DUBIE

As During the winter of 2002, Harley purchased a 1971 Volkswagen Bus for Hopper. The sole purpose of this vehicle was to be used as a canvas for her artwork. This unique idea was to be Hopper's first large scale project and "Hawaii or bust" was to be the theme. Two years, and two paint jobs later, this 1971 VW bus, fittingly named, "Dubie" is a proud big island resident, and can be seen cruising up and down Puna's country roads bringing fond memories of carefree days gone by, and smiles to all who see him. Finding the proper canvas proved to be challenging, but fortunately for Hopper, a suitable subject quickly emerged out of Mojave, California. The bus, quickly named "Dubie" was a 1971, grey and white Volkswagen Bus. A custom flatbed complete with cabinets had lovingly been built inside and only a back seat was needed to be purchased. The engine had been replaced, and "Dubie" even had `new brakes and a brand new transmission.

As painting proceeded, it quickly became very clear that "Dubie" would take on a retro, hippie, classic rock and roll, psychodelic personality. For the first few months, "Dubie" was kept under completely under wraps. But, as the painting progressed, Hopper, couldn't wait any longer. The thought of cruisin' around was just too tempting, and so, "Dubie" took to the streets, looking very peculiar with splotches of bright paint here and there, and masking tape everywhere.

Finally, after months and months of hard work, cold weather and dusty conditions, Dubie's outside was declared complete. On Friday, March 19, 2004 "Dubie" was proudly parked in front of Harley's Rock Inn in Lake Hughes, California, owned at that time by Harley and Hopper. It was a gorgeous spring day fitting for the unveiling of this massive art project. Dubie's new paint gleamed in the sun as friends and customers gathered round to admire him. Pictures were taken, and the decision was made to keep "Dubie" on display for the entire weekend.

Then disaster happened. Only one day after unveiling, when no one was looking a disgruntled customer, let's just call him Bob, sprayed the entire exterior of the bus with brake fluid. Now, as it just so happens, brake fluid is extremely caustic to new paint. While this is not a well known fact by many, those who do know it, know what kind of damage brake fluid will cause. The result of this vandalism, was disaster, as 80% of the paint job was totally ruined. The "Death" of "Dubie" was especially hard on Hopper, but close friends and Harley were there for moral support and she immediately vowed to repaint it….better than the original.

The rebirth process was a slow one, filled with many hurtles. It started slowly and gained momentum over time. Harley spend many hours early on, sanding the ruined paint that Hopper had lovingly applied. Then he spend even more time taping and dismantling it for primer. Local motorheads came to the rescue and offered help and spent many hours painstakingly primering the most of the van. . Friends offered private garages for painting, and soon Hopper had begun again. On April 1, 2004 "Dubie" made it's trek to Long Beach harbor for a month long boat ride across the pacific. It was approximately one month later when Hopper picked up a very strange looking "Dubie" mostly primer, with very little original artwork left in tact. As "Dubie" left the dock and headed into Hilo, many local residents couldn't help but to wonder at such a strange sight.

Finding inspiration on the island was not hard for hopper, and soon "Dubie" was transformed into something that far surpassed the quality, color and design of the original work of art. At first glance, this bus is a wonderful, colorful, almost childlike and filled with psychodelic memories of the 60's. Upon closer inspection, you will notice very detailed and unique hidden creatures, comments, popular verse and more. Even the roof has significance, as it is a tribute to the memory of September 11th.

Now, eight months later, "Dubie" or the "Magic Bus" as it is fondly known here on the big island is complete and can be seen cruising the local country roads daily. Behind the wheel will be Hopper, braids flying in the wind, looking at the world through pastel colored glasses. Tunes of Jimmy, the Dead and Floyd floating through the island breeze, and peace and love following her everywhere.