Gavin Fine Art & Design

Every Rattle, Knock and Door Slam

The '51 Ford pick-up truck came from our grandparent's ranch. Known as "Dick's truck" because he was the primary driver, it actually belonged to our grandmother who had the custom canopy created back in '51 to protect fragile materials during transport.

Young Paul shows off his art with his future truck in the background. Santa Paula, California, 1957.

Upon turning 16, the truck was mine for the one month that Dick went on vacation and I performed his duties. Those daily town runs and the longer treks to "the city" (Los Angeles) made the smell and every rattle, knock and door slam a part of me.

The truck retired from ranch life in 1978 to begin its second career as the "51 Art Truck." Although a very starving artist, I was able to purchase it and with more time than mone. learned to do all maintenance and repairs except those requiring special tools. Painting road trips grew more numerous and distant and the truck has been outfitted accordingly.

Still a "3 on the tree," 6 volt positive ground Flathead V-8, the 51 Art Truck is usually on display where I paint or exhibit art