I know a lot of us are used to seeing big art on Playa and in other desert locations. I just wanted to recognize those artists within the Everywhen that are doing small art and art in unconventional areas. Like bathrooms. I am an artist that does not have the ability (space or time or money or transport capability) to make big art. So I decided to participate in the Everywhen's Adopt a Porto program. For the past several months I have been making paper roses, even scenting them with rose oil; that I plan on using blue tape to place into a bathroom. I call it "The Rose Garden" and it comes from a really bad Dad joke that my Father used to say when he finished using the restroom.
As an artist I really don't like to be in the spotlight. My art is more of a commercial variety. (Logos, Signs, Business cards, flyers, etc.) It is rare that someone will purchase my art just to hang in their house. So having my creation inside a bathroom is just fine for me. I hope it brings a pleasant surprise to whomever goes inside to relieve themselves. Something a little more enjoyable that the drab blue, pink or gray plastic walls. And hey, if the rose oil stays at least it will smell a little better as well.
Some of you may not consider this an art project. I ask those of you some questions:
Did it take planning?
Does it take some skill to create what is going inside
Does it take and eye for making a pleasing thing to look at?
Does it take the person's time to create something from nothing to make this?
Is that not what art is?
My roses are old flyers, catalogs and magazines that would have otherwise been put into a recycle bin. Each rose is individual signed with my logo. (*Gasp!* Logo?! Yes. A symbol that represents my name. In olden times: "My mark" A way to identify that each rose was made by me) Why shouldn't I be allowed (as an artist) to sign my work?
The official installation of the Rose Garden will be at the Allegory of the Cave Event in the Mojave in October.
I hope to do a trial run IF I HAPPEN TO FIND a porto at Juplaya. Being a long-time camper at Juplaya, I know some campers will rent them and bring them out there occasionally for people to use if you ask nicely.