BUDDHA HEAD:
Painting by Larry Neilson
In order to suggest the universal energy-connection established in meditation by a high-calibre spiritual being, Larry used a network of intersecting curves suggested by glowing dots contrasting with a dark-blue field, the concentric arcs symmetrically ringing the head of the Buddha in a web of glowing, fizzing energy nodes. Buddha himself is depicted in devout, deep prayer with a bronze-green patina skin. This was called for by the first buddhas Larry saw as a 12-year-old visitor to Japan, the Kamakura and Nara Great Buddhas which are among the world's largest bronze statues. This 18" diameter painting was made as the chief decoration on the Buddha Buggy art car, and took up the entire hood. Flat colors and smooth blends were painted with Krylon auto enamel in spray cans. Buddha and outlines were done with 1-Shot Sign Painter's Enamels. The entire painting is protected with several coats of clear-coat UV enamel.
[Enamel on steel, 1996; repainted 2001.]
Unfortunately the car was totaled in late 2006, narrowly missing its 20th birthday. Of course, as in all such collisions, the car had recently been reconditioned at great expense and was running like a new car (though even the careful ministrations of Larry's ace mechanic could not make it smell like a new car). Uninsured driver Troy Jerome Curtis agreed to pay for a replacement car, but balked when presented with the bill. The matter is currently in litigation and is proving quite an education in deceptive legal maneuvers and delaying tactics on the part of the defendant.
The Buddha Hood was twisted like a Pringle potato chip in the accident. Perhaps it is best remembered through the photos taken when its paint was fresh and colors vibrant. Eventually a replacement car was located and put on the road. Om shanti om!
In order to suggest the universal energy-connection established in meditation by a high-calibre spiritual being, Larry used a network of intersecting curves suggested by glowing dots contrasting with a dark-blue field, the concentric arcs symmetrically ringing the head of the Buddha in a web of glowing, fizzing energy nodes. Buddha himself is depicted in devout, deep prayer with a bronze-green patina skin. This was called for by the first buddhas Larry saw as a 12-year-old visitor to Japan, the Kamakura and Nara Great Buddhas which are among the world's largest bronze statues. This 18" diameter painting was made as the chief decoration on the Buddha Buggy art car, and took up the entire hood. Flat colors and smooth blends were painted with Krylon auto enamel in spray cans. Buddha and outlines were done with 1-Shot Sign Painter's Enamels. The entire painting is protected with several coats of clear-coat UV enamel.
[Enamel on steel, 1996; repainted 2001.]
Unfortunately the car was totaled in late 2006, narrowly missing its 20th birthday. Of course, as in all such collisions, the car had recently been reconditioned at great expense and was running like a new car (though even the careful ministrations of Larry's ace mechanic could not make it smell like a new car). Uninsured driver Troy Jerome Curtis agreed to pay for a replacement car, but balked when presented with the bill. The matter is currently in litigation and is proving quite an education in deceptive legal maneuvers and delaying tactics on the part of the defendant.
The Buddha Hood was twisted like a Pringle potato chip in the accident. Perhaps it is best remembered through the photos taken when its paint was fresh and colors vibrant. Eventually a replacement car was located and put on the road. Om shanti om!
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