guest post by John Law
photo by J. A. Ellingson
We lost one of our very best. Tom Kennedy (1960-2009) drowned at Ocean Beach on Sunday, April 12th at 2PM. Tom was an artist, activist, teacher, prankster – a strong friend, bright spirit and true inspiration to each and every of the thousands of people he touched through his powerful and loving art and his huge and giving heart. I first met Tom at Burning Man 94 when he came out from Texas with his amazing art car “Ripper the Friendly Shark”, forever raising the bar at that event for creativity and originality in personal expression. I was dumbfounded by the whimsical nature, bold concept and execution of the piece. But more importantly, I was floored by Tom’s unmitigated joy at just being there, alive and creating the world around him.
photo by unknown
photo by J. A. Ellingson
photo by J. A. Ellingson
He went on, often in collaboration, sometimes alone, to create many of the most engaging and whimsical art cars you would find anywhere in the world. Tom was one of the kindest and sweetest men I have known. His big, muscular presence was that of a gentle giant, a protector and a gentleman. Tom’s sense of fairness and justice was as powerful as his creative urges. He was no push over, though. His work as an art provocateur and activist was tough, funny as hell and very “in-your-face” for those he saw as oppressors and forces of evil in the world. Greedy businessmen, slimy politicians and the like were the hapless targets of his art wrath. Along with his wonderful wife and partner Haideen Anderson and a cast of dozens in the political satire group Missile Dick Chicks, Tom stuck it to the high and mighty, often at personal risk. His courage and convictions were never in question. I saw him arrested in NYC for the 04 Republican Convention – an event that cost him greatly. This indignity only fired his passion to confront the injustices he saw and to mock and indict those responsible. Tom was generous, selfless and productive in ways that lesser men could only stand in awe of. He helped an untold number of aspiring artists with his powerful presence, practical fabrication knowledge and unique aesthetic. He did what the very best always do – he gave it away.
photo by M2
photo by Eddie Codel
photo by Barbara Traub
I spoke with Tom’s room mate Chris de Monterey and was told the basic facts regarding how this tragedy occurred. Tom and his friend Mike Tackaberry were in the surf about waist deep at Ocean Beach (stairway 24 – just south of the Cliff House) and were knocked over by large waves and swept out to sea by a very strong rip-tide. Both strong swimmers, they fought to swim back to shore. Mike turned back to help Tom he saw he needed assistance. He was able to bring Tom to the beach where he attempted CPR. EMT’s arrived and took over, eventually transporting Tom to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Here’s Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream giving a great endorsement of Tom.
A couple of videos of Tom Kennedy on Chuck Cirino’s Weird TV.
“Burning Man 2002 – Tom Kennedy takes a break from dismantling the Whale” — photo by Leo Nash
photo by Belinda
photo by Jon Alloway
video by Caution Mike
photo by Jen Lum
photo by Ken Duffy
More Coverage:
- Time
See Previously: Topsy-Turvy Bus Tours US Questioning Budget Priorities
UPDATE 1: Tom’s website has been updated regrading his passing. Plans are being made for a memorials around the country.
UPDATE 2: There are two email addresses for all things related to remembering Tom and submitting stories, images and condolence notes, plus an email specially for helping with the celebrations of his life across the US.
Pat Kennedy, Tom’s mom, is collecting stories and pictures for a work of art she is making in Tom’s memory. If you have something you want to write, or have written, or an image or a condolence note you can email pictsandstories@tomkennedyart.com to help on this grand snapshot of the man , that so many have been enhanced by.
If you have anything else from ways you want to help and be part of the upcoming celebrations in Oakland, Portland, Minneapolis, Houston, or New York (or even elsewhere) email to everythingelse@tomkennedyart.com.
UPDATE 3: Here are some photos of the Tom Kennedy memorial in San Francisco.
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The zen master of the artcar world has passed.
I am stunned, saddened and humbled. Tom Kennedy was my friend, a
guide through many zones and and a colleague through many an
adventure, an artist, artcar pilot, caco fellow traveler, renaissance
man and prankster of the first order.
As Tom used to say, things happen when you’re out there… I’m glad I
got the chance to be out there with him when I could. I will miss
him dearly.
-Victor
Godspeed Tom Kennedy
I am so horribly sad to hear this. I adored Tom, this is a serious loss for everyone, for the world, poor Heydeen, this is just awful.
