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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I met Tom a few years back , when He and our “Tribe” were working on a project together. His energy was amazing and intense and he was definitely a “GIANT” in the world of art and ideas. Mike is also a friend of ours, I’m grateful they were together and thankful that Mike was there to help though I am sure he is devastated by Tom’s passing. Certainly the memories of Tom’s creations will live on in our memories, as will the greatness of this man, He will certainly be missed amongst us. my thoughts are with his family and all his friends as we learn to live without his pressence.
Bare
Goodbye my friend.
Big Hurrahs for the life and work of Tom Kennedy! A circus strongman for the artcar arena. I was just getting ready to send him the postcard I found of a 1950s rocket truck painted red, white and blue from the Circus World Museum. His Missile Truck was great political theater (with a point!) and it is so rare to find a good political artist who can use humor to help the cause. His generosity and willingness to show up and support everyone else’s work was phenomenal. He was just up here for Art Cars on Ice this winter, making a real effort to keep that cross country bond for art cars alive and kicking. And he made so many really good art cars. He was also super excited to be included in my book, Road Show: Art Cars and the Museum of the Streets and it sucks he won’t get to sign a copy for me when it comes out in August. We will all miss him so much.
it suddenly feels iike a hole in the world somewhere. I will miss Tom’s innocence and childlike spirit.
I loved Tom very dearly. An amazing, wonderful, vastly inspiring, high-minded, great-hearted, strong & gentle, joy-filled, idealistic/spiritual/humanistic sweet sweet man. God, it hurts that you were swept away from us, but god we are all so blessed to have had you in our lives, in the life of the world. Thank you, Tom, for all you built & gave & were and are. May the road through the universe sing you on.
My Condolences goes out to all his crew.
I met him when 5th Ave marina had an art car show.
We were all blown away by his car.
Nice guy
He hung out for a few days.
Love & Respect………..Vinnie
If you can tell a person’s stature in the world by the shock of grief that rounds round it when that person passes, Tom was surely a giant among us Meres.
I knew him only scantly, but I knew his work and his reputation well. He made bigger-than-life toys for us to play with, and he knew to do with them was share them.
There’s some big shoes to fill sitting out there on some weird desert horizon tonight…
Does anyone want to take one of Toms X artcars off my hands? We had him build it for burning man 04.
I feel like someone just punched out a piece of me. Tom was a dear friend from Houston. We originally met while working on Art Car Weekend in Houston, back in the early ’90s when he wore a suit to work. So hard to picture that now… Ripper the Friendly Shark was in his first incarnation and Tom had a few bikes he’d also turned into fish. Our Lady of What We Have in Common was created — a school bus with truck cab on the top which later became Finestra with the back end of a Cadillac hearse added to the back. And fins. Fins on everything. Max the Amazing Daredevil Finmobile was the ultimate expression of those fins. Spent LOTS of time on top of that vehicle. One of my fondest memories of Tom was when we rode on top during the Mardi Gras festival in Galveston, safely above the teeming crowds demanding beads, somewhat altered and wearing 2 of my Haitian carnival masks, Tom in the bull and me in the lion. Such a blast of an evening. And the roadtrips! Austin, New Orleans, Burning Man, wherever. Tom make sure the whole gang was invited.
Tom had an amazing ability to be a social and political critic without losing his sense of humor. A big heart and gentle presence…. I am so sad for Haideen’s and all of our loss.
Here is a pic of the car Tom built for us.
http://www.tomkennedyart.com/visitationrside.jpg
Tom was and will always be a bright shining light . He is a inspiration to life and living it to the fullest Your are missed
love you
john
I’ve been crying enough today, then I bawled even harder when I read Chicken’s comment, “The really sad thing here is all the kids that will miss his work… the work he never got to make. ”
The last time I saw Tom was at his “goodbye Bush” party at the Box Shop. I brought my 3 year old son there–the first time I’d dared to bring him near rusty metal and fire. At first he was afraid of the “Wheel of shame” and the flamethrower–Tom got Levi comfortable with it, and Levi nearly used up all the propane! Tom was patient with Levi as he rocked the mic singing the ABCs with Dana’s devil’s food cake smeared all over his face, and proudly sported Haideen’s amazing George Bush mask. It was the best time I’d had in the 3 years since my son was born (I don’t get out much!). Thanks Tom for teaching my son, by showing him and allowing him to experiment. I will make sure that he always remembers you.
