I didn't get to see the installation but followed the progress in the news with great anticipation. I can imagine that for regular visitors, it was both a nuisance and a thrill. Kinda like getting your house ready for Christmas. All that glorious color introduced during the dismal colorless days of winter. In reading the interview above, I loved hearing that the artists chose the park because it was part of their life, in their new home town. Cool.
Another friend of mine, Seth Apter, has written his observations about The Gates to share with us here. Seth is an artist, author, designer, and workshop instructor. His website is SethApter.com, and you can find his blog at TheAlteredPage.blogspot.com, and his stencils HERE.
Hard to believe that 10 years have past since this event took place in NYC. It truly seems like just yesterday. I recall the buzz that spread throughout the city when this installation was announced. There was a call put out for volunteers to assist in the set-up. I decided not to participate given that it was in the middle of winter. That is a decision I regret now that time has passed.
I dedicated my column in Somerset Studio (March/April 2015) to the anniversary of The Gates. My issue just arrived! If you subscribe yours should be there soon. Official newsstand date is March 1st but I've heard they have been spotted on shelves already. Lots of beautiful articles, check it out!
As I mentioned, it took me nearly ten years to finally commit to making my Gates journal. Waiting, or procrastinating, provided the opportunity to utilize decorative washi tapes. They weren't even on my radar in 2005. I collected these knowing I would use them in the journal. An orange pencil bag, found several years ago, sat patiently in the file and was the perfect tip-in to contain some loose items I wanted to keep with the journal. For instance, a mini-book from the Central Park Conservancy.
In my journal is a fax exchange from 2005 between my friend Lynne Perrella and myself. We met the Perrellas on the steps of the Met at noon on Sunday, February 20. It was freezing cold, but super sunny, and a glorious afternoon to spend with friends, enjoying the energy filled park.
Lynne has graciously shared her experience. She's a dear friend, an artist, designer, author, columnist, and workshop instructor. You can find Lynne online at LKPerrella.com.
“After the last “no”…..is a “YES!” Or, What I Learned About Life, After Seeing The Gates
By Lynne Perrella
The Gates was an experience that offered itself to me in several waves. I expected to be wowed – and I was. On the sunny ultra-cold day that I saw The Gates, I was caught up in the pure delight of parading and processing through the various fluttering saffron-colored draperies. The best part was being able to look ahead and see that there were more, more, more, and still-more of them ahead, beckoning. All throughout Central Park, uphill and down, undulating and preening in the sun – the stunning panels of fabric welcomed people from everywhere to come and make up their own mind. I am sure the doubters came with a treasured chip on their shoulder, but I predict they went away with a smile on their face and a lilt in their step.
All of the joy and hail-fellow-well-met applause for The Gates was preceded by……angst, difficulty, uphill battles, and dark days. For decades, Christo and Jean-Claude met with NYC officials who, alas, did not “get it” about The Gates. Blank stares, ridicule, pointless meetings and presentations that resulted in……nothing. They proposed fluttering artistic panels of orange, and encountered stone walls of unwavering resistance. But, the artists held to their vision, never gave up, and eventually a remarkable thing happened. The City gradually, over many years, became READY for The Gates. Administrations had come and gone, “out with the old, in with the new”, house-cleaning, upgrading, back-sliding, financial miscues and windfalls. Instead of hanging out a big “Open For Business” sign, the City came up with an even better idea: It allowed Christo and Jean-Claude to come and do their thing.
As artists, we thrive on those moments when a great new idea erupts, and we have the luxury to move forward immediately and harvest all that is fresh and new about it. But sometimes the Universe decides that a brilliant idea must marinate, percolate, and shimmer below the surface……until the moment is right. And the artist has no choice but to tend the flame.
The back story of The Gates taught me about the duality of passion and patience – and the endless rewards of work, work, work.
Thanks Lynne! It was so much fun to experience The Gates with you and John.
In my journal is a fax exchange from 2005 between my friend Lynne Perrella and myself. We met the Perrellas on the steps of the Met at noon on Sunday, February 20. It was freezing cold, but super sunny, and a glorious afternoon to spend with friends, enjoying the energy filled park.
Lynne has graciously shared her experience. She's a dear friend, an artist, designer, author, columnist, and workshop instructor. You can find Lynne online at LKPerrella.com.
“After the last “no”…..is a “YES!” Or, What I Learned About Life, After Seeing The Gates
By Lynne Perrella
The Gates was an experience that offered itself to me in several waves. I expected to be wowed – and I was. On the sunny ultra-cold day that I saw The Gates, I was caught up in the pure delight of parading and processing through the various fluttering saffron-colored draperies. The best part was being able to look ahead and see that there were more, more, more, and still-more of them ahead, beckoning. All throughout Central Park, uphill and down, undulating and preening in the sun – the stunning panels of fabric welcomed people from everywhere to come and make up their own mind. I am sure the doubters came with a treasured chip on their shoulder, but I predict they went away with a smile on their face and a lilt in their step.
