My favorite public/street art projects are ones that are not over-explained. They delight you with their simplicity. That being said, I want AS IS to be a project that people can contribute to if they so chose.
SO! I've decided to leave these little bins next to each portrait that I install on the streets of DC. Inside are cards explaining what the project is all about and how people can participate.
The cards look like this.
And when you open them up...
...they look like this.
AS IS is about sharing the gift of notice, so I thought it would be cool to create a community (albeit on-line) around the project. The idea is to give folks a (virtual) place to check out where all the portraits have been found in the city, a place to give shout-outs when one is spotted, and a place for those who have found their own portraits to share any reactions or thoughts.
What do you think? Good idea? Bad idea? Think the paintings should speak for themselves, or do you think that offering a place to share is a good idea? I'd love to have your honest thoughts.
I hope the cards and information are not necessary for people to notice your beautiful paintings; however, I think providing background and opening a forum online are great ideas to go along with your already brilliant project. It seems that in our fast-paced lives we sometimes forget to stop and admire the beauty, history and mass of humanity that surrounds us in the DC area. Hopefully your paintings will influence people to slow down and enjoy the scenery just as the story of Joshua Bell performing in the METRO did for me. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html). Good luck and we cannot wait to see your work!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, Steve. I really appreciate the feedback. Also, I love that story about Joshua Bell! Did you see him?!
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