My heart is heavy with sadness.
The shock of knowing Tom has gone to another place without us is too much to bear.
Tom, you were a wonderful friend and wise mentor.
I miss you already.
Love to Haideen and all who loved him.
I only met Tom & Haideen once at Art Car Fest in Douglas, AZ. We hung out at the compound at night and had breakfast with them the next morning. Some people you can just tell right away are awesome, I really liked them a lot. My condolences to his family and Haideen.
I’ve known tom for many years, but only recently had we really started to be friends. Tom truly was one one of the art giants in the bay area. his love of life and his optimism will stay with me for years to come.
thank you tom for so many things. My heart goes out to his wife Haideen and Tom’s family because tom filled a very large space in the world with so much love, that will be very hard to fill.
All of us are heart broken as we prepare Tom’s wonderful giant Laughing Sal for her Exhibit this weekend.
“The Road to Playland and Back”, an artists journey and Art Exhibit ,will be dedicated to Tom who along with Flash, was commissioned to built her for Burning Man 2001.
The Exhibit is free and everyone who shares Tom ’s dream of sharing the fun is welcome.
Royce Gallery 2901 Mariposa (at Harrison) Doors open 7:30 April 17 ,18 and May 1,2
Tom Kennedy was all-of-our friend. He worked towards bringing us together to celebrate the best of humanity. Tom’s car (one of many) “Ripper the Friendly Shark” was a peacemaker. He traveled with it around the US and Europe and was working towards bringing it to places where he could use it to bring happiness and attention to the disenfranchised.
Tom’s humor, art and activism were integral to his boundary-crossing personality. His Mother Pat said to me this morning “He decided early on he was going to define his own life.” As he did, he included the rest of us in his plan, a plan to make the world better, kinder and more playful. Generous he was quick to offer leadership for, or assistance to, projects that pushed ideals such as fairness, justice, and fun. He was inventive, skilled and also able to visualize a seemingly impossible task and figure out how to make it happen. When we were lucky he asked us to help, often he and his closest collaborator and wonderful wife artist and performer Haideen Anderson made the work themselves welding and sculpting wondrous art cars and props for their art happenings and political actions.
Tom I will miss you every day. I appreciate all the courage you have shown me, your warm compassion, diplomatic communication, all the play all the dreaming and the ingenious solutions to problems we faced making sculpture together, you are like my brother and I love you and your memory beyond time and space.
Brian Goggin
WOw. such sad news. years ago in Houston, we met and had a great time! the shark car was complete and total fun. tom you will be missed, but you will shine as bright as ever in every persons memory who had the pleasure of meeting you. sending big love and gratitude for your gigantic heart. all our best, Lynn and John, the Carrobizarro. xoxo
I, for one, will always remember Tom as the person whose magnificent creation gave TheWhoFarm a platform, Topsy Turvy, to spread the dream of vegetables growing on the White House lawn…a dream that has come true.
Just today, our bus trip was mentioned in USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/columnist/raasch/2009-04-13-raasch_N.htm Talk about good mileage!
I first spoke to Tom on the phone to let him know that we’d be turning the roof of his creation into a vegetable garden, and to ask him for some advice. I was unsure what his reaction would be. I’d never spoken to him before, and some artists do not appreciate it when others modify their works of art. But, Tom’s reaction was quite the opposite. He said that he had always hoped that someone would find a good purpose for the roof, and that a veggie garden would be awesome!
I’d been meaning to call him up for the past few days to let him know that Topsy Turvy made it to a fancy cooking magazine.
http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2009/05/the_garden_bus_guys
And here are a few pictures of Topsy Turvy paying a visit to a Barack Obama rally in Manchester, NH, circa 2007.
http://www.thewhofarm.org/barack-obama-with-topsy-turvy/
RIP Tom Kennedy. A true patriot!
I was fortunate to be a crew member of La Contessa in 2002, my first (and best) year at Burning Man. The sight of the white whale appearing out of the darkness is a something I will never forget.
The world is a poorer place for his passing. Sail on, Tom.
Were it not for Tom Kennedy, hundreds, possibly thousands of people just like me would never have taken a plasma cutter to a perfectly good car. Tom was an inspiration; always helpful, but with the correct amount of constructive criticism. The streets, the playa and the world of outsider art and political guerrilla theater will be a lesser place without him.
