PROGRESS...process to progress

Decided to add more public art to the Project.  Being a Risk Taker, rather than a developer, one finds there are times you are overjoyed and times you are overwhelmed; both resulting in times you might just need to cry.  When I stumbled upon the posters of a public art project I supported some years ago, it seemed appropriate to include them at the site. 

 Acceptable Reasons to Cry in Public, has been added to the fence, where Cameraman so generously contributed his image of the Big House, during it's more haunted looking phase of existence.  Today one of the posters was added to what I'm calling the public art fence.  There are 2 more that will be added as the Project 851 evolves, so keep an eye out as you pass by and watch the public art fence grow.

There is much layered meaning in mark making on a building site, not unlike an art process,  from technical skills, to problem solving, practicing and evolving to mastering one's work.  Sometimes X marks the spot; numbers and letters can let the one picking up the torch know what exists and/or needs to be done;  other times the lines help give you a visual of what is yet to come.  Of course, there is problem solving and testing ideas out, be it in a drawing or hooking up strings.  Finally, as you can see in the last photo, it's just something beautiful in and of itself.                 (ode to concrete and the marker)

Personally, I love the problem solving and maquette stages of mark making.  Working things out is a type of play and can be solitary but usually will include at least one other person along the way.  I find it challenging to visualize spacial relationships in my mind alone.  Taking an idea, or image/drawing, and making it a reality is a fascinating process.  The idea, in my mind, always seems to be BIGGER than it ends up being in reality and over the years I've learnt that about myself.   Learning about oneself and others is one of the more overjoying experiences I find (hahaha not to say it can't be overwhelming as well).

It's all about the learning and watching process become progress.

ART ...ode to light and focus on the feet

Starting with Fellini and ending with an Octopus seems a good way to honour feet.  Light is a reference to photography, where images are captured through waves; action of radiant energy.  In my view, the true and original definition of photography.

If you haven't had a chance to see "In Search of Fellini", I'd recommend it.  I love Fellini and the way he played with storytelling via film.  In Search of Fellini is a charming contemporary movie that references the Master, and even though is not as artistically cutting edge for it's time, is worth the watch.  It might just inspire a Fellini marathon of trying to understand some of the 28 creative works he made during his lifetime.

Dolce vita, was one of those films and the "sweet life" (or good life, or a life of heedless pleasure and luxury) seems to be a fun way to approach the elements of the Octopus.  The Infill of project 851 has affectionately been named the Octopus by my Mother, the head of our Fellini family.  When the three generations of our crazy family were looking at design ideas Mom spontaneously called the design we liked the Octopus and it stuck!

That seemed like ages ago and many tentacles have been waving ever since.

Speaking of tentacles, did you know an Octopus has three hearts, nine brains, and blue blood?  Two hearts pump blood to the gills, while a third circulates it to the rest of the body. The nervous system includes a central brain and a large ganglion at the base of each arm which controls movement.   When you start to look closely and research this creature you realize it's an alien of sorts.

I'm quite happy to include this 8 tentacled reference into the project and find joy in integrating it Fellini style where appropriate.  This week the Octopus made it's way into the Big House through designing lighting.  During the Eastside Culture Crawl I came across a great lighting designer at the Mergatroid building -- Robert from Sasamat Creative.  The crystal light spoke to me and we found a way to bring it home. 

Now another tick has been added to the decision making box  -- 9 crystal lights hanging at the Big House.  It will be made in the spirit of Dolce Vita and nod to the Octopus, shaped as an octagon...In Search of Fellini.

PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS...a wall?

Heading on site everyday with a brain full of questions and eyes wide open looking for opportunities and details that come into play with decision making.  This has been my life.  My rectangle (cel phone), the external hard drive of my brain and eyes, is constantly in action.  One decision has been made -- the wall of memory has been picked.  This will be the place where a nod to the past will be exhibited.  

Here are some images of the people, places an things that will be incorporated onto that wall.

Photo credit for Mrs. Lau on the back porch:  Esther Rausenberg

How all these elements will come together on the wall (last image of a wall in the making) are yet to be determined.  Ideas welcome! ...but at least one more decision has been made.

COMMUNITY -- it takes a village to deal with a window

Actually it takes a village to do a lot of things these days.  This week the exciting things that have come into play involve our everyday viewing place, perhaps the place we take for granted.  Next time you look out a window here's a little something to think about:

Courage

by Robert William Service

 Today I opened wide my eyes,
And stared with wonder and surprise,
To see beneath November skies
An apple blossom peer;
Upon a branch as bleak as night
It gleamed exultant on my sight,
A fairy beacon burning bright
Of hope and cheer.


"Alas!" said I, "poor foolish thing,
Have you mistaken this for Spring?
Behold, the thrush has taken wing,
And Winter's near.
"
Serene it seemed to lift its head:
"The Winter's wrath I do not dread,
Because I am," it proudly said,
"A Pioneer.


"Some apple blossom must be first,
With beauty's urgency to burst
Into a world for joy athirst,
And so I dare;
And I shall see what none shall see -
December skies gloom over me,
And mock them with my April glee,
And fearless fare.


"And I shall hear what none shall hear -
The hardy robin piping clear,
The Storm King gallop dark and drear
Across the sky;
And I shall know what none shall know -
The silent kisses of the snow,
The Christmas candles' silver glow,
Before I die.


"Then from your frost-gemmed window pane
One morning you will look in vain,
My smile of delicate disdain
No more to see;
But though I pass before my time,
And perish in the grale and grime,
Maybe you'll have a little rhyme
To spare for me.
"

Poem by Robert William Service

I like this poem for many reasons, but mostly for the things I've learnt through the process of bringing Project 851 into reality.  To be a risk taker rather than a developer takes a toll on one's energy in this town, and possibly globally now, so to take moments of joy are more important than ever.  Another reason to appreciate poetry is to reflect on the history of the people, not only who lived in 851, but in this community. There have been many  that have had the courage to look out their windows and see what is the right thing to do. These are a few of my favourite things. 

Windows going in!!