Writing is a mysterious enterprise, to be sure. Story ideas, characters, themes and other writerly considerations often emerge unexpectedly from neighborhoods of the mind that you barely know about. I find that to be enchanting, to tell you the truth, because the unanticipated, if of the right sort, is nothing but a good thing, no?
Along those lines, little has surprised me more, blog-wise, than the birth of Art On Wheels. Intrepid soul that I occasionally am, I said yes to the proposition when one fateful day in 2017 a from-out-of-the-blue idea — to scour my region for attractively-decorated vehicles and to report on them — came to me. It’s an oddball activity alright, but, as it turns out, has suited me just fine, as I’m into art and also into wandering around while looking at things. So, here we are at edition number nine of the series. Who’d have thunk it? Live and f*cking learn!
For the first seven Art On Wheels stories I did 90% of the wandering via my car and 10% via my feet. I located my victims in the suburbs of Philadelphia, for the most part in loading docks, strip malls and large parking areas. But for part eight of the series, and for this ninth story, I changed my approach: I explored strictly on foot, which is my preferred mode of travel, and, ditching the burbs, opted to see what I would see on the congested streets of Philadelphia.
Not being one who enjoys freezing his ass off or getting soaked to the frigging bone, I selected a sunny and mild day, the 11th of April, for my expedition. Off I went that morning, boarding a choo-choo that transported me from my little town to The City Of Brotherly Love, where I spent two hours pounding the pavement in the Old City section and two neighborhoods to its north — Northern Liberties and Olde Kensington. All three areas indeed are pretty old: Some of the buildings went up during the 1700s and loads date from the 1800s. The 20th and 21st centuries are well-represented too, including present-day creations . . . these neighborhoods have been undergoing a new-housing boom.
But I wasn’t in Philly to concentrate on the structures that cover its soil. As focused as a hungry tiger, and moving briskly along the blocks, I scanned my surroundings carefully for wheeled constructions whose bright colors and/or stylish designs couldn’t be dismissed. I found about a dozen, fewer than I was hoping for, but enough to make my day. The portraits of six of them illustrate this page. Almost needless to say, though, more than one of the fine specimens frustrated the photographer inside of me, as they were in motion when I spotted them. “Stop, you bastard!” I nearly yelled at each of those. But they wouldn’t have obeyed even if I had opened my mouth. Alas, by the time I got my phone’s camera in position to try and immortalize them, they were too damn far away. That’s the way it goes in the big city.
I’ve examined carefully not only the photos I took on the 11th, but my opinions about them too. Initially I’d have said that the Sweetwater Brewing Company truck (above) is untoppable. You don’t run across such attention to detail and such a majestic array of colors too often, do you?
However, since then I’ve revised my evaluation. Maybe it’s because I’m in a free-wheeling mood. Maybe it’s because I have the late artists Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler, abstractionists of a high order, on my mind. Whatever the reasons, I now am awarding the gold medal to the truck, painted deliciously with graffiti, that sat on a narrow Olde Kensington street. Its driver’s side is a testament to the power of black on white. The passenger side of the canvas, partially obscured by hand trucks and wood pallets, keeps the black on white motif going, and also explodes with controlled bursts of gold and burgundy. Does this truck belong to one of the construction workers who was hammering away very nearby? Whatever the case, its owner should be proud.
That’s it for now, boys and girls. I’d be glad to hear your thoughts about the works of art on display in this story. Till next time!
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Don’t you just hate it when you miss a photo op or something obscures one. Parked cars in front of splendid door specimens is my biggest bug-bear. I’m visiting Philadelphia in a few weeks and will be sure to look out for these works of art on wheels.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hi there, Sheree. What’s bringing you to Philadelphia? Family and friends?
LikeLiked by 1 person
We saw a programme on the gardens in Philadelphia and decided next time we were in New York we’d pop down to Philadelphia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A couple of things strike me about these photos:
The ethnic diversity. European-American sausages, halal food, and Ambrogi foods. The American melting pot!
And some of these seemed to be violating some sort of parking rule. I guess that happens in old downtowns.
