Buz Blurr (August 23, 1943 - January 26, 2024) from Arkansas comes from a lineage of railroad workers, so it is only natural that he joined the career early on. Always interested in art, he quickly took notice of the train car markings and artwork. Ever the mail artist and admirer of Cavellini, Buz first took on the mark of Gypsy Sphinx and later Collosus of Roads. For many years, Buz would mark the image of Gypsy or Collosus and poetic words. Dedicated to mail art, most evenings you would find him with photos, making stamps, paper cutting, collaging, and stacking up mail. Although aware of the Beat movement, Buz has operated on his own and in his own way in middle Arkansas for years
We first met Buz in 1994 when we he attended our first screening at Webb Gallery of Who is Bozo Texino, a documentary by Bill Daniel on train car graffiti. Buz is in the documentary. We enjoyed his kind presence and quickly planned to visit to him when next through Arkansas.
He were met by years of artwork by a man who made his own portrait each year on his birthday (pieces below) and was the true Arkansas Dadaist.
In addition to his flat work, Buz has made filled a old car full of keys and made great sculptures each year for the Halloween yard decor. The Man doesn’t stop and although has retired from the Railroad; he has stacks books documenting each day of markings through the years.
Study the next train that stops you for Collosus of Roads or if you’re lucky you’ll still catch a glimpse of Gypsy Sphinx rolling down the rails.
Sadly we lost Buz today of January 26th, 2024. When you see the next train rolling by, give a thought to Buz.
We are so happy to have known you. You have enriched our lives many times over.
Great Oxford American interview….