Linkworms
Personal project
Multimedia project based on the Seattle Lightrail. Series of 39 wood carvings and clay sculptures, a handful of stickers, and a educational zine!
Each sculpture is handmade and unique - 37 were created for each of the current lightrail stations, most having characteristics based on the stations or nearby neighborhoods. One large "mama" linkworm and one small "baby" linkworm was created to explain the lifecycle of the linkworms.
Individual Linkworms "adopted" by patrons of craft fairs and art markets around Seattle - most recently "Market Daze" at the Cuff Complex in Capital Hill.
"Caring for your Linkworm" Informational Zine
Individual Linkworms
Not featured: Beacon Hill, Roosevelt, Capital Hill, Rainier Beach, Tukwila Intl. Blvd., Seatac, South Bellevue (already adopted)
(adopted!)
(adopted!)
(adopted!)
Westlake
Mt. Baker
(on hold)
Mama Linkworm
Baby Linkworm
Stickers
Select Design Notes & Relationships
Westlake
This linkworm was is the first of the litter!
It's unique design is a result of it being the "prototype". The base design has since changed - the anteni and more "bow-like" legs have been removed in order to maintain the overall shape similarity between the linkworms and the link lightrail, as well as to account for any "breakpoints" in the wood. This makes linkworms more sturdy and childsafe!
Westlake was chosen as the first stop to reflect its history as one of the very first lightrail stops in Seattle!
Mama and Baby
This little guy is still under his mother's care!
Unlike the others - Mama and Baby Linkworm were sculpted with polymer clay. Baby linkworm was designed to be slightly more "realistic" - closer in shape to a worm / caterpillar than to a lightrail. Initially just a design exploration, now baby is used to demonstrate the Linkworm life cycle - young worms are born more worm-like before they adapt to their enviroment.
Mama Linkworm was created to be more visible - an eyecatching object to draw customers to my table when I am vending. She is now used to demonstrate the Linkworm "worldbuilding" - she is the mother of this entire litter of worms.
Linkworm Relationships
& other design notes
Psuedo rules I've determined :
- older stops are usually larger
- if a line is similar in name or aesthetic, their worms will have twin poses (such as the above twins - Shoreline North and Shoreline South)
- if a station is underground, the linkworm is more likely to be looking up
- exception to above rule : stations close to airport (Tukwila, Seatac, & Angle Lake) are looking up at the plane
- Many Linkworms have vibes relating to their home stop - Capital hill Linkworm is hugging, Othello is a big “O”, International District is meant to resemble lion dance on two legs, Stadium is sturdy and bulky like a football player, etcs
- Their expression also slightly align with the station's vibes / crowdedness
