In October 2024, Harrod Blank, a renowned documentary filmmaker and art car artist, faced a pivotal challenge, securing the future of Down Home Music, Arhoolie Records, and Les Blank Films, all housed in a historic building on San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito, California.
Seen a car covered with plastic fruits, rubber chickens, and whimsical designs on social media? It made me curious too! I hadn’t come across anything quite like it before. While I’ve seen truck art from places like Pakistan – vibrant and full of stories – this was entirely different. Cars turned into rolling canvases, documented in films and books?
I had to learn more. So, I dove into the world of Harrod Blank, the man behind these fascinating creations, and discovered an inspiring blend of art, culture, and storytelling. Here’s what I found.
Who Is Harrod Blank?
Harrod Blank is a filmmaker, artist, and visionary best known for his contributions to the art car movement. Born in 1963 in Westminster, California, he grew up in a household buzzing with creativity. His father, Les Blank, was an acclaimed documentarian, while his mother, Gail Blank, was a ceramic artist.
Harrod’s first art car, a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle named “Oh My God!”1, became a bold statement of individuality. Adorned with bright colors and eclectic objects, it turned heads wherever it went.
Who Is Harrod Blank?
Harrod Blank is a filmmaker, artist, and visionary best known for his contributions to the art car movement. Born in 1963 in Westminster, California, he grew up in a household buzzing with creativity. His father, Les Blank, was an acclaimed documentarian, while his mother, Gail Blank, was a ceramic artist. Harrod’s father, Les Blank, was a master storyteller. Known for documentaries like “Burden of Dreams” and “Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers,” Les celebrated the richness of American culture. He often documented the stories of musicians, cooks, and craftspeople, revealing their passions and struggles.
One of Harrod’s favorite memories is watching his father film a blues musician in the Deep South. “I saw how he connected with people,” Harrod recalls. “That connection taught me the value of authenticity.”
Harrod’s first art car, a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle named “Oh My God!”, became a bold statement of individuality. Adorned with bright colors and eclectic objects, it turned heads wherever it went. This car wasn’t just a creation; it was a spark that ignited Harrod’s lifelong love affair with art cars.
Harrod Blank Famous for Blending Art, Storytelling and Independent Filmmaker
His films, including “Wild Wheels” and “Automorphosis,” delve into the lives of art car creators, capturing their journeys with humor and humanity. His books, like “Art Cars,” offer a stunning visual archive of this unique art form. Harrod’s ability to document niche subjects with sincerity and depth sets him apart as a truly independent filmmaker.
Harrod’s name often catches attention and sparks curiosity. It originates from Old English, where it signifies “strength” and “leadership.” This meaning feels particularly apt for someone like Harrod Blank, who has become a leader in celebrating individuality and artistic expression through his work with art cars and documentaries. His name aligns seamlessly with his mission to champion creativity and preserve cultural legacies.
Currently, Harrod is working on several exciting projects. He’s developing Art Car World, a museum in Douglas, Arizona, dedicated to preserving the art car movement. The museum will showcase a diverse collection of vehicles, each telling its own story of creativity and rebellion.
Harrod is also producing a book and film about the Burning Man arts festival, exploring its impact on artistic expression. Recently, he collaborated on visual effects for “Killer Klowns from Outer Space”, showcasing his versatility in both art and film.
One of Harrod’s most personal projects
His effort to save the San Pablo Avenue building in El Cerrito, California. This historic site housed Down Home Music, Arhoolie Records, and Les Blank Films, all pivotal in preserving American roots music and documentary filmmaking.
After Chris Strachwitz, founder of Arhoolie Records, passed away in 2023, Harrod was granted the right to purchase the building. He described the structure as “a living museum of culture and artistry.” Harrod’s determination to secure funding reflects his deep commitment to honoring his father’s and Strachwitz’s legacies.
For a personal update from Harrod Blank on the building’s status as of November 21, 2024, you can watch the following video2:
Why Is Harrod Known for Independent Filmmaking?
Harrod’s work is a testament to the power of independence. Unlike mainstream filmmakers, he funds his projects, chooses unconventional subjects, and often works outside Hollywood.
This approach allows Harrod to maintain creative freedom. As he once said, “Independence lets me tell stories my way, without compromise.” His films resonate because they are authentic, raw, and deeply personal.
Harrod’s art cars are more than just vehicles, they are expressions of individuality. His films, like “Wild Wheels,” celebrate the people behind these cars ( “as he gradually learned from supporters that there were other such cars, spread out across the country” ), exploring their motivations and stories.
Through books like “Art Cars,” Harrod documents the movement, ensuring it is preserved for future generations. His work bridges the gap between art and storytelling, creating a vibrant record of creativity.
What Others Say About Harrod Blank
Fellow art car creator Rebecca Caldwell once said, “Harrod isn’t just an artist, he’s a historian. He makes sure our stories are remembered.”
Visitors to his exhibits often marvel at how Harrod brings art and humanity together. “His work reminds us to embrace what makes us different,” said one attendee at the National Automobile Museum.
As Harrod once said, “Art is not just about what you create; it’s about the connections you make through it.”