Moon the Transformer Tsurikawa Design

The Process 

My journey began with the ambition to create a Salish-inspired design for a Tsurikawa due to my growing love of car culture in my area and being a more active participant in car meets . The exposure to the car culture brought upon this idea because I liked the conventional Tsurikawas I have been seeing placed in other vehicles but none met my level of expression of culture I was looking for. I wanted something that represented me and something I was ultimately proud of to show off.  I wanted something that would ultimately start a conversation. Wanting to draw upon the cultural significance of the Moon the Transformer within the Snoqualmie Tribe (which I am a member) it commenced with a very rough sketch by hand, a spontaneous attempt to capture the essence of the Moon the Transformer and its profound symbolism but also focusing on the cultural significance of tribal art form. 

I transitioned the sketch  into the digital realm, I transferred the rough draft into Procreate, a digital art tool, where I refined the design, layer by layer, ensuring that each stroke honored the cultural heritage it represented and was going to be compatible and stable once printed in 3D. Recognizing the complexity of translating a 2D concept into a tangible 3D model suitable for printing, I enlisted the expertise of a collaborator proficient in 3D printing design. Together, we  collaborated leveraging our respective skills to bring the Salish-inspired Tsurikawa to life. Through a process of refinement and creative dialogue, we crafted a digital model that captured the essence of the Salish design while embracing the technical constraints of 3D printing.

Once the digital model was finalized, it underwent the process of 3D printing, where precision and attention to detail were paramount. With each layer carefully laid down, the Salish-inspired Tsurikawa gradually emerged from the printer, a tangible representation of the fusion between traditional symbolism and modern technology. In conclusion, this project represents not only a personal creative endeavor but also a collaborative exploration of cultural heritage and technological innovation, resulting in a final product that embodies the spirit of cultural pride and artistic expression.

What is a Tsurikawa? 

Tsurikawas originated in Japan and are commonly known as "train/subway handles" or "train straps." They have a rich cultural history, initially serving a practical purpose as handles for passengers to hold onto during crowded train rides. Over time, they have evolved beyond their utilitarian function to become symbols of individual expression and cultural identity.

In recent years, Tsurikawas have gained popularity among enthusiasts who customize them with unique designs and motifs, turning them into sought-after collectibles and artistic statements. This trend reflects a fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, as seen in my own Salish design inspired by the Moon the Transformer symbol. By infusing my Tsurikawa with cultural significance and personal creativity, I  contributed to the ongoing evolution of this iconic object, bridging the gap between heritage and modernity while celebrating the diversity of artistic expression.