I Am the Wheel

Cotton rope, aluminum, derby car chassis, steering wheel, plastic chair, shag rug

48 x 86 x 86 in

Commissioned by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art for the 2022 SFMOMA Soap Box Derby

Creating I Am the Wheel

In early spring 2022, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art approached my studio with an intriguing proposition—to participate in the revival of the Artists Soapbox Derby, an event last held in the '70s. The idea of crafting a moving vehicle out of knots was entirely uncharted territory for me. However, discovering that one of my beloved artists, Ruth Asawa, had participated in the race back then, I felt inspired by her example and thought, "If Ruth did it, so will I."

Driven by my fascination with the intersection of mathematics and art, I decided to create a half dome, an enduringly classic shape. Collaborating with the skilled fabricators at One Hat One Hand, helmed by Marcus Guillard, we obtained a remarkable aluminum half dome/sphere consisting of 6-inch diameter circles. Over the course of two weeks, my team and I meticulously encased the frame with knots, bringing the vision to life.

Minimalism serves as a guiding principle in my artistic practice. I adhere to the notion of utilizing one type of knot at a time, employing a single color palette, and focusing on elements that enhance the prominence of the line. By prioritizing the line's journey, I create a visual experience where simplicity becomes profoundly powerful. For our soapbox derby car, I selected a knot historically employed as a rudimentary ice- or mud-chain for the wheels and tires of vintage vehicles like the Model T Ford. It felt perfectly fitting for our creation, leading us to christen the car "I Am the Wheel." Our commitment to detail was unwavering. We meticulously covered every single ring with knots, employing lengthy cordage to ensure each 1000-foot spool was utilized without any need for cutting.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant era of fiber art and soft sculpture in the late 1960s, particularly the immersive environments crafted by female artists, the notion of the dome offering a secure, womb-like, enveloping space resonated deeply with me.

Test Run and Photo Shoot

Race Day

On April 10, 2022, race day arrived, and sun-drenched MacLaren Park became the vibrant showcase for over 50 participating cars. A diverse crowd of Bay Area residents, spanning different age groups, eagerly gathered to witness the spectacle. After two years of pandemic-induced isolation, the joy of being outdoors among the warm and welcoming people of the Bay Area was truly invigorating. There was an air of celebration and happiness.

Our car became an instant sensation, capturing the imaginations of children who excitedly crawled inside, assuming the role of drivers without any hesitation. It was a joy to witness their delight and engagement with our creation.

When the moment arrived to descend the hill, three of us huddled together inside the car. Accompanied by the dulcet strains of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid," we embarked on our journey downhill. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, and I am immensely grateful for embracing the challenge of infusing my art into the realm of a derby race car.

I Am the Wheel in Virtual Reality

I collaborated with LMNL Studio to recreate the rope sculpture in a virtual gallery setting, aiming to visualize it on a grand scale. We transformed the knotted dome of the derby car into a 30-foot pavilion environment situated in a beautiful courtyard by the sea. The project achieved success on multiple levels: Firstly, it offers an enchanting and immersive virtual experience that effectively captures the essence of tactile materiality. Additionally, it serves as a powerful prototyping tool, enabling validation of the construction of large-scale knotted architecture. Lastly, it acts as an educational resource for the general public, highlighting the significance of incorporating technology in the creative processes of materials- and process-based artists.

CREDITS

Artist: Windy Chien
Studio Windy Chien Team: Charlene Tan, Hanna Lew, Khaia Brogan
Frame Engineering & Fabrication: One Hat One Hand
Photography: Windy Chien, Michael Cochran