Poetry and lyrics by Tom Kennedy and Haideen Andersen :
WASTEFUL – DISTASTEFUL – DISGRACEFUL
by Tom Kennedy and Haideen Anderson 2007
“Those of you who back the war
Who make-up what we’re fighting for
You’re truly living by the sword
Shame on you and your entire hoard
Those of you who pump the fear
Through mainstream media’s friendly ear
You’re the one who should be damned
By those of us with extended hands
War pigs roasting on the spit
Sausage bacon burned a bit
It’s time for you to call it quits
Go make some friends and chill a bit
All of you who were raised on hate
For Armageddon you just can’t wait
Your names are on the Devil’s Slate
A life in hell is your just fate
Pentagon Pentagon your budget’s bloated
Your wastefulness has been noted
The last time that the people voted
It was WAR that was demoted
Nationalism is the disease
Created by you lying slease
You stoke the fires of fear with ease
Be gone with you! I bid your leave
How many people have to die
Before you hear the people’s cry?
I wish that I could ask you why
So many people have to die?
You who kill people as you please
Lay down your arms and go in peace
If you continue your evil ways
Your soul will vanish into the haze
You who start a war with lies
Who cannot hear the childrens cries
Who now ALL people do despise
We know your heart is full of flies
Those of you who deal in death
Whose lips drip blood with every breath
We hereby take your power away
And give it back to the people today
Where’s the wasted money?
In the land of milk and honey
You think this war is funny?
Your Pinocchio nose is runny!
Pentagon, Pentagon
Where’s that trillion dollars gone?
In the pockets of your cronies
Who are stealing the tax money
Rumsfeld’s legacy does remain
Public loss for private gain!”
Dino Demolition Song by Tom Kennedy:
“It looks like there is no solution
For CO2 and air pollution
It’s time we had some evolution
Or maybe just a revolution
You’re looking at the new sensation
It’s spreading all across the nation
It’s time for all the population
To take out all of it’s frustration
Dinosaur Demolition……
I guess my brother was right
I’m gonna, I wanna die young
I guess my brother was right
I’m gonna die young”
Oof. Ow. Oh oh oh.
This is one deep kick in the gut.
Aw Tom. I’m gonna miss them big warm handshakes and endless enthusiasm. How can this be? You’re too big and strong and goofy and…constant for this. One damn fine quality human being has left the room.
Oof. Ow.
Art car funeral procession, anyone? ‘Twould seem fitting.
What to say that’s not already been said…I feel fortunate to live in Portland, Tom’s home base. First met him at Burning Man ‘94, where he chauffeured us Disgruntled Postal Workers around the Drive-By Shooting Range. (Ahh, them were the days!) Met him on many an occasion since, most recently the Art Car West Fest ‘09.
What a humanitarian, and gentle, strong spirit. I hope he’s severely amusing the angels…
He was one cool dude.
Wow, what a big man to be lost at sea, leaving such a huge hole in our collective spirit. I did not know this man, but I sure recognize his rides. Seeing one of his rolling fish always put a smile on my face. Can art save the world? I think Tom would have said yes. He knew that art needs to be seen to move us. His art moved to see us too. He took those motorized fish to swim the streets, and it made lots and lots of people of all ages and many backgrounds happy. Is there any better legacy than knowing you created happiness? Thank you for honoring this creative and generous hero of humanity with this site… I am moved to tears of sadness at his loss and tears of joy that such folly still exists in this world.
…………. Lost for words….Kind being…always positive! ….full of life and love………..dunno..I am lost for words…………Tears flow down my cheeks…….loss of such a wonderful being! Tom you will be missed! Thanks for sharing some positive moments…………….for being such an excellent Teacher………
OMG…..shock is hardly the word……mortality is perhaps more like it. I always considered Tom an AC mentor from his Ripper days….once amused to see him driving-thru McDonald’s on Westheimer. As I joined the Parade as an artist…….I was pleased to be in his league. Loved the Bicycles to Bosnia project and developed even more respect for this arty humanitarian. Exchanged e-messages during the Presidential Inauguration and was honored to hear of his respect for ME!
My world is diminished by his loss……….
