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!

Art out of the Box: Polish Hill: Day 3

On day three, I had some unexpected visitors! Dan Mohan, a local photographer, and his friend John, a local artist himself. The day started off with interesting conversations about the arts. There was topics of art history, photography, contemporary arts and how modern day has influenced the arts to the masses.  I was given wonderful insight and even suggestions on the materials I'm using. Such as, hosta plants, rice paper and elephant ear leaves. I'm excited to experiment with these materials in the future.

In fact, I was given the gift of a Tiger Lily by a passerby! I'm allowing it to dry and perhaps use it for inspiration for my project.      

For the past few days,  I've found it tricky to engage the community in conversation about the arts. I wasn't sure how the public would react to the art box, but most seem to go about there business in a steadily fashion. I'm hoping to take advantage of the last two days (The church and arts festival) and try alternative ways to get others to interact with the art box. Perhaps I need to prompt questions to the public? or create a piece of artwork through pure suggestion of the public? Finding a solution to those who seem unaware of the art box project or timid.

  I also completed another chalk art piece in front of Lili's Cafe. The weather has been kind, so perhaps the chalk art will still be there by morning. I've had some comments made about the chalk art. One person in particular had a great distaste for it. Much so, that he stopped his car, pulled over and told me "I don't want you chalking up my sidewalk. And perhaps the people who owns the Cafe wouldn't appreciate the chalk!" Has upset has we was, I at least got someone to take a moment out of there day and make a comment about art!
                                                    
I've continued to work on my project, this time adding more organic materials for collage. Using leaves as a surface. It's coming along nicely.                                                                                                                                                                                       

Art out of the Box: Polish Hill: Day 2

Today started off smoothly with less time dedicated to surface work. I began the tedious part of drawing with liquid ink!
The day has been pleasant in temperature but the wind was naughty! I felt like I was in a wind tunnel full of art supplies..  I persevered under these conditions and pushed myself to create more risky marks. Such as curved lines, bolder marks and experimentation with collage. Since my work is strictly done by hand, without the aid of rulers and compasses. Making bolder marks and lines can be tricky. I also avoid sketching, penciling or planning things out when creating art. Everything is created spontaneously and with a prayer that I don't goof up. So far, this approach has worked for me :)

The foot traffic was slower than usual, but I still had new folks show up and observe my art. Some even took the luxury of resting on the hill side in front of my studio. Everyone is welcomed to sit and loaf with me! In this photo is Mr. Rob from Lili's Cafe and Jen Bechak a local artist. Jen was nice enough to provide the following pictures of the day. Fantastic work, Jen!

For the majority of the day, I brushed liquid ink on my surface, creating more details and line work. While trying more bold approaches, I felt uncertain about my marks..Especially in some areas with heavy ink. I was given thoughts and suggestions from a few of passerby's (mainly Jason and Jen!) and began the experimentation of collage! I'm hoping this collage business will work and not be more of a distraction.. We shall see! As the work progresses, it's taking a turn towards map like qualities. I have a map of the Polish Hill area in my studio and I believe it's influencing my work. I'm beginning to create these design elements that resemble a topographical map.. Seen here ---------->



An ode to the people who stopped by to see my work and contributed to interesting topics ;)

Art out of the Box: Polish Hill: Day 1

My first day in the box was a success! The weather was promising, foot traffic was consistent (a good majority were on their way to frolic in the public pool!) and my work got off to a good start.

A few days before my Art Box debut, I prepared my intended piece for the project by creating a surface to draw,paint and collage on. I have an interest in creating texture and in doing so I needed a stove to cook rice paste and steep tea filter paper. These materials would help to create a textured background for my piece. Seen here ------------------------------------------------->



After creating texture, I began to work on staining and adding other materials..mostly ink. I have a lovely set up in my mobile studio and very happy with the layout.
                                                                                          















I've decided to use various objects, images and materials to inspire me during the art making. My work will be an abstract piece loosely inspired by objects found in Polish Hill/other locations, the aesthetics of the Polish Hill area and the conversations/interactions with passing people and nature. I had wonderful conversations with the residents of Polish Hill such as Michael (band member of The Cynics!) and Aubrey (art enthusiast and a very fashionable young lady! ) ----->

Conversing with others brought on new aesthetic qualities to my drawings.. whether it be a change in line work or colors. I noticed how my approach to drawing would change when interacting with different people. I look forward to new comers and what their presence could offer for inspiration!

