TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada today announced that the company is undertaking a unique and creative initiative with highly respected and world-renowned Canadian realist painter Tom Forrestall. This innovative project will convert an iconic Mercedes-Benz sedan into a thought-provoking and transportable work of art. A loyal Mercedes-Benz customer for several decades, Forrestall owns a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 300 SD that has become the canvas for this large scale work that he has entitled "A Car for All seasons."
Nova Scotia's Tom Forrestall's distinguished career dates back to his first major commission in 1960 for the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Since then, he has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Order of Canada and the Order of Nova Scotia. His work can be found in notable public and private collections and galleries in Canada and internationally, including the National Gallery of Canada and the National Gallery of Hungary.
Using BASF's waterborne GLASURIT 90 LINE automotive paint, Tom Forrestall will use only a paintbrush to transform the vehicle he has cherished and faithfully driven since he purchased it new more than 33 years ago. A testament to the durability of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the car is still in impeccable condition having been consistently serviced at recommended intervals by the same technician at the authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership in Halifax.
Considering Tom's reputation, his long term relationship with O'Regan's Mercedes-Benz and the fact that he will be using non-toxic BASF waterborne automotive paint, it was only natural that Forrestall be invited to work on his masterpiece in the dealership showroom. This special set up has allowed staff, customers and the general public the opportunity to witness the progression and share in the excitement of the project.
Further expressing his acclaimed style of realism, this new work will see Tom paint the four seasons morphing into each other on the steel and glass of his Mercedes-Benz. He credits the overall idea to paint the car, and the insightful "A Car for All Seasons" name, to his long-time friend and partner in this project, Dr. Mary O'Regan of Toronto.
"I have been a proud and very satisfied Mercedes-Benz owner for over 30 years now. My 300 SD never let me down throughout my extensive travels to different project locations or while I was searching for sources of inspiration," said Tom Forrestall. "The shapes that emerge as I paint have always fascinated me, and the classic lines and sculptural contours of my car were truly inspiring. I have put a lot of thought into how I will transform the inherent beauty of the shapes of my beloved Mercedes-Benz into a work of art, and look forward to seeing this project come to fruition so it can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone."
"Mercedes-Benz has a long, established tradition of introducing eye-catching, timeless designs, and the 1980 300 SD is certainly a prime example of this considering it still has an unmistakable road presence to this day," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Tom Forrestall is an incredibly talented painter with a unique perspective, inimitable style and celebrated technique. We are thrilled that his Mercedes-Benz and Dr. O'Regan were such important catalysts for this creative project, and look forward to officially unveiling his greatly anticipated Car for All Seasons and sharing it with Canadians from coast-to-coast when it is complete."
About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, AMG and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,450 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 12 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 41 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 35,503 vehicles in 2012, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
Image with caption: "Mercedes-Benz Canada today announced that the company is undertaking a unique and creative initiative with highly respected and world-renowned Canadian realist painter Tom Forrestall. This innovative project will convert an iconic Mercedes-Benz sedan into a thought-provoking and transportable work of art. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131112_C6815_PHOTO_EN_33294.jpg
Image with caption: "Mercedes-Benz Canada today announced that the company is undertaking a unique and creative initiative with highly respected and world-renowned Canadian realist painter Tom Forrestall. This innovative project will convert an iconic Mercedes-Benz sedan into a thought-provoking and transportable work of art. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131112_C6815_PHOTO_EN_33295.jpg
SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 [email protected]
Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 [email protected]
Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca
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