Tom was one of the founders of the art car movement. I have spent many hours as a passenger on his ride through life.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10111/3437986077/
oh my god. I am so shocked. Prayers out to Haideen and all others.
As far as I heard Mike tell it, he started to swim back to shore, but went back farther out for Tom when he needed help. He fought hard and long to get Tom back.
Tom and Mike Tackaberry, dear friends, were body surfing the waves by the windmill near Cliff House when a riptide took them both out. It took them 100 yards or so further out, it churned them; they each swallowed a lot of water. Mike said there were 2-5 second intervals between waves, with no chance to catch your breath. Tom fought it. Mike told the man with the finfetish to use his fins… Mike fought the tide and the waves for a long time to bring Tom (at first conscious, and then not) to shore. After he finally got them there, Mike gave him CPR. The EMTs were there 2 minutes later. An older man who had called 911 told Mike a few times that he saw it all, and Mike did everything he could have done. (I’m so glad a witness told him that.) Mike could have died too, but wouldn’t let Tom go…. He loved Tom. This is so, so sad. A tragedy amongst dear friends.
Truly sad.
Reminds me of the quote.
“Expect it when you least expect it”.
In other words live every day as if it is your last. One of these days, it will be.
tragedy reminds us to live well. be kind. love eachother. i’m sorry it takes the death of a luminary to see the darkness. we live among greatness. we are blessed.
I saw a flatbed truck decked out as a motor yacht cross my windscreen, it was trolling a five gallon gas can behind it a rope. Then I saw the huge silver shark chasing the lure emerge from its dusty wake. I was transfixed at 80 mph.
I once rode on top of his whale during a graceful dance with a Spanish galleon. Who gives his vision such flesh? Great men do.
Forever warm and welcoming, my friend, Tom
Tom was truly a great man. I honestly think that he was the most genuinely happy human that I’ve ever met. Welding at 3am at the box shop? Smiling. Painting in the dark? Smiling. Eating Tony’s Cippinio all covered in sause? Smiling. Nothing could ever dim Tom’s optimism. And he truly lived every day like it was his last.
You will be sorely missed Tom Kennedy. But your life’s work – both the physical things that you made and the emotional lives that you influenced – will last forever.
Many words and none
I can not stop crying –
one of my favorite men ever
I love you Tom
Goodbye Tom, thank you for everything you gave, all your infectious energy, creativity and revolutionary zeal. You are loved.
While I am sad that Tom is no longer with
us, I know that what ever place we go to after our time
here, Tom is there now, and that place is a richer and fuller
place now that he is there. I will worry about Heydean, Tom
was the love of her life, they had that wonderful thing,
they loved each other. That he is so suddenly gone forever…..
I can’t even begin to to grasp the loss and grief she is dealing
with now.
sad and tearful
belinda
Tom was the reason I found out about Burning Man in the first place. Back in 1994, when I was an angry, bald Houston punk-rock chick, I saw some tiny florescent flyers at the Sound Exchange music store. It was Tom and friends, who were trying to put together a caravan to go to the event together. I picked one up in hopes of putting together the funds to go to the event that year, but that didn’t happen. About a month later, I was hanging out on Westheimer Blvd., indulging in some outlandish daytime acid trip, when I saw Tom and Ripper the Friendly Shark roll back into town in a haze of playa filth and smiles. Needless to say, my interest was fully piqued at that point, and a couple of years later, I moved to San Francisco.
Thank you, Tom! You’ll be missed.
Haideen thanks all for the thoughts and asks all to send good thoughts
out to his surviving Mom in Portland. Haideen also asks those that wish
to do something to keep alive Toms spirit they should check out the Non
Violent Peace Force. http://www.nvpf.org/
Tom especially loved the Texas chapter, the group really lives
Tom’s ideals internationally in its daily actions and deeds.
Plans are afoot by the Art Car Crowd for a memorial service in the SF
Bay Area, as well as a family gathering in his home town of Portland.
Date still to to be set on both. Tom is to be cremated.
Details on the memorial service will emerge here and at his website
http://www.tomkennedyart.com in a few days, possibly Wednesday.
When I first heard of this, I was in complete denial – there is no way that this could happen to Tom Kennedy. The man is strong, real strong and the indestructible type that motors through everything. I have been on many adventures with Tom – he’s part of my life and my work and my dreams and we shared a similar live-to-play philosophy.
This is going to take awhile for me to accept and process. The irony is that Tom’s work has been inspired by what he called sea creatures – “Dusty Dave the Dolphin Car,” the angel fish bike “Fish Bait,” the Shark bike “Smoker” and of course “Ripper” and the made-for-Burning Man “Whale.” And then he is taken by the sea.
