How Chester was Born
The concept of Chester was first a dream sketched out on a napkin. Next thing I knew, he was in full on production at the Department of Spontaneous Combustion (DSC) in West Oakland, the heart of the industrial art scene in Northern California. His original intention was an art car for Burning Man, this being the first concept drawing.
I realized my art car dreams could come to life when I began working on the Temple of Flux at Burning Man 2010. The Temple crew consisted of highly skilled artists, engineers, and builders of many different fields of expertise. My volunteering for The Flux Foundation on the Temple was a life changing event that helped me to realize that my big dreams could come true. I sought the expertise of a few of the people I met through building the temple including Don Cain, Rebecca Anders, Aaron Dana, Aaron Scott, and a few others.
Starting our build in the April of 2011. The original vehicle was a perfectly running and registered Ford Econoline 250, at this point there is not much left but the frame. I had no Idea how much the art car would take over my life and how much money he would cost. I also had no idea at the time that Chester would bring so much happiness and joy to myself or others.
Chester is a living art project, that is constantly being improved upon. Every time something is done we become aware of future upgrades to be made. Nearly everything on the vehicle has been done and redone, except for his appearance which was made perfect from the beginning.
Today, Chester lives at the “UnStable” in American Steel Studios. He continues to travel to Burning Man, Fire & Steel Festival, Oakland First Friday, Mad Haters Parade, Sea of Flames, Maker Faire, and many other local events. Chester travels with our featured dancer performer Feather Pistol.
Starting our build in the April of 2011. The original vehicle was a perfectly running and registered Ford Econoline 250, at this point there is not much left but the frame. I had no Idea how much the art car would take over my life and how much money he would cost. I also had no idea at the time that Chester would bring so much happiness and joy to myself or others.
Chester is a living art project, that is constantly being improved upon. Every time something is done we become aware of future upgrades to be made. Nearly everything on the vehicle has been done and redone, except for his appearance which was made perfect from the beginning.
Today, Chester lives at the “UnStable” in American Steel Studios. He continues to travel to Burning Man, Fire & Steel Festival, Oakland First Friday, Mad Haters Parade, Sea of Flames, Maker Faire, and many other local events. Chester travels with our featured dancer performer Feather Pistol.
Jason Anderholm at the Oakland Marathon, 2013