R.I.P.er the Friendly Shark…….
Dear Tom,
I wanna be you when I grow up.
Love,
Gaia
Like all of Tom’s friends we were stunned to hear of his death. If Tom signified anything, it was life. He embodied living and encouraged us all to do the same. The real gift Tom gave was time. Tom would stop what he was doing, and focus on you. He would devote himself to you fully, doling himself out to all of us one at a time.
We feel privileged to have known Tom for the past fifteen years. We knew him as a dear friend but also as a gifted artist who worked collaboratively and had a strong vision and desire to communicate. As JoAnne wrote in her ArtCar essay in Afterburn: Reflections on Burning Man, “Kennedy’s ArtCars have come to represent the pinnacle of ArtCar design.”
We love you Tom. And our hearts go out to your family and especially to the love of Tom’s life, Haideen. Rest in peace.
I had the privilege of serving as co-sub-junior-bartender with Tom on Pepper Mauser’s mobile living room at BM 98, 99, 00. After the first year, he was expecting me. Tom had the special ability of making you feel like you had known him all your life after just meeting him. He was a very comfortable person. You will be missed!
oh, Tom…
thank you, for shining so brightly!
thank you for living life on your own terms,
for caring deeply about the world
and for making your message beautiful…
no matter how overwhelming the odds in this crazy mixed up world,
you
never
ever
lost your
sense of wonder…
what a lesson.
In a time of crisis you helped me remember to play, helped me find joy again.
you taught me so much…
I am so glad to have known you.
and I wish I had the chance to tell you this…
this community heals. the work you do has the power to touch lives…changes lives. art matters. pranksters wake people up, shake us out of our fog and remind us to we don’t have to accept things as they are.
you are appreciated and loved.
and oh, my you will be missed….
Though I didn’t know Tom well, he made me feel as though I did. I sensed he made most people feel that way. His giant heart and soul and passion and exuberance will surely be sorely missed by many, many people. Haideen, Tom’s family, and all who loved him will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am shocked to hear we’ve lost such a brilliant artist. I’m touched personally by the loss as he designed and with friends made me a “Cat Car” for Burning Man.
Before I ever attended Burning Man I saw Chuck’s 1994 video about the event. “Ripper” the shark was the most memorable part of the film. I couldn’t believe something so animated was running around in that barren wasteland.
I have attended the Houston Art Car Fest twice. It was amazing to see the number of people he knew and who knew and loved his work. It’s a small club of really talented designers and visionaries who can fabricate such mobile joy.
When Tom approached me and said he didn’t think it fitting for me to be in a golf cart at Burning Man, I was stunned and flattered he’d even approached me. He. Haideen and I met at Atlas Cafe. He had several ideas of what he wanted to see me in. It was all his idea, all his design, all his concept. At one point he wanted to make sure there was going to be a mouse car (or motorbike) that I could chase. We settled on a “kitty roadster”, and agreed on what costs he would incur. I pulled money from my savings and handed it over. I bought the fur in LA, and only saw the car in production once.
It arrived on the playa covered in green plastic wrap. She was so beautiful. I remember standing there giggling, and tearing off the plastic. I’m certain that Christmas as a child was never quite as euphoric as the unveiling of the cat car was for me. Anyone who knows me has an understanding of my obsession with cats. This car is a cat, but with 4 wheels. I’ve treasured that car, and told anyone and everyone it was made by Tom Kennedy. I didn’t drive her much in 2008 for various reasons. But, I hope we can have an art car parade on the Playa in his honor…..I’m so there.
Thank you Tom for your humor, vision, non-stop-ideas……Thank you Flash, Dana, Haideen for your collaboration with Tom on that brilliant art piece I’m so fortunate enough to be the custodian of such a wonderful piece of mobile art on the playa.
Marian Goodell
meow meow
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8736917@N03/sets/72157616648074071/
I was on the beach when his friend pulled him in and I can’t get Tom out of my mind. Everyone on the beach responded so quickly to try to save him. I wish I had checked in with his friend who pulled him in, whoever he is. You are also in our thoughts. I am so sorry. Again, everyone on the beach tried so hard to save him. My thoughts go out to his family. On the beach as the medics were trying to save him, he was surrounded by many people who were praying for his life.