The timing of this is especially sad for me as just this weekend we are showing the movie that Tom is featured in – “Automorphosis” in Houston where he hailed from – that he won’t be able to celebrate with everyone hurts the most.
Tom has touched a lot of people along the way – and will continue to do so. My love goes out to Tom, his mom and family and Haideen- and all of you.
Harrod
I met Tom Kennedy in 2001 – the last year I did Houston – also the year I had so many car troubles getting there (including the engine blowing up) I was towed to Portland OR.. where I was going to meet up with Tom and we were to lead a convoy of assorted Artcars on the road trip to Houston. Well that didn’t happen as my car was being worked on, and Tom still needed to finish the Tri Nash Fin.. so he graciously let me stay at his & his mom’s place. Tom was an Artcar Godfather.. every pore on his body emanated with artistic and enthusiastic energy. He was shining from the inside out with a kindness and positive glow that was contagious. Even though our adventure together on this ride was very short, the time I did get to spend with him, siliconing black glass beads and sprinkling glitter on his new ride(at the time), installing the great ‘eye’ that Extremo the clown painted for him, and testing out the ‘twinkie cannon’ and ‘flame shooter’ ….. I immediately felt a life long bond of friendship… the stories, laughter and life… I truly believe after meeting Tom, that ‘anything’ was possible if you set your mind to it. Thank you Tom for your kindness, your spirit, your being, your inspiration to do ‘right’ in the world and always enjoy the time. I feel extremely fortunate to have called you my friend. Peace and hopes that you find a million twinkies to aim at a million targets up there :) Hugs and Love to all that are sharing this tragic loss to the Artcar world that we all live on
I am so saddened by this loss. Tom was always such a fun loving, and kind person. He will be truly missed. Time to make a Shark Car for the afterlife. This one with wings.
Tom, is one of the kindest man you will ever meet, who quickly became a friend within the past month that I’v'e known him from working with the flaming lotus girls at the Boxshop. I will truly miss his spirit but will always be amazed at energy he exude through a simple smile and the art work he created.
Tom was big, strong, and possessed of a gigantic heart. I only barely got to know him, but who he touched and how showed off just what a great man he was. He will be more than missed.
Tom was one of the most genuine, kind & spirited people I’ve ever known. I heartily second Simon Barber, who wrote that “every interaction I had with Tom showed the fun, kindness and depth of character he had.” A prankster, an artist and a rebel. Tom was both a friend and a hero, A big man with a young boy’s mischievious sparkle forever in his eyes. Were it not for Tom’s creativity, skill and abundance, one of the most incredible, surreal experiences of my life would never have happened: Sitting atop our giant rubber duck as Tom’s glowing white whale swooped & circled around us, chased through the night by the beautiful La Contessa.
As has already been expressed by many here, his death just seems so hard to fathom. A big strong man, full of heart and optimism, Tom always seemed so… enduring. A rugged, grinning constant among our worldwide family of transient freaks, clowns and weirdos.
And though he will be deeply missed, his character and creations will continue to inspire us, will continue – as they have so clearly already and abundantly done – to change the world.
Thank you Tom. Voidspeed.
(And here I must picture him like Slim Pickens in “Dr. Strangelove”, straddling the giant rocket of his most recent art/protest vehicle and joyously free-falling into the afterlife with a whoop and a grin.)
I was out surfing at Ocean Beach a couple of miles away at 2 PM. I was out at Sloat, but I thought about going out at the Cliff House as it is more sheltered from the wind. I wonder if I could have done something if I had been around. The rip tides were pretty strong as they usually are but it wasn’t more dangerous than usual. I helped Tom and Hadeen set up their Bush goodbye party a couple months ago. That was the last time I saw him.
I will really miss that guy. He was a great artist and a great person. I learned a lot just by watching him work at the Box Shop and picking his brain, just a really generous person with his time and knowledge.
Kiko
I have missed you over the years and I will continue to miss you in the future. Heaven will be a funnier place now that you will art it up.
