Weight and balance challenges, bike art studio trailer update

I’m guilty of getting too excited and forgetting what I told myself about packing. I knew the drawers needed to be empty and yet I filled them. I knew all the weight had to be in the bottom and yet I packed extra things on top.

• Too heavy to bike uphill.
• Too light in the center so the back wheel of the bike pops up.
• Top unit slowly sliding off the back of the trailer.

Traveling light as an artist is a lot of equipment elimination. I’m exploring traditional and non traditional studio environments. I think the bike size is just too small for the materials I need in my art creative practice and supplies for being out in nature. It works ok for a digital studio! The car would hold the red wagon art, yoga and dance supplies.

Also, I like to travel farther distances for longer periods of time than a bike allows. I want at least a day and night at a hotel, camping spot, or scenic park to get creative. Therefore, I’m back to the Miata size travel studio and thinking seriously about a larger car. But I’m going to try the bike design again, with only digital and a hoop with yoga mat.

Some are asking, ‘Is this mobile studio project utilitarian or just art?’ I consider it art practice research. My question is, how do outside settings impact my inner world and can art show that relationship. Currently I travel and do digital design and mixed media drawing, photography, writing, and always something new in the mix.

 

How I feel in relationship to my environment impacts me and I push the boundaries of belonging. Today I found myself unable to reach my destination and resting on the road side, in an ambiguous place. I adjusted the bike weight and made it back home comfortably. Next time I pack it I will remember to leave the drawers empty and only put weight in the bottom.