Day 6 North Side Art Box Finale

We set up in the North West corner of Commons Park (closer to CCAC). The breeze was strong and the canopy of trees gave a good bit of shade. The entrance of the box was facing away from the sun (a good thing) but that made it a little darker inside.

I was ready to paint a portrait today. There was a sound check going on in the park. Today was the second day of the Old-Timers Reunion which was more spiritual in nature. After a quick introduction, gospel music rolled across the park. I didn't catch the names of any of the bands but they were pretty awesome. There was such a sweet feeling to this day. Everyone smiling in a casual stroll.

The moonlight painting was moving along. There's a stage you get to in the work where it sort of tells you what it needs. You just maintain presence and listen to it. I love that feeling because its like dreaming. The turnout for this second day was a fifth of yesterday's numbers but the vibe was serene.

I never got a visit from the sitter yesterday so I think I'll have to do a little detective work on that case. Chris Ivy came by again and we did another interview. This was by far the best day in the box.

I feel like I found a balance between the personal work of art-making and social aspect of exhibiting.  It was a real honor to be a part of this and I'm grateful to Samantha McDonough  for dreaming up this project and having the persistence and fortitude to see it through. Congratulations to all the artists who worked in the box, and all those people behind the scenes who helped make it a reality. Cheers.

Day 5 Ian Green

Today there was a breeze here and there, but I found the heat a bit stifling. I was ready to finish a portrait I had started the other day but the sitter never arrived. I continued working away at the moonlight scene. I was visited by the Cessnas which was great and then Chris Ivy showed up as well. My friend Matt came by almost everyday to check in and see if I needed anything.

While we were filming some documentation for the Box, a gentleman showed up and we had a nice conversation about art. He was a homeless man. We talked and talked and then he asked if I could paint his portrait. I was ready for a change so I agreed. As he told me about events in his life, these different emotions would pass over his face. He never stopped moving which is kind of a prerequisite for a sitting. The emotions on his face (regret, humor, anger, loss) were all so unique but they were changing too rapidly to settle on any one feeling. For me it was a series of false starts. All the while my knees were aching and my back, too. Kneeling or sitting on the ground while painting is not the way to go.  I got pretty close on the portrait and he liked it too, but I wanted it to sing. However, there were just too many variables at work.  I'd fix one area which would nullify another. I didn't have much time before Sam would arrive to take me and the box away for the day...and then there she was. I explained that I couldn't let this piece go in it's unfinished state. He understood and we agreed the next day I would give it another go.

Day 4 Ian Green

I worked on the moonlight painting today. It's been a nice trip so far. Dropping moon light into the cloud's edges. People told me their stories and about places they've been. People surviving hardships, trying to keep on. A woman described the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and the Aeolean Islands in Sicily. The heat just hung around mostly. A few breezes today but the gnats didn't seem to mind seeking shelter in my ears and eyes. With the flies it's cool, but the gnats fly in and out of my field of vision and too close to slap my face. Confession: I bore a small bit of ill will to the gnats. Tomorrow I'll be more understanding. Must stay hydrated... got to...must...drink....water.   .    .    more.

Ian Green Day 3 August 4

         Today I had the feeling a portrait was going to happen. For the last two days I had several inquiries as to the cost of portraits. I think for a lot of folks, its a way to bridge a conversation. People who are genuinely interested in the work, don't often discuss prices, and since I was being paid anyway, I could steer the conversation more towards the process.      
           The weather was perfect. Not too hot. A little breezy with a scattering of clouds and very bright. The cloudscape I had worked on yesterday I could finally see in the light. I was not yet pleased. I thought I might work on it some more inthe better light so I duct taped it up on the wall of the box. It came down with a crash while I was explaining the box. HA! SO I set it up better (I thought) behind me on the lip of the peg-board. It landed on me this time. WOOHOO! So that was the end of that.

Today I was working on a moonlit scene at the beach I had witnessed last summer. My mom stopped by and brought me some old work and we got to picnic in front of the box. A young girl came by and inquired about a portrait. She came back later and I started drawing her on a canvas. It wasn't going well. I switched to paper, changed the pose and started again. People really scrutinize when it comes to painting or drawing people. All the passersby got their rubberneck on. I didn't finish but I think I'll finish it tomorrow. A man said he wanted a portrait tomorrow so we'll see.              

Day 2 Ian Green

Set up in the rain. But it was cool, with even a breeze. I thought I would counter the mood of this day and paint a cloud scene I could get lost in.

  It's really fun to create atmospheric worlds.
  I did get to talk to this one guy for a while who was getting drunker and drunker as the minutes passed. It started off friendly enough. Some light banter. And then he went into some delusional rant for about twenty minutes that ended with, "Y'know what I mean, Ian?" (He has not been photographed). It can be a real bummer when people know your name. ..."Sometimes you wanna go!"...

