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Tag: cool stuff

The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day eight

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.

February 19, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day seven

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.

February 18, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day seven

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.

February 18, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day six

I've asked a few friends to share their impression of visiting The Gates. First up is my friend Andrew. He is an artist, designer, and teacher. He makes frequent visits to the city so I was interested to see what he thought of the event. You can find Andrew on his blog, AndrewBorloz.blogspot.com, and his stencil designs for StencilGirlProducts are HERE.

Before I went to Central Park to see what the fuss Christo's The Gates is all about, I had seen the photos of his other art installations such as the pink fabric around the islands in Miami, the yellow umbrellas in California, the white wrapping of the Reichstag in Berlin, and the orange curtain wall in Colorado. I was both fascinated and mystified by all of these large-scale works, but with my mindset being more of a designer than an artist, I often questioned the practicality, validity and aesthetics of these installations.

When The Gates was completed, I decided that I would go there just to experience what it is like to walk under these orange curtains. With the bright orange fabric shining brightly, waving briskly on some days and popping out in the drab & grayish landscape, it was a whole new physical experience for me. Instead of looking at the flat photograph of the artwork, I was walking through it and experiencing it in three-dimensional form. And it was fun to watch people's reactions to how the drapes move with the wind.

I was wondering as to whom the whole project was done for. I found out that it was Christo who did it just for himself. Not as a "public service" but it was nothing more than a humongous implementation of his personal artistic vision. It was really an incredible achievement as it can be quite difficult to convince some people with no artistic sensibility that it is a worthwhile project with minimal impact on the natural environment. There was really nothing practical about these "gates" except that they drew more people to the park and generated income, not only for the artist, but for the city and the park themselves.

Having worked as an exhibit designer for some time, I thought these gates were really cool, and somehow they helped created tunnel-like space on the park's walkways. I felt like I was walking through the curvilinear tubes and yet didn't feel closed in because of its openness. I did really enjoy the whole experience in spite of its impracticality.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Andrew!

To see more of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work, as Andrew mentioned, visit: ChristoJeanneClaude.net/

February 17, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day six

I've asked a few friends to share their impression of visiting The Gates. First up is my friend Andrew. He is an artist, designer, and teacher. He makes frequent visits to the city so I was interested to see what he thought of the event. You can find Andrew on his blog, AndrewBorloz.blogspot.com, and his stencil designs for StencilGirlProducts are HERE.

Before I went to Central Park to see what the fuss Christo's The Gates is all about, I had seen the photos of his other art installations such as the pink fabric around the islands in Miami, the yellow umbrellas in California, the white wrapping of the Reichstag in Berlin, and the orange curtain wall in Colorado. I was both fascinated and mystified by all of these large-scale works, but with my mindset being more of a designer than an artist, I often questioned the practicality, validity and aesthetics of these installations.

When The Gates was completed, I decided that I would go there just to experience what it is like to walk under these orange curtains. With the bright orange fabric shining brightly, waving briskly on some days and popping out in the drab & grayish landscape, it was a whole new physical experience for me. Instead of looking at the flat photograph of the artwork, I was walking through it and experiencing it in three-dimensional form. And it was fun to watch people's reactions to how the drapes move with the wind.

I was wondering as to whom the whole project was done for. I found out that it was Christo who did it just for himself. Not as a "public service" but it was nothing more than a humongous implementation of his personal artistic vision. It was really an incredible achievement as it can be quite difficult to convince some people with no artistic sensibility that it is a worthwhile project with minimal impact on the natural environment. There was really nothing practical about these "gates" except that they drew more people to the park and generated income, not only for the artist, but for the city and the park themselves.

Having worked as an exhibit designer for some time, I thought these gates were really cool, and somehow they helped created tunnel-like space on the park's walkways. I felt like I was walking through the curvilinear tubes and yet didn't feel closed in because of its openness. I did really enjoy the whole experience in spite of its impracticality.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Andrew!

To see more of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work, as Andrew mentioned, visit: ChristoJeanneClaude.net/

February 17, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day five

If you watched the film from yesterday, you saw several Gates docents, clad in official gray vests. They were there to answer questions, and were passing out saffron swatches. Scored one! It is a very special souvenir. I also managed to collect a lanyard from ebay. Here is the first page of my Gates Journal, completed only recently. Pages are 14" x 17". I will show more soon.

February 16, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day five

If you watched the film from yesterday, you saw several Gates docents, clad in official gray vests. They were there to answer questions, and were passing out saffron swatches. Scored one! It is a very special souvenir. I also managed to collect a lanyard from ebay. Here is the first page of my Gates Journal, completed only recently. Pages are 14" x 17". I will show more soon.

February 16, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day four

As I was trolling around on youtube to find some Gates footage, I found this one. A terrific view through the moving lens of a film maker and skateboarder. Shot and Directed by Coan Buddy Nichols and Rick Charnoski. They filmed as The Gates were being installed, (no part of the park sustained damage – no holes, just weights) then you get to ride along after the unfurling. They run into Albert Maysles (at 3:23), one of the directors of the HBO documentary, and caught footage of Christo and Jeanne-Claude (at 3:34) in Central Park (you could spot them there daily). In just under four minutes, these guys provide a real-life glimpse into the immensity of the project. Coan Nichols granted permission for me to share their short film here, courtesy of his company, SixStair.com Cool, right? Thanks Coan!

February 15, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day four

As I was trolling around on youtube to find some Gates footage, I found this one. A terrific view through the moving lens of a film maker and skateboarder. Shot and Directed by Coan Buddy Nichols and Rick Charnoski. They filmed as The Gates were being installed, (no part of the park sustained damage – no holes, just weights) then you get to ride along after the unfurling. They run into Albert Maysles (at 3:23), one of the directors of the HBO documentary, and caught footage of Christo and Jeanne-Claude (at 3:34) in Central Park (you could spot them there daily). In just under four minutes, these guys provide a real-life glimpse into the immensity of the project. Coan Nichols granted permission for me to share their short film here, courtesy of his company, SixStair.com Cool, right? Thanks Coan!

February 15, 2015
The Gates – 10th Anniversary, day three

Look at those happy faces! Imagine what it felt like to finally see your dream realized. Beginning in 1979, the couple began the proposal process to the city of New York. Several administrations later, Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave the approval, and The Gates were installed in February 2005.

There is a terrific documentary that chronicles the journey. First aired on HBO, it is available on dvd through Amazon, and can be streamed with Amazon Prime, or on Hulu.com. More information can be found on Maysles Films.

Preview, showing some footage of Christo before he was gray:

February 14, 2015