Project Progress

PROJECT PROGRESS: To date, I have collected three gallons of pennies! Will tally them soon. Check here for Project Progress throughout the year.





Saturday, May 5, 2012

Artistic/Philosophical Dilemma

What do I do???? Hundreds of people have decorated tiles for this project... most of them showing wonderful talent, great wit, deep thoughts, entertaining personality, and lively spirit. But then there are the exceptions.

One tile in particular is downright offensive. It says, "IRAPE SISTER YOUR." No, I didn't transpose the words or forget a space after the I... that is exactly what he wrote and how he wrote it. There is no design included. So what do I do? Do I include it in the project?

On the one hand, I feel that including it will be as offensive to many who view it as it is to me. I feel it demeans the project and twists what I am trying to say with it. I feel it was not created in the spirit of what was being asked of people; i.e. to decorate a tile that would fit in with one of the four themes of the project: Art, Money, Admiration, and Community. I feel that including it in "my" piece would reflect badly on me.

On the other hand, lots of tiles don't fit any of the four themes. Many are not "artistic." I said that people could decorate tiles and they would be included in the project. I am totally against artistic censorship. and is it really "my" piece?

On the third hand, is this artistic expression or just a prank by an immature person trying to funny or rebellious or outrageous? Are humor, rebellion and outrageousness legitimate components of art? Did I not give people a means to express themselves and be heard?

So, again, what do I do???

Monday, April 30, 2012

Structure Complete! On to the Next Step!


The structure of the shrine is finished and I am in the process of coating it with cement and preparing the surface to accept the tiles that have been decorated by so many menbers of the community when they visited my studio on First Fridays and during Art Detour.




I've been glazing the tiles and they look great! Still need many, many more... so come by the studio on First Friday and decorate one!

I'm ready to let people come in and work on the piece. Since I can only accomodate a few people at a time, let me know when you're available (leave a comment here) and I'll arrange a time with you to meet at the studio. Be prepared to get dirty!!!!