ART CAR

During a night out with friend and race car driver Vicktor Volpe, we got to reminiscing about the BMW art cars of the 1970s and 80s. They were a great collaboration between masterful artists, engineers, and the drivers who brought them to life on the track. When you look at the BMW art cars you immediately know how special the project was. Knowing my work, Vick asked if I would be interested in painting his 1991 Spec Mazda Miata racer. We would collaborate to bring our own vision to the art car model. Right away I was excited to begin the journey in creating an art car!

Especially exciting to me was the opportunity to create a piece of art out of an actual functioning race car driven by a talented driver. Participating in the Spec Miata class, Vick and the car fight for narrow victories often measured in tenths of a second. All cars in the class are equally prepared as modifications are closely specified in the rules. The outcome of each race comes down to the driver’s ability, as well as having the suspension properly set for the track. The races are tight and only the driver who is patient, avoids wrecks, and minimizes mistakes is rewarded. Drivers must walk the fine line between “smooth” and “on the ragged edge of control” in order to maximize performance without losing it all.

With the Volpe Art Car I sought to capture the metaphysical relationship between driver and machine. Working with the design of the Miata, the paint embraces it’s curves. Wide flowing stripes wrap around each side of the car ending sharp and narrow. They scream “speed”. An electric green mass oozes over the engine extending up to encapsulate the driver and finally spilling down the rear of the car. This represents a shared life force of car and driver. Accented by small quick brush strokes, elements of the painting are as intertwined with themselves as they are with the car. The piece explores the connection between the car’s engine and soul. How it works to motivate the driver as they move through space together as one.

Vicktor Volpe and the car are currently competing in a variety of races in the tri-state area. Each one pushes the other to their limit in hopes of a win over narrow margins.

 

 

 

Get a behind the scenes look at what goes into creating an art car.

See the BMW art cars collected together for the first time in BMW’s virtual tour.

Join the Mailing List