All of the joy and hail-fellow-well-met applause for The Gates was preceded by……angst, difficulty, uphill battles, and dark days. For decades, Christo and Jean-Claude met with NYC officials who, alas, did not “get it” about The Gates. Blank stares, ridicule, pointless meetings and presentations that resulted in……nothing. They proposed fluttering artistic panels of orange, and encountered stone walls of unwavering resistance. But, the artists held to their vision, never gave up, and eventually a remarkable thing happened. The City gradually, over many years, became READY for The Gates. Administrations had come and gone, “out with the old, in with the new”, house-cleaning, upgrading, back-sliding, financial miscues and windfalls. Instead of hanging out a big “Open For Business” sign, the City came up with an even better idea: It allowed Christo and Jean-Claude to come and do their thing.
As artists, we thrive on those moments when a great new idea erupts, and we have the luxury to move forward immediately and harvest all that is fresh and new about it. But sometimes the Universe decides that a brilliant idea must marinate, percolate, and shimmer below the surface……until the moment is right. And the artist has no choice but to tend the flame.
The back story of The Gates taught me about the duality of passion and patience – and the endless rewards of work, work, work.
Thanks Lynne! It was so much fun to experience The Gates with you and John.
For ten years I kept a file for The Gates. It included the newspapers, articles, postcards, my precious swatch, the lanyard, my own photos, and even a NY subway poster. The intention was to make a journal with large enough pages to host all the items. I procrastinated, got distracted, moved on to other things. Knowing the anniversary was approaching, I determined to make a commitment to getting it done. Ten years is along time to hold on to a bunch of stuff when it could be enjoying proper celebration in book form. A little research led me to a multi-ring portfolio binder, with black pages in protectors, that were the perfect size. Leaning on the pre-made system felt really good because I was finally moving forward, and I knew I could still make it my own by contributing to the backgrounds with paint and stencils. I had several items that fit a 8.5" x 11" page protector so I added the extra holes required to fit the binding, then tiered them in.
Is there a project you're working on where progress is hindered because you think you have to go fully custom? Get out of your own way and find a short-cut that will jump start the process. You'll always find a way to make it your own.
For ten years I kept a file for The Gates. It included the newspapers, articles, postcards, my precious swatch, the lanyard, my own photos, and even a NY subway poster. The intention was to make a journal with large enough pages to host all the items. I procrastinated, got distracted, moved on to other things. Knowing the anniversary was approaching, I determined to make a commitment to getting it done. Ten years is along time to hold on to a bunch of stuff when it could be enjoying proper celebration in book form. A little research led me to a multi-ring portfolio binder, with black pages in protectors, that were the perfect size. Leaning on the pre-made system felt really good because I was finally moving forward, and I knew I could still make it my own by contributing to the backgrounds with paint and stencils. I had several items that fit a 8.5" x 11" page protector so I added the extra holes required to fit the binding, then tiered them in.
Is there a project you're working on where progress is hindered because you think you have to go fully custom? Get out of your own way and find a short-cut that will jump start the process. You'll always find a way to make it your own.
Back in 2004, from April to July, The Metropolitan Museum had a special Christo exhibit. My friend Anne and I attended, quite by accident, as we were there to see something else. As we walked in, we observed several rooms dedicated to The Gates proposals – hanging were dozens of large framed artworks, altered photos, and maps, portraying the artists' vision to install thousands of saffron draped archways throughout the park. The scope of the project changed over the years, as reflected in Christo's artwork. His study of the location was evident – black and white photos from many angles were altered to show how The Gates would appear.
As Anne and I went room to room, following the process, I felt my heart racing….recognizing that I might get to witness a Christo event – nearby! The last room of the exhibit had a prototype gate, complete with saffron fabric. Approval! There were cards for the taking – directing you where to apply to become part of the installation team. I wasn't able to make that kind of commitment, but knew I'd be back in just six months to see Central Park all decked out….because Christo and Jeanne-Claude had the vision, persistence, and full blown passion to see it through.
Back in 2004, from April to July, The Metropolitan Museum had a special Christo exhibit. My friend Anne and I attended, quite by accident, as we were there to see something else. As we walked in, we observed several rooms dedicated to The Gates proposals – hanging were dozens of large framed artworks, altered photos, and maps, portraying the artists' vision to install thousands of saffron draped archways throughout the park. The scope of the project changed over the years, as reflected in Christo's artwork. His study of the location was evident – black and white photos from many angles were altered to show how The Gates would appear.
As Anne and I went room to room, following the process, I felt my heart racing….recognizing that I might get to witness a Christo event – nearby! The last room of the exhibit had a prototype gate, complete with saffron fabric. Approval! There were cards for the taking – directing you where to apply to become part of the installation team. I wasn't able to make that kind of commitment, but knew I'd be back in just six months to see Central Park all decked out….because Christo and Jeanne-Claude had the vision, persistence, and full blown passion to see it through.