Tom has always been so friendly to me and to so many. He’s always taken time to listen, and to share. He’s always been so respectful…. And he was also an artist deep in his soul, left a comfortable job to live his dream, not caring for what you’re supposed to be or do. But even more important he was an activist, he didn’t want to just argue over social issues, he didn’t want to just be angry at what happens to our societies, he wanted to be there part of the protest, he wanted to create the protest, he made art to support these ideas.. he lived what he believed. And he was so happy doing it. I don’t know if I can say the same. I admire him and love him.
All my thoughts go to Haideen, and his mother and his family.
You guided me through so many things, Tom. I love you.
Olivier.
A kind soul that touched our hearts, showed us compassion, awareness and a true hero of determination.
Tom’s magic will remain in our souls for the rest of our lives.
Love and prayers to his family and loving wife.
Tom, you’ll live on in all of us. For myself, you’ll be there whenever I’m running out of energy on a project, getting discouraged, questioning my inspiration, losing courage. You’ve always been a voice in my head pushing me through those moments, and now you’ll be louder than ever. Thanks for being such a spectacular human and artist.
Some thoughts , memories of Tom Kennedy
- early, like ‘95- in Houston with the ArtCar Caravan , the house in the Heights — the trees and the grass lawn — drinking beer and passing a joint — leaning on a car– this big friendly guy — very relaxed and open — seeing everything and everybody kind of papa-brother spirit.
-Later at the warehouse– building all the Sea Creature cars — we came to film him that morning — he’d been up all night painting and doing fiberglass work on the cars — there were living quarters there, fashioned roughly from raw materials — not so much a place to live – a place to collapse after working to complete exhaustion.
-driving Ripper- pumping that weird handle-push rod thing with his massive hand-arm-shoulder- body rhythm – making that jaw flap
open and shut- the whole front half of the car lifting and chomping
shut again, again and again
-all the time in the world positivity– taking forever for us to find a good place to do an interview. No problem guys- how about around the corner there’s mural– a few doors down from from the Orange Show. painted on the side of a fence or something- next to a vacant lot. A perfect backdrop. I think Harrod used the shot in Automorphosis. Tom’s wearing a punky looking cool guy hat. Very knowing speaker. Happy to be here now doing this. for us.
–I am walking on the Playa — I’m on my own- in the wide open – the Whale car is out there too somewhere. This thing is huge. It’s as big as a house. The big Whale car comes from behind– stealthy– right by me at nice fast clip- swerving a bit in front of me–I’m watching him curve- – the spring loaded Whale’s tail swishes by my nose a moment later- missing me by mere inches. just saying hi.
The man could drive.
– an Art Car Fest Party- in Alameda– talking up lots of crazy ideas about an Art Car that will appear at some right wing event and transform into a bombastic billboard raging against Bush , complete with a Republican Elephant copulating the earth. The ideas becoming more and more complex and fantastic and detailed …
– Jan 09′ Checking out the Missile Dick Mobile– sorry- I don’t know the right name of this particular creation– We’re out in front of the Shattuck theater– Automorphosis premiering in Berkeley. I’m thinking “Ok this is the one he was talking about building the last time I saw him.” I’m talking up to him in the cab, and I have to lean against the door to hear him. My hand comes away with red enamel on it. And on my new yellow rain coat too. shit. oh well. Later , after the film screens, I see him at Beckett’s. He’s got red paint all over his nice sport coat, which he’s bummed about, but he’s really not too bummed about it, because it’s funny once you let go of it. I think he must of painted the car that afternoon.
-the awesome power of nature, the unbelief at first of hearing this sad news– that’s a very special spirit you won’t see again in the world –
My condolences to Tom’s family and friends.
David Silberberg
Dear dear dear dear Haideen,
Oh, my!
Even here in Brooklyn our hearts are broken.
Only met Tom a couple of times when he came through NY to be with you. It was your world on this coast, and Tom was your guy. That’s how I at least knew him. Had that twinkle about him, and so we all knew he was just right for you. Amazing, without even knowing him, that impish twist that allowed him to see possibilities where others saw only the deadening weight of routine. Out there, on the Left coast, you entered Tom’s world, and your Brooklyn insanity was just right for him. A tale of two oceans. Ohhhhh.