Not sure I share your liking of the graffiti truck. For me, it’s either the beer truck or the sausage truck.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Morning, Audrey. I guess that parking rules aren’t enforced for trucks that are making deliveries, as long as the trucks don’t hang around too long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that “art on wheels” is a brilliant idea, it brakes urban monotony!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
Greetings. I’ve had fun with the Art On Wheels series. Plus, it gets me out of the house!
LikeLike
Houston has an annual art car parade which is quite an attraction: the creativity and fun can’t be beat. On the other hand, the ‘accidental art’ of these vehicles pleases me even more. Of course it’s not purely accidental, since some real thought (or at least intention) went into it all, but the serendipitous nature of encounters with decorated vehicles is great fun. As you say, the unanticipated is a good thing.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Philadelphia, or any good-sized city, is fun to walk around in. Lots to see, and always something new to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What I like about your posts, Neil, is the air of expectation and optimism you wear when you commence your hikes or drives. Naturally, they can’t all work out to your complete satisfaction…what does?! But I do think attitude is all important, and you usually manage to snap more than a fair share of your day’s ‘quarry.’ The vehicles you featured certainly coloured the local communities and I Ioved the post you did on doors and doorways. Keep up the good work! Cheers. x
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks, Joy. I appreciate what you said!
LikeLike
My brother would have appreciated all of these examples. He used to work for a screen printing company that did sign work on trucks and billboards.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi. Was he an artist?
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was a commercial artist professionally; and a guy who enjoyed sketching and doodling in his spare time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Sweetwater grabs it for me. It even has a leaping trout!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think photographers should be able to stop traffic, make cars move out of the way, make people take down signs and move trash bins. You managed to capture some beauties.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Dan. Yeah, street photography can be challenging . . . but it’s fun nevertheless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You need to start buying Sweetwater beers!
LikeLike
Book potential for this project.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My first choice is the Sweetwater truck. The colors and the design just grabbed me. But the graffiti truck is second. It’s just so darned weird. I’ve never seen a truck like that. Maybe someday! Anyway, thanks for sharing. Let’s hear it for the offbeat and the unexpected.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi. You know, there’s a truck plastered with graffiti in a huge parking lot half a mile from my house. It’s been there for months and months. I suppose it’s an abandoned vehicle, but the owner of the lot (the lot is for a supermarket) hasn’t done anything about it. I guess it’s on permanent display!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got a great collection of truck art! Keep up the good work. I always enjoy your photography!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Mucho gracias, Joyce.
LikeLike
Book possibility with this project.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hi, Vincent. Thanks for stopping by. I don’t have the patience to create a book, but thanks for suggesting the idea.
LikeLike
These look like fun vehicles to see in person. Your photos do them justice. I like The Clay Studio van the best. Stylish, not cluttered, and definitely clear about what their business is.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like that vehicle too. The design is pretty minimalistic. and it works.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the Babenko and Ambrogi businesses win the day for clarity of message coupled with good design. The beer truck is very eye-catching but it takes an effort to see what it’s all about. “Claymobile” is a clever title though the illustration is poor. Most of all, as Audrey said above, I am struck by the ethnic diversity.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hey, Paddy. People-wise, Philadelphia is a very diverse city. The commercial trucks/vans/etc. in or passing through the city reflect that, which is something I hadn’t thought about before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish to goodness businesses here would do something like this for their trucks…..fed up to the back teeth with pictures of coca cola bottles, trays of eggs…….just about the most exciting one is the chicken firm whose truck features a chicken in a baseball cap announcing that it has not been tenderised…
LikeLiked by 3 people
I see what you mean. Still, you don’t find a chicken in a baseball cap every day! See ya. Enjoy the week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vehicle art is overlooked, I think. It shows such diversity and gives a real sense of the place.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi. I wish that more vehicles were well-decorated, though. Most trucks/vans/etc. are vanilla.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bright green food truck/cart/trailer thing wins hands down!
