In 2005, I helped Space Island and lead designer Stefano Novelli build an entirely new Space Wench mutant vehicle for Burning Man (and beyond).

Starting with an Isuzu box truck as a base, Stefano designed a structural frame that we built using square tubing.  Working from his model, we cut pieces for the frame as well as supports and cantilevers so that the ship would be able to support 50+ passengers.

Wooden decking and outer walls were added, as were custom-curved steel pieces that served as accents.

A custom-designed 'firebox' with its own exhaust system was also designed to support the ship's supplemental power generators.  The generators were used to power the ship's lighting and sound systems.

Interior walls and ceiling on the first floor were covered with crushed velvet fabric.

The interior side walls on the upper deck (shown below) were hand-painted by Shrine.  A sound system was also added, with interior-facing speakers and subwoofers that transformed the ship into a two-story mobile dance party.  With minimal effort, the ship was also able to be converted into a performance stage for externally connected sound systems.

Below, a few photos of the completed ship at the Burning Man arts festival in 2005.

The Space Wench was one of the most amazing projects that I have ever had the good fortune to be a part of.  While the ship's exterior design changes from year to year, I'm proud to say that it's still using the same basic core structure that we designed and built nearly ten years ago.  The ship has returned to Burning Man several times, as well as made appearances at Lightning In A Bottle and Electric Daisy Carnival.

In addition to the ship, I designed a keepsake medallion that featured the Space Island logo.  My art files were sent to Novelli Creations, who manufactured them in quantity for camp and crewmates to offer as gifts.  Photo by Ashley Ann.