Van Tours: Andrew Talbot and His 1990 Chevy Van 30 Thomas School Bus

Andrew Talbot is living his dream. The British Columbia native has been traveling for three months in his 1990 Chevy Van 30 Thomas School Bus, which he spent four and a half months building out.
Renovation, customization, and building your dream are the themes that drive Talbot's journey. His story is the culmination of a few different dreams that he had, that all somehow came together as one.
Six years ago, Talbot was feeling unsatisfied with his current situation and wanted a change, so he quit his traditional job and became a visual artist. Eventually, he bought a van with little aesthetic appeal and taught himself the ins and outs of maintenance and repair (all with the dream of driving down the entire west coast of North America).
You can find Andi Talbot’s artwork at creaturesofthesun.com, and follow along his journey at @bodhibus.

[@robinprice6879]

Hands down the greatest short bus I've seen yet. I'm so happy for you that everything came together. Chance of a lifetime, huh? Be well

[@krisano1prsn]

Agreed! This is lovely!

[@marco_the_maker]

Wow, an artist that actually does art. 👍🏻

[@peteryoo7394]

Alphahacker you got that back to front my friend. It’s art made by an artist. 😁

[@Adam-cn5ib]

ur dumb

[@fishpants7764]

Since when have artists not done art?

[@wagwangangdem2842]

Alphahacker what else is an artist supposed to be a foot

[@andrewtalbot9534]

Thanks so much for all the comments and feedback!! One of the main reasons I did the project was to inspire others to take the leap so it really means a lot. The amount of humans I've connected with on the road and online has been truly life changing and so stoked to be apart of such an solid world tribe of like minded individuals. Heart goes out to all of you, much love and good luck with all the builds! Currently toughing out the start of winter in Nelson B.C. and getting ready for what is hopefully an epic snowboard season. Bought a 2003 Diesel Ford Bluebird Bus this year so my plan is to start renoing it in the Spring. I'll be selling Bodhi numero uno in May-June so hit me up on IG if you'd like to know more. You can follow along on @bodhibus for updates and progress on the new project. Also, to follow my artwork and what I've been up to in the studio you can find me @creatures_of_the_sun on IG. Thanks everyone who has ordered artwork so far, extremely grateful for the support! Planning to make a short doco this winter with all my footage from the trip so stay tuned for some more footy capturing the build and life on the road.

[@annieb.869]

I currently have a rusty 2005 Kia Sedona I transformed into a cheap campervan while saving money to eventually buy a bigger home on wheels once my almost 16 year old daughter moves out. How is the gaz consumption on your Bohdi, with all the added structures? Did you sell it already? Do you make enough money with your art to maintain the nomadic lifestyle or do you take jobs? I was gonna ask how much you are selling it but I probably cannot afford it yet. Take care!

[@madisonlaine2682]

Congrats Andy, this is epic. Glad you are living the life you saw for yourself!

[@thepress2763]

great job Andrew! The coolest bus I've seen yet! it would be great to see more videos of life with your bus :)

[@Frost-tb9qs]

Do you plan on doing another video?

[@luns486]

I saw your bus once! Parked on the main street in Cumberland, Vancouver Isalnd. It left a real impression on me, to the point that I recognised it immediately when I saw this video. All these years later and I've just finished my 3rd van build, myself. This latest one, here in Australia. Thanks for the inspiration man ✌

[@dontworryaboutit273]

ha! tree planted with this guy in BC. he is genuine and so kind. happy to see him following his dreams.

[@metouw]

4:59 That detachable "frame" for his hammock on top of the van is actually a pretty nice idea

[@AnAussieinAmerica]

Such a beautiful build..... From that DECK to the Table.... its drivable art.

[@nazufani]

"over coming the voice in your head that says you can't do it".....but you did. beautiful conversion.

[@jmdminiaturehorse63]

Best bus I have ever seen. Work of art.

[@madedigital]

DEF ONE OF THE NICEST HANDWORK ON THE BUS AND THE TABLE IS BETTER THAN SOME IVE SEEN IN HOUSES, IM HAPPY FOR YOU

[@freedomfred6518]

Awesome bus, you did an amazing job.

[@mzumno]

His van is definitely one of the coolest I've ever seen and I love his art so much too

[@KD-sl3ve]

Just came across this video and this is one of the nicest looking conversions I have seen

[@justingrant4860]

Honestly I've been researching bus conversations for some years now .....this is one of my absolute favorites I believe simplicity is key

[@leannadelone5696]

I hope you are still living this dream! Your rig is truly awe inspiring, especially the roof deck. Thank you for sharing your bus and experience.

[@timothydelling9904]

I usually can't stand vanlife vids. A bunch of spoiled yuppies that don't get it. You sir are an amazing human with amazing energy. I'm so happy for you.

