When I was 17 years old living in Kentucky, I couldn’t have imagined my 2007 Kia Spectra would ultimately become a wooden, upcycled pirate ship filled with “Easter eggs” that point to a time traveling storyline. Once the A/C went out on the aging vehicle mid-pandemic – amongst other issues – it was either scrap metal or an art installation. I called up a friend and asked him if he wanted to help me build an art car. Obviously we didn’t have a lot going on at the time. I love making things that remind adults to play. On the hobby farm I grew up on there wasn’t a lot to do, so I was always using my imagination to build clubhouses and things. With help from many, including Ian Tuma, my friend and owner of art production company Lost Creations, the pirate ship came alive with a skeleton of spare wood from alleyways, fence postings and deck scraps. Time-traveling clues, like a time log filled diary from the captain and a hidden treasure chest, add character amongst practicalities like a hangout “quarters” in the trunk. The project is constantly being recreated, and reimagined. It does drive, and sometimes we just coast down the street because it brings people joy. The Time Traveling Pirate Ship has been featured in multiple music and art festivals and is available for hire as a taxi service or stationary photo opp installation. You may have seen it at places and events such as Art With Me, The Love Burn, Lost in St.Pete, Coastal Creative, or Harvey Milk Fest. Climb aboard and have some fun! This ship is like no other one.