But there were some familiar faces and the weather stated cool.

Ian Green: First Day Commons Park, North Side

Today was hot! I opted to not put the EZ-up over the box so the tarp wouldn't throw blue light down on the canvas. I worked facing into the box with the sun on my neck. 'A hat would be good', I thought.

I started on a smaller canvas a little improvisation of broken concrete and pools of water. I had just a few interactions that day.

Art out of the Box: Polish Hill: Finale!

Well, needless to say, The Polish Hill Arts Festival was well attended! It was very busy, with high energy and great vendors. I had an overload of passerby's from different pockets of the city. Including some folks from Las Vegas, Arizona and Brooklyn, New York! It was a great closure to the week in the Art Box.. Though I have to admit, I was pretty exhausted by all the action and discussions. I accomplished a few more touches to my work, while also meeting new faces. Great food, great music and great art...What more can one ask for?
During all the hype of the festival, I unfortunately didn't find the time to take many photo's. Chris Ivy came by to document the day and I hope the footage will give a better depiction of the final day, than what I have on hand.
Overall, the project was enjoyable, enlightening and fun..Especially for ME! There were days where I  focused on my work and there were days were I focused primarily on conversations. I believe the project was a success and I hope I fulfilled the mission of Art out of the Box. In retrospect, I would have chosen a different project for the six days. Perhaps something that engaged the community in being more creative.....Though, talking to others about the arts and the creative process is just as good. It would have been interesting to see the outcome of a piece of art if I had put the brush in someone else's hand. Or allowed the public to make some aesthetic decisions for me. There were times where some people didn't seem to notice the box and other's who were intrigued by it. In all, the experience has made me think differently about art and being an artist. I hope other's felt the same way. I'm looking forward to the Art out of the Box exhibit in September (Downtown Pittsburgh) and will be excited to see the end results of the other artist's work.
This concludes Art out of the Box: Chapter 4 (Deanna Mance). Please tune in for Chapter 5 with Ian Green and.....Thanks for the memories!~

Art out of the Box: Polish Hill: Day 5

Today was the Polish Hill Church Festival! Much more action than yesterday...... I had some general questions about the Art out of the Box project, the process of making art and casual conversation. I had a couple who stop to stir deep thoughts and philosophical inquiries. We had a great conversation about the word "artist" and what it means to be an artist in a broader term. There was an exchange of opinions on the topic, coming to the conclusion that everyone can be an "artist of life". That being an "artist" doesn't have to be restricted to a specific art form or skill. Being an artist can be used to describe anyone who is creative with their own life. Whether it's making mundane decisions or taking exciting risks. Everyone has the chance to be creative and pursue unique, creative outlets. I talked with many who focused on one creative outlet (writer) and then there were others who had many creative outlets( poet, musician, cooking, etc.). It was wonderful to hear the public's opinion on creativity and I'm happy to know that there are some deep people in Pittsburgh! 

Here are some examples of the progress made in my work, I'm finding that being spontaneous with materials and aesthetic qualities have created some interesting turns in my work. Allowing the conversations to influence my work has really effected the way I'm approaching the project. I'm excited to see the end results, but also sad to know that my final days of Art out of the Box is coming to a close. I'm curious as to whether or not my work will change while finishing it in the quiet space of my own studio. It's safe to say that being in public, talking with others and dealing with uncontrollable elements has really influenced my work.

Art out of the Box: Polish Hill: Day 4

I started my day working on yet another chalk art piece in a more residential area. During my process, a young lady and child came out of their home to see what I was up to. I had a pleasant talk with Colleen and her little girl. While working on the chalk drawing we discussed Polish Hill as a community, how it's developed over the years and the embrace/resist some residents have. Colleen at one point was heavily involved in the Polish Hill Arts Festival, and now looking back, she comments on how much of the festival has evolved and changed. She's been a resident here for 25 years and  enjoys being a part of Polish Hill.
Anjelica, who owns the home in which I made the chalk art in front of, informed me that neighborhood children have gathered around the chalk art, excited to see something different on their street. The chalk art also seemed to create a bridge of conversation between the her and the children. Anjelica mentioned that she was no longer the strange and mysterious neighbor and it was pleasant to experience a conversation with the neighborhood children.


For the rest of the day, it stayed pretty quiet. Not many people walking around and for those that were out 'n about.. They bustled...IT'S FRIDAY!
So, I spent most of the afternoon catching up on work and making progress. At this point, I've come to the conclusion that this piece will not be finished by the end of the week.
At least I have till September :) Jen Bechak stopped by once more and took some great photo's of my progress. Best to you, Jen!
I attempted to try something new with this project (textured background/collage,etc) and I've found it to be challenging but also exciting. The liquid ink is unruly with collage background!