[@BeccaEryn]

I almost wanted to cry when I saw that table. So beautiful. Powerful energy there for sure.

[@JessicaBeee]

*I've seen large buses, buses with beds and bath, all kinds. This is actually my favorite. It's literally a comfortable den in the road. Awesome job ‼️*

[@VivianL-wm6gq]

Probably my favorite van life I’ve seen the past five years!

[@ashleyrojas1957]

This was one of the most inspiring “van life” videos I’ve seen

[@MsTemptation]

Your floating table is beautiful. I love the simplicity combined with the art. Your use of mason jars is clever as is your bed.

[@Kev-inTheRealWorld]

Conflicted between a van and school bus. Every video that I see of bus conversions I get so many ideas

[@lennyp4782]

He and the van are one in that they exhibit the same type of relaxed demeanor. Cool build. 😉😉😉

[@lp1707]

This home/bus is so original and organic... it's amazing. Owner has great energy. Love it. Thanks for sharing.

[@sol.calling7332]

this is probably the most beautiful and open build i have ever seen, makes me extremely excited to start mine

[@thepress2763]

awesome design! the coolest bus I've seen yet!

[@zoeyyara1531]

I love the table and the sink!

[@cookie-qj8fz]

Sometimes you come across a piece of art that you never thought you needed to see, but this is one of those times!

[@ReuvenEtzion]

Work of art! Very inspirational.

[@jacks.6051]

I've been living in a class b rv with my buddy for 4 months. It really does get to you, no matter how good of a friend he is. However, it can be the best atmosphere and fun possible. Trust me!

[@karlaemery1567]

This is the most beautiful bus conversion I have ever seen!!!

[@vtuschen]

You're van is a piece of art.

[@AlexBabyCUTIE]

Went through one of the hardest times in my life. Starting my journey soon so exciting to get my van!

[@lenorelee4249]

Best conversion ever🤩

[@jinggarcesa5913]

I love the roof deck and the rustic cabin look of the interior👍👍👍 simple yet so elegant

[@StupidStuff62]

It’s settled. When I get older I’m doing this exact thing.

[@Ciara1594]

So clean and spacious. 😊

[@xoxo2026]

I love how clean you keep It!

[@sharkitty]

The hammocks are a really nice touch 🤙

[@jonmac155]

Crazy - 420 comments then me. Raised in the Comox Valley and born on the 420. Love your art.

[@AREDEE365]

What I like about this build: It's beautiful with all the wood, wood framed windows, and its a small rig. A roof deck for time soaking up some vitamin D. 2:04 speaks on overcoming self-limiting thoughts that society and family members inundate us with.

[@justanotherhuman3668]

Beautiful. This is the dream. Complete freedom.

[@forthepeoplesubs1826]

This is gorgeous! He’s beautiful inside and out! 🌞🌱🌿💞💞

[@markevans3589]

Pure talent and beauty!!

[@nataliecangini9750]

Wow, the table is a beautiful and unique piece of art !

[@davidramossalsologoporexse2469]

Congratulations you are living the best life. Plus you take your home were ever you going..Beautiful bus built 👌 is perfect..good luck on your journey through van life

[@thomasmyklebust7444]

I believe that this is the most beautiful van build i’ve ever seen

[@joythompson610]

Stunning! So beautiful!😍🏆

[@wesleywang915]

Sickest bus I've seen so far

[@1thank2you3]

one of the best schoolie conversion ive seen. Amazing.

[@esthergerlitz2359]

I love the bed set up. It's very nice to be able to walk the length of the bus. I probably would have put a little toilet room in the corner

[@sierralongchamps6057]

One of the most beautiful skoolie builds I've seen! Love the wood work and especially love the deck on top ❤🤙

[@diegooland1261]

ask him how he paid for it all and how he pays for his travels. curious to hear how chill his finances are. mommy and daddy?

[@GTLees]

@@diegooland1261 He's a professional artist...who sells artwork. Did ya wanna order some from him?

[@diegooland1261]

@@GTLees are you his agent?

[@GTLees]

@@diegooland1261 Heh, heh. Nope, but I did hear him say it in the video.

[@diegooland1261]

@@Gcanno Call it a BS phobia and there is plenty here

[@thiabrabson2533]

Truly is a complete work of BEAUTIFUL ART!!!

[@RobertHarrisMIB]

Dude, I've seen dozens of bus conversations, yours is by far, the best I've seen! Except for the bathroom! Lol.

[@gapeach51170]

You did an AWESOME job on this bus! It's amazing!

[@RandoCommando]

Dude. You're an amazing artist! I'm jealous and envious of your way of life. You're living a dream that others have!!!

[@PeaceandLoveHarmony]

Absolutely Love it! Looking at this same bus, a 93' for my first venture into Vanlife! I resonate with every sentiment that you've expressed! Thank you for such a lovely heart felt confirmation! Hope youre still enjoying life!