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s definitely eye-catching. I hope the owner does a decent business. I think I saw only one customer there as I walked by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m drawn to the food-related contestants, of course – – the fruit and veggie truck, although I’d change their slogan to “Personally Picked & Packed With Punctilious Precision,” and the food cart, because nothing says gyros and falafel like a screaming eagle and liberty bell. I like your Art on Wheels expeditions, very fun!
LikeLiked by 3 people
“nothing says gyros and falafel like a screaming eagle and liberty bell.” — Truer words never have been written!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy your Art On Wheels stories Neil…wonderful project…here are also some interesting food trucks…I’ve not visited them often…now I’m more curious ~ sending you joy hedy💃🏼
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Hedy, and thanks for the thumbs-up. Take care.
LikeLike
Since I started seeing these posts on your blog, I’ve become more aware of the Art on Wheels all around me. It really adds to the charm and appeal of our streets and neighborhoods. Thanks, Neil.
LikeLiked by 3 people
The more colorful and eye-catching things around us, the better!
LikeLike
My wife is a potter, so I have to go with the Claymobile. But I also liked the little green food trailer for its impertinence.
Another nice walk!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi. It was a good walk. I never get tired of wandering around Philadelphia. I’ve been doing that for decades.
LikeLike
Not only is the Sweetwater truck gloriously colorful, but so are its painted slogans. “Year of the crayon,” for example. Or my favorite: “Smoother than a Bill Clinton apology.” Hahaha!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re right — some funny, nutty people are behind the scenes for Sweetwater.
LikeLike
Love this idea and the pics. Also that slogan on the beer truck- The beer you’ve been in training for. That’s a beer I need to have.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hey, Bob. I’m pretty sure that Sweetwater beers have wide distribution. You might be able to find them in your area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, I’ll check it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some good ones, Neil, but I hear the bell loud and clear of the Halal Food truck. Got to try some of their tasty food. After shadowing you for two hours, I now have a killer appetite 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That food truck is 3,000 miles from where you live, but it will be worth the trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am having fun imagining the look on the mysterious graffiti artists’ face if s/he had the pleasure of reading your description of the “controlled bursts of gold and crimson.”
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi. And conversely, I’d be interested to know who “decorated” that truck.
LikeLike
Didn’t get a chance to correct my misplaced apostrophe, but perhaps more than one creator…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey there Neil, You’ve got the art for art. Good essay. The most important thing is the fun you have and the fun we get from your report. As Paul Harvey said long ago, “Good Day” Jerry
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Jerry. I appreciate your support!
LikeLike
Walking is my preferred method of travel also. I was struck by the psychedelic brewing company truck – what exactly is in their beer?
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think that for the most part they use standard ingredients (grains, hops, yeasts, etc.). But they get experimental with a few of their beers.
LikeLike
Is it really 5 years sine you started this project?! Like others, I plump for the beer truck.
LikeLiked by 3 people
The beer truck is a beauty. It stunned me when I saw it on the street.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the beer truck best, although the graffiti truck is interesting too! And good job getting photos of art objects that don’t cooperate by sitting still….
LikeLiked by 3 people
In honor of their great truck, I’ll buy a Sweetwater beer the next time I see it for sale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Makes sense to me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Re: “Alas, by the time I got my phone’s camera in position to try and immortalize them, they were too damn far away. That’s the way it goes in the big city.” Philly must be vastly different from NYC, where, due to congestion, you would have had HOURS to photo a traveling truck LOL
As for favorites, I’m leaning tward the “Claymobile.” I mean, does it have a mini-kiln inside? What is its purpose? Does it offer entertainment at children’s birthday parties? Enquiring minds want to know.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You ask very good questions about the Claymobile. Alas, I am answer-less. As for The Big Apple, it can be incredibly congested. Philly can be too, but not as extensively as NYC.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My favorite is the little bright green taco truck. Thanks for the tour Neil.