I don’t remember when I first met Tom. He was building a flying saucer art car at Nimby. I was bored so I helped him out for a couple of weeks. Now I wish I could have spent more time with him.
i met tom just a month ago out at the box shop. bright eyed, i started coming out the shop *finally* after many years of wanting to work with metal. running around the yard, i met heydeen and tom one sunday afternoon. heydeen was in the process of making a gorgeous orange hippo for one cute lil’ lulu and tom was busy at work on one of his many gorgeous bells. the bell he’d transported to the shop that day was tall and lizard green and stood about 6 feet encircled by a heart of spiraled metal. the intricacy, the detail, and, oh, that sound! the gorgeous, deep, resonating sound that that bell made. he said he’d made one like it for his folks and that he and heydeen were planning to box this one up and send it off to her folks. i was fascinated by the work–and by the joy and light that emanated from both of them. last weekend, at a long FLG work day of packing up mutopia, i saw tom again. this time, while standing over the bbq table, i asked him about the bells. he told me all about the process, from beginning to end with all the steps in between–the practice, the experimentation, the evolution. he spoke with such relish, such excitement, such passion about the discovery. i told him about the project i’ve been mulling over–my first attempt at metal sculpture. in those 10 min we shared over pork sammiches, i got it–everything that everyone has written here. a friend of mine has this great phrase when she and i talk about people with creative joy like tom: infectiously brilliant. though my glimpse of him was so very brief, it will always be remembered as one of those great moments in life when you think, yeah, of course. it’s all possible. all of it. thank you for being infectiously brilliant, tom. you will be missed.
Tom was a great inspiration to so many people, myself included.
I am so deeply saddened by loss of such a wonderful man and artist.
…
I am so terribly sad to hear this. I have always loved seeing Tom (and Haideen) down at the Boxshop and seeing what new cool project they were working on. I am just devastated that he’s not going to there anymore to chat and talk with about anything and everything, including his inspiring work. My heart goes out to Haideen and his mother. I wish him the peace that he wished for the world.
this news is shocking…how could this be true? We had a long talk at NIMBY, laughing and bsing about this and that…and the future.
We are all lucky to have had you in our lives. Peace to you in the next phase.
A life Well Lived Is A Life Worth Living….
sigh
and chill down my spine…
RIP Tom Kennedey~
—I happened to be out there, sitting on na bench, watching pirate punks and surfers while shuffling through my shit and listening to the Kinks@the stairs below the cliff house…saw a motorcycle/dirtbike cop head over there, leave, and then an ambulance—
I had no fucking idea
I had no fucking clue
I would of yelled something…anything…
“Spaulding, Man!”
“Kennedy, Man!!!”
I am flabbergasted
-smm
You will always be my brother, on land or in the sea, on earth or in the sky, and we will sail that desert, and we will drive that ocean on roads that never end.
omg…
the artist big brother I never had, who taught and consoled me, in a too few times working side-by-side that I will always be grateful for…
me sad….
Oh, damn….
Tom Kennedy . rest in peace. we will miss your crazy ass wit and inspirational art and art cars. I remember setting out to build a custom art car commission and seeking Toms advise and his boot strap inspiration.
I will truly miss him and is grey haired wit, he was a dedicated one man art movement rivaled by no one.
from,
Justin Gray.
I didn’t know the man, but am appreciative of his work. I was actually there yesterday and was wondering why there were EMT’s and police vehicles at Ocean Beach near the Cliffhouse. Very tragic…
Tom, I didn’t know who you were or what you did until I came across this tweet from LaughingSquid about ten seconds ago. I am sorry your human body will no longer be able to share with us the fresh and fantastical projects that beam to your antennae.
My heart goes out to your friends, family, and fans who have been there with you since the beginning of and throughout your journey. Its evident how far and wide your inspiration has traveled and how many lives you have affected.
I am now encouraged to research you so I can truly appreciate your cosmicality. Thank you for making yourself known to me.
Tom, being an activist,
would want you all to know this:
http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/
My condolences to all of Tom’s friends and family.
Tom- Thanks for sharing all of your joy and mischief. You have made the world a truly better place. Thank you.
Having seen him so little over the years, I am feeling displaced by such a loss. I adored this man and probably never told him in so many words. Would rather be telling him this than writing it in a public space.
The year the whale emerged, working with Flash, I got to spend almost a month with Tom between Placerville and the playa. I had barely connected with Tom one-on-one before that. I am so grateful for that time. He was an incredible person to witness. So kind. So calm. So bright. We all had so much fun together. in years following, whenever I would see him, even if only for a moment, there was genuine love and appreciation between us.
Thank you Tom, for being such a light in this world.
You will be deeply missed.