I remember at your wedding in Battery Park how Tom went running all over the City without knowing his way around to bring you the flower bouquet, I think it was, that you’d forgotten. And we waited for Tom (of course) and when he finally found his way there you lit up like a ruby and he a Cheshire cat.
Haideen, dear dear Haideen — Friends, comrades, mischief-makers on both coasts cry out, hug you across this continent of tears ……
All my love, Haideen. All our love to you ….. always.
Mitchel
Finitude
Somewhere a shark shudders as it instinctively senses its father will create no more.
Somewhere a dolphin makes clean lines in the dust on its fiberglass cheeks with its artistic tears.
Somewhere a shark bike can’t take the loss and drifts sideways in the sea of storage with x’es for eyes.
Somewhere a van whose fins once reached to the sky sits with tearful snot running from its ringed nose.
Somewhere a saintly bus with huge fins and a cadillac ass can’t roll with the weight of her grief that we all have in common.
Somewhere a ranger turned nash that lost an eye and didn’t die now wonders if it can go on without those strong hands on its wheel.
Somewhere a whale has gone to pieces and now despairs that it may never get it together to go too fast again.
Somewhere a hippo doesn’t wag its tail, and squeezes a tear out of its winking eye.
Somewhere a fuzzy curve tailed cat car meows to its maiden and asks why.
But somewhere………. a veeeery unusual school bus reflects on itself, keeps its eyes on the prize… and rolls on.
And somewhere………. a whimsical missile truck waits, poised to stop that war yet.
And somewhere………. pristine fresh wrought fins adorn a puckered up Black Rock fish that can’t wait to get that first coat of playa dust….. forever.
And somewhere a kid looks at a book about Art Cars, consults Wikipedia, or like my Grandson did, surfs a Ripley’s page and does NOT believe it, but sees that it can be done…. anything can be done…. and with a certain, finitude……. finatically even.
And everywhere, people who knew him and people who knew of him, live out their lives richer for the experience of… Tom Kennedy.
I love you Tom and I know you loved me and that’s what means everything to me.
I have no words to express my feelings , but I will try …
From usa many but news come ,
but this morning´s news , was too bad ,too sad,. It´s hard for me to believe it .
At this moment i choose not to speak about tom´s meaningful art . but instead I like to remark TOM´s generosity and commitment to life.
Some art may last and be taken care for a long time , but Tom´s spirit to inspire people to be free , to loose fear , to keep fighting, to be humble , to be helpful, to laugh , to see thing positive. Will live forever . it will live inside my brain and heart , it will rule my days.
Thank you TOM to show me what I have mentioned above…
Love
R L
I’m at such a loss… must breathe. Tom, you leave a massive wake in our comminity and world, we will be celebrating you to eternity.
Hugs to you Haideen, the family on Bowdoin Street and all those that pass through your wonderful generous lives.
I didn’t know him well, but he played an important part in my car Hope Springs, not only inspiring it but in 1995 being generous enough to weld the giant leaf springs to the top in a way that helped me make the rest of it come together. He and Shelley showed me the heart of the Houston art car community and ever since I’ve watched his progress through the years as if watching a distant cousin in the art car family as he made not only good, but better and better. Good bye Tom.
I’m sad for the ones who knew him best and for the ones he had yet to meet.
Here is a video I shot at Burning Man in 1995. Feautures Tom zipping around in Ripper the Shark. This was one of the happiest mommnets in my life and i have it on film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZUIX12dDIk
Tom and I first met in ‘89 while working together at the Chronicle. We quickly became best friends. I witnessed the creation of Ripper & Our Lady Bus. It was great fun to go on scavenger events with Tom, gathering materials for his art projects.
Tom never met a stranger. He touched everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him. He will surely be missed. Rock on Tom! May you rest in Peace. Forever your friend, John.
A lot of who I am not only as an artist, but as a human being is due to the lessons of art and kindness that I learned from my friend. I will miss you deeply, Tom.
Adding my inadequate voice to the many tributes here–
Farewell, my friend! From Houston to Berkeley, you inspired many and gave me many fine rides and good times. The world just became a less colorful, kind, and creative place, and I’ll miss you.
James
Respect the architect.
You and your vision will live on 4ever.
ART CARS RULE!!!
Bless,
Wil
despite this tragic event, it’s nice to see who’s art i enjoyed while on the playa. May he rest in peace. His presence will still be felt every August……
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