LikeLiked by 3 people
The little green cart has gotten plenty of votes. And why not? — it looks great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful collection of art on wheels! The art work make the streets look great too. Thank you for your post👏
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi. You’re right. The bright vehicles liven up the streets quite a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Neil, so much art around, and you have a good eye for finding them on wheels. I liked the Sweetwater truck. It’s the most colourful in that hallucinogenic way and not an obvious ad for beer. 😀
LikeLiked by 3 people
That truck can give you a contact high!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was thinking the same thing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Decision-making too difficult. But if you’re having trouble with moving targets you might want to consider bringing this project to San Francisco. Excellent possibilities on every other block, double-parked, uphill and down.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Morning, Fran. I hope I get to San Francisco again one of these days. Great city. I like the entire Bay Area.
LikeLike
I admire your passion and persistence, Neil’ it has paid off 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Seek and ye shall find.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great stuff. I couldn’t help laughing at “smoother than a Bill Clinton apology” on the Sweetwater Brewing Company truck. What a sales pitch – I’d buy some for sure, based on an endorsement like that 🙂.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hi. It’s an amazing truck. You know, maybe Sweetwater beers are sold in parts of the UK. See ya!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Today, I am going to walk with my eyes open and focused. Your [as always great] post makes me realize how little I actually see. Sure, I look, but I truly don’t “see” (my gaze tends to be on the pavement before me, ensuring I don’t stumble or tumble).
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hi, Tyler. I usually walk three or four times each week. I do it for health reasons. On most of those walks I’m not paying a whole lot of attention to my surroundings — instead, I’m lost in my thoughts, which aren’t worth writing about!
LikeLike
delightful excursion and exploration 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks a lot. I appreciate that.
LikeLike
That lime-green trolley in the second photo is cute as a button. And the eagle and Liberty Bell are a nice touch!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Pete, your description is right on the money. A talented person painted that cart.
LikeLike
Easy to go for the brightly coloured ones but on this occasion I think I’m going to give my vote to the more muted graffiti truck. An unexpected sight indeed.
LikeLiked by 4 people
We think alike!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great stuff, Neil. Like all great ideas I’ve been very tempted to ‘borrow’ your Art on Wheels concept for my own blog, but I don’t think the Scottish commerical sector are as imaginative as Stateside. Or maybe I don’t just have as good an eye for a cracking photo. That’s very possible.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hi. If you decide to do an Edinburgh version of Art On Wheels, I’m sure it will be superb.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d say what the world need right now is more oddball activity of this sort, Neil. Your efforts are not unappreciated. All the best.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hi, and thank you. If I remain above ground, then the Art On Wheels series will continue!
LikeLike
I love art on wheels! In today’s spheres of modern technology, every thing we do are expression of art. I wonder if art like hieroglyphs , is the real human language… Thanks for your colorful, spontaneous choiced shares, and have a great rest of the week. 🍮🍮👍👍
LikeLiked by 3 people
Many thanks for adding your colorful thoughts. You’ve made good points and raised interesting questions.
LikeLike
You are welcome Neil. Please excuse my typos. Correction: “are expressions of art”. Some times all words result in crazy, meaningless thoughts. Best regards!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You manage to outdo yourself time and time again. Such interesting truck art. All the best, Muriel
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hi, and thanks. Enjoy the weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re a man about town with an eye for the sublime. Go Sweetwater!
LikeLiked by 5 people
Hi. That truck undoubtedly turns heads wherever it goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pix! As others have said, I wish more vehicles showed similar creativity. Keep on truckin’, Neil!
LikeLiked by 5 people
Hi. Thanks for your input. Right, it would be very cool if there were a lot more beautifully-decorated vehicles around.
LikeLike
I like that green food truck, although I don’t think that shade of green is food-friendly.
LikeLiked by 4 people
You’re green with envy!
LikeLike
Gosh, Neil, I love them all!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hey, Michele. I’m with you on that. I had a successful day in Philadelphia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very eye-catching, especially the Sweetwater truck! And yes, it’s so infuriating to have your view of something interesting blocked by some monster that has no right to be there 😃
LikeLiked by 5 people
Greetings. Among the readers who posted comments, Sweetwater, I think, got the most votes. It is a beauty.
LikeLike
I read something new everyday ♥️♥️
LikeLiked by 2 people