Client: Empire of Dirt
Location: Oakland, CA, United States
Completion date: 2008
Project Team
Lead
Jon Sarriugarte
Form & Reform
Lead
Kyrsten Mate
Form & Reform
Overview
The visually stunning vehicle takes its name from the golden ratio, a mathematical proportion that’s said to produce aesthetically pleasing art and architecture. Other inspirations for the project include the Giant Pink Sea Snail from Doctor Dolittle, giant mechanical elephant puppets by Royal de Luxe and Jules Verne’s imaginative creations.
Mythos
The Golden Mean Snail Car is a giant hot rod art car built by a group of artists in West Oakland’s Kraftworks building. Conceived of in a dream in 2008 by artist Kyrsten Mate, blacksmith Jon Sarriugarte, who fabricates custom home furnishings, worked with his wife, Kyrsten Mate to build this extraordinary vehicle with the help of the artist members of Empire of Dirt. This surprising vehicle takes its name from the golden ratio, a mathematical proportion that
Goals
To make a beautiful car that would inspire people to laugh and make.
Process
Blacksmithing, Fabrication, sheet metal forming, lighting, controllers, automotive, electrical sub systems, fire poofers and power management.
Additional Information
The visually stunning vehicle takes its name from the golden ratio, a mathematical proportion that’s said to produce aesthetically pleasing art and architecture. Other inspirations for the project include the Giant Pink Sea Snail from Doctor Dolittle, giant mechanical elephant puppets by Royal de Luxe and Jules Verne’s imaginative creations. Mythos The Golden Mean Snail Car is a giant hot rod art car built by a group of artists in West Oakland’s Kraftworks building. Conceived of in a dream in 2008 by artist Kyrsten Mate, blacksmith Jon Sarriugarte, who fabricates custom home furnishings, worked with his wife, Kyrsten Mate to build this extraordinary vehicle with the help of the artist members of Empire of Dirt.This surprising vehicle takes its name from the golden ratio, a mathematical proportion that is said to produce aesthetically pleasing art and architecture. Built on a 1967 VW bug chassis, the Golden Mean Snail Car features seating for six, rein-triggered fire shooting eye stalks, and a signature antiqued patina finish. Past Shows 2023-07 Oakland National Night out 2022-08 Burning Man BRC 2022-06 Warriors Parade SF CA 2020-01 Jay Leno Garage Filming 2019-09Oakland Pride 2018-10 Autumn Lights Festival 2018-09 Oakland Pride 2018-08 Burning Man BRC