So saddened by this…a great spirit gone from our midst. God speed to Tom and condolences to his family…another reason taken from the ‘I’d rather keep living column’ over to the “I won’t mind dying column’…We’re really going to miss you Tom. Go slow, but hurry back. ~Leo
I am so sad about the loss of such a great artist, and thinker, and kind man! Tom brought his art cars to Minneapoils for the first Art-Car crawl, and I still remember being in awe of this person who created Ripper the shark, and more recently during the RNC when he brought the Bush-Cheney Cruise Missile Truck to Minneapolis. He brought a lot of interesting art to our city. I feel blessed that I met him and was able to know him even in just a small way, and I am sending lots of love and prayers to his family and friends.
My deepest sympathy!
Sandee – Faerie-Elf car
Minneapolis, MN
I cant believe it…I surely dont want to believe it…I hate that it’s true.
in a grey business suit during his lunch hour from his corporate job a man walked into the Orange Show office with a snap shot and a hand written letter – it was Tom with a parade entry a shark car with card board fins and spary painted waves/gills; Tom was shy and akward, joyous and determined….a wild wonderful man at the tipping point of a personal transformaion. I am so honored to have known him so honored to have struggled with him and laughed with him.
I am so sorry for the enormous loss.
Dearest, sweet, brave, smiling, ever ready for a fun road trip, a art car caravan, a trip costing time, money & love to go and protest the injustices in this country, always giving me encouragement, enthusiams for whatever my own dreams are…
Oh, Tom, we lost you to the waves, I am deeply saddened, trying to let the tears warm up to make something of it, as you always made art from what you found. I’m so happy you and Haideen had/have each other, love is forever… There is no time, distance or level of this life/the next life that can separate loved ones. You certainly touched many people’s lives, the art you made continues on inspiring your friends, family, extended family and those who may not have known you, but they know your art, others yet to discover your art. Playful, political, pun-intentional art…
If, in fact, we pass through this life to achieve wealth, I certainly found it the moment I saw your Whale crossing the Playa to cruise with La Contesa. Thanks for the many cinematic moments you gave us all.
love, hope, destiny…
Hunter
I will really miss Tom and he will be missed by all the art car artists and anybody who loves art, in general. He was a great human being (a mensch), a big bear of a guy, and a great visionary and craftsman. His greatest contribution to all of us was how he expressed his lust for life: you could see that in every project he took on – every party he produced. – every conversation and email. He definitely inspired my work on my Sharpkr (sometimes Marblus) and you can see it clearly (lots of fins and spikes). We were talking about doing a project together, but hadn’t moved on it yet. Our hearts go out to Haydeen and his family and all who loved him. This is a big loss and hole in our community.
RIP to the creator of Ripper. Tom was a prince of men. He had a great heart, hands, and mind. I considered him a good friend and was always inspired by his words and deeds. I will sorely miss the projects that we never had a chance to collaborate on. He lived a marvelous life and a shame it was cut short. I mourn for him.
Tom’s body of work is astounding. He built American Art, the Art Car. And took us all along for the ride. Without fear or a parking spot for any of them. He lost his art to the tow truck many times. Can you imagine?
Sad. But I really feel blessed to have known him at all.
Life is fragile. I will miss Tom Kennedy. So will a million others. The really sad thing here is all the kids that will miss his work… the work he never got to make. Lets make sure that we always save a place for Tom to park…
Chicken
I will miss Tom very much. The world was such a playground for Tom. I remember pulling up next to Tom on I-80 diving the Topsy-Turvy bus. I lit up the bus with my flashing lights and everyone panicked, everyone except Tom who just started laughing. Tom just started laughing and must have thought “here we go again” Tom was having a blast. I think Flash or Dana first recognized it was me and pretty soon all in the bus were back to having fun, after a few miles I headed off to Marin and they went back to Oakland.
Tom was a wonderful person who I could talk to for a few minutes or hours, he was indeed one of the good guys and I will miss him dearly.
My god, this really hurts. He hadn’t even begun yet. I loved the missile dick chicks. what glee that produced. What a sparkle in his eye…. He improved the world around him. He made shit better…
These stupid tears are messing me up.
Another painful loss. When I first moved to Houston found Art Cars, Tom was one of the first cartists I met. He inspired me to build big and build crazy. i will miss his rampant jackassery…
Tom put a smile on the face of thousands, not just by showing the art cars he created, but by being himself; inspired, consistent, and friendly to a fault. He lived his art, drove his art, and sometimes parked his art in front of our home.
*May his art roll on!*
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