[@karlatorres6664]

This is by far the best van/bus tour I’ve ever seen. The woodwork is absolutely stunning!

[@zeekiele]

Gorgeous Bus!

[@jtspy4433]

Awesome dude... I'm 75 ... Have been a road artist all of my life. Now looking to bus it. I must say your interior is one of the best and clean looking of all I have seen. Keep on keep n on ..... TIE TIS. Truck It Easy. Truck It Safe. JT SPY....

[@kodaharts3647]

Ive seen just about every skoolie video on KZbin twice and half the van life videos and this is the coolest and most awesome use of space I've seen yet! The deck too is so creative and a new way of use too! Very inspiring, thank you.

[@californialove5973]

Your bus/home is Awesome! Seeing people like you, living their "dream life", is super inspiring! 👍

[@vanmanmike7651]

Best schoolie build that I have seen. Great woodwork. Beautiful!

[@TravisSteeves]

For my personal taste, this is one of the nicest conversions I’ve seen! I love the sink 👍🏻

[@PlaceForAnEcho]

Absurdly gorgeous build. Impressive. Very unique.

[@annadastoli9698]

Beautiful work Andrew :)

[@tinieplanet9762]

Wow this might be the most beautiful conversion I've ever seen

[@judyhobday4760]

love your art, love the wood, all natural showing all it's beautiful lines. You are an inspiration.

[@sonjaashmore2972]

This I must say is REALLY BEAUTIFUL, and love the table.

[@LuvLeahMe]

By far, my most favorite conversation ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DebMer]

Definitely one of my favorite shorties so far.

[@extraspicy60abdullah10]

Wow wow.... I like the whole of this. Especially yr bed and roof top set up 😎😍😍😍

[@vickieincalifornia3468]

Epic. You're awesome. I knew the fantasy rooftop hammock deck was possible! And you proved it. Now to find your build video...

[@milanc3717]

Wow I absolutely love this!!!

[@ewalker1057]

Very talented. Excellent.

[@amritamishra7131]

Wow Andrew! So impressed and so inspired.

[@spiritflower6640]

My second time watching this and just so much appreciation for this video! so inspiring his story and what he created, is creating!! -thank you!

[@chelseac2190]

Lovely home!

[@CetMM]

This was a brilliant build by a seemingly cool guy. What he said resonated a lot, as did his stylistic sensibilities.

[@3gatoss]

this has to be the best van build ive ever seen

[@skidfrog]

lovely wood work inside...inspiring for my own eventual art bus !

[@lindamarie6574]

Great artwork, great bus! So unique and awesome!

[@cattsmahal1005]

Geeeez! What creativity! 🥰

[@robinbrown7953]

That is the most awesome conversion I have ever seen. Total manifestation of yourself and your art. Your artistic ability has made this into something that is smart. your design skills and eye for beauty has made it extremely functional but with great beauty. The design of the bed is the best I’ve seen and don’t even get me started on the table.....I am an artist myself and totally appreciate what you have done...Your artwork is great too....so colorful and bright and full of motion and life.

[@RealHakimGuru]

Love this guy! Awesome.

[@14mtaylor]

Wow dude your art is the shit! When I get my shortie I want your art all over the outside!

[@Someonereallycares]

The *BEST* Art is *USEFUL* Art... *AMAZING*

[@_sacredseven_]

Love how clean and simple this is. Best one I've seen

[@mirandaamoroso]

So beautiful 😭😭

[@sebsantabarbaratravel]

Amazing video! I love watching school bus conversions and this is one of the best I've seen in a long time! Thanks for sharing and keep on living the dream!

[@patriciadanko208]

Nice job. Awesome work.

[@christinemcqueen8307]

What a gorgeous job you've done......stunning!

[@humanconnectionflores]

Youngman ,you should be very proud .just beautiful.

[@Cindy-cs5js]

Love the art work and wood work! Really nice job!

[@amandabradley6256]

Andrew......magnificent!!!! Wow wow wow. I haven’t seen a bus that looks so amazing. Good on you for taking the leap! Life is too short!

[@kathymachen8342]

One of my very favorites ever!!!

[@zendog57]

You seem to have a wisdom very mature for a guy your age. Nice! Happy travels to you.

[@alyssareach5287]

Your living the dream. It’s beautiful. The best conversion I’ve seen thus fr.

[@smoochesTina]

Beautiful! I adore wood and this bus makes me happy. That table is amazing. Great job!

[@deanaboswell4435]

fantastic bus. It's beautiful. Your table is gorgeous. Keep living the dream.

[@robertdickerson16]

I've been thinking about a short bus rv,and cause of this my friend,I'm gonna do it,thanks.