Considering that most of my time was staining, scrubbing, adhering and drawing.. I didn't get much done on Day 1. But! I am also attempting to simultaneously create street art  with chalk! I hope to create some chalk art around Polish Hill. ( I'm a bit behind :O ) .. But look out for some exciting pieces of pavement around town! More to come.  It will be interesting to see how the different surfaces of pavement and the aesthetics of Polish Hill streets will effect my chalk art!



Towards the end of Day 1, I accomplished a piece of street art, began to create lines on my paper canvas and had unique conversations with many!

Fifth and Final Day in Lawrenceville

Saturday was my last day working in Lawrenceville. The rain held off all day, making me the first artist to not get rained on at all! Lucky me!

Firstly, I'd just like to thank Samantha for all the hard work she put in to making this project happen. People were consistently impressed that Art Out of the Box was conceived and brought together by a single person. I have to admit that the concept of making art on the sidewalk for all to see was a little daunting. When all was said and done however, it turned out to be a great exercise and a lot of fun. Everyone was extremely friendly and interested. On that note, I suppose I should also thank the neighborhood of Lawrenceville, my many visitors, and of course, the folks at WildCard for their support and hospitality!

Ending on a Saturday, however, was not quite as exciting as I expected it would be. During the week I had a crew of regular visitors, but Saturday saw a completely different crowd. It was nice to meet new people and explain the project to them, but I was a little disappointed that my regulars didn't get to see the culmination of the project. Nonetheless, it was another productive and enjoyable day. It could've been a little cooler though. The heat just sucked the life right out of me. But I'll take it over rain!

My last day at the box was mostly spent planning, dismantling, breaking, and reconstructing the bench. Once I was pleased with that result and spent some time envisioning the final piece, I was left with the boring and tedious task of tracing, cutting out, and taping together even more seed wings, which are now in my studio waiting to join the pine cone family.

A little planning and envisioning

The breaking begins!

The broken bench! 

I feel pretty good about the final look, especially given the number of passersby that asked, "Whoa man, what happened here?"

Once the bench was broken I wanted to see how the whole concept would come together.

It'd be a little better, of course, if the pine cone were finished, but what can you do?

A slightly different orientation.

Poor little bench 

Now that my turn in the box is over, construction of my piece will continue in my studio. I plan on posting more process pics on the blog, as work continues so keep checking in. And of course you should keep checking in anyway, as Deanna and Ian's residencies are coming soon!!!

And don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the finished piece in Lawrenceville. We'll be working with the Lawrenceville Corporation to find it a great home!

Day 4 in Lawrenceville

Yesterday was my fourth day working on the pine cone in Lawrenceville. It was yet another productive, sunny, and visitor filled afternoon. And as promised, by the end of the day it finally began to look like a pine cone. 

Today will be my last day working in Lawrenceville but I will continue to work on the pine cone until it's all done. It won't be quite as exciting to attach the final touches without people walking by and asking me what I'm doing. Maybe I'll just have to work out on my sidewalk at home.

The Art Box, the pine cone, and some seed wings waiting to be attached

 After a few more additions!

Attaching more wings!

Looks like I got a little sun...

Slowly but surely...

Before leaving for the night I broke one piece of the bench to make sure my strategy would work. Now the rest of it is going down when I return to the site this morning!

End of the day

So today is my last day. Feel free to come visit me from 10-6. I've had a great time meeting and chatting with visitors about all sorts of stuff, far beyond the scope of the project. I'm looking forward to one more great day. Hopefully the rain will hold up until we're all packed up and gone.

See you out there!