of an “X,” it is a street-legal vehicle!)

To explain it best, though, here’s Vaughan’s official word: “The Artrod has a 1970 SAAB body. Saab was originally a military jet company, so I decided to create the car as an anti-war statement. The meaning of this art piece is ‘Power in the wrong hands can be lethal; it’s war, peace, sex and power.’ ” All I can add is, “Wow.”

To further the fun, after the visual treat of the Artrod, we VIPs received a gustatory one in the form of the famous food at the location. We were invited into the restaurant for their classic Big Boy burgers and fries. I always love this place, but hardly ever have time to go there, so this was a real pleasure. Let me tell you, those big boys will really hit the spot!

A side view.  For the other side and front views, you'll have to check-out Artrod for yourselves!  Photo by Karen Salkin.

A side view. For the other side and front views, you’ll have to check-out Artrod for yourselves! Photo by Karen Salkin.

Curtis and I enjoyed the fare so much, we went right over to the take-out area and ordered some to bring home to our loved ones! And let’s not forget their famous hot fudge cake! How could I be at Bob’s, and not order some of those?! It was a really hot day, especially in the Valley, so they girl who took the order was really smart, and packed the ice cream cakes in one container, and the hot fudge sauces by themselves, so that the whole thing wouldn’t be a melting mess by the time I got home. (Mr. X and my night was made by saving them for a midnight snack.)

By the way, every person we dealt with at Bob’s could not have been nicer. The waitress, Megan, was fabulous, the busboy was darling, the take-out girl was lovely, and two other people who seated us in a cute booth-for-two were great, as well.

The whole day could not have been more fabulous!

And, on a serious note for you classic car enthusiasts, if you, or anyone you know, are interested in buying a manual 1991 BMW 318i, with an E-30 body, and super-low mileage, please give us your info in the Comments section below. It won’t be posted, of course, but we’ll email you back with more deets.

And then maybe you can commission Steven Vaughan to paint one of his colossal designs on it for you! But please make sure it’s still a peaceful one!

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