Thinking About Free Art And Bears And Beans

August 29, 2011

I have so many things to do. I stay so busy but I have to question if I am making any progress. I dig the hole but it gets no deeper. All weekend I worked on art of some sort. I spent many hours driving around and attaching bears to things. It is exciting and tiring and I ask myself what am I doing but I can’t seem to quit.

I had weird dreams last night. Before that I ate some leftover rice and beans. Before that I saw a couple bands in East Atlanta. One band made space voices and the singer shook a lot, stumbled off the stage and knocked over the microphone. Lyonnais‘ music was intense and the singer made me laugh a bit with all of his serious stares and sweaty antics. I  think he looked and acted a bit like Joaquin Phoenix from his bearded days. The other band I saw, Spirits and the Melchizedek Children, had a new fog machine and green lights. They also took a trip to space and back. I suppose all of these things will make one have weird dreams about former acquaintances.

I have been trying to figure out the whole concept I have been promoting. What is “Free Art” and how do you define it. Last week, some of my artwork I put along the roadside was taken. I realize that when I leave it out for all to see several things can and will happen. The world can admire it or hate it or take it or destroy it. I expect for these things to happen. The painting will not stay there forever. Even if no one claims it, in time it will will fade and turn to dust. The best of us will. This started me to thinking about what I was trying to accomplish.

I have been thinking about free art and realizing that even if it isn’t a give-away, it can still be free to the public. Sometimes I have a painting that I will officially leave with instructions as to what it is and what “the finder” is to do. Sometimes I put art along roads or in parks with the intent that it is just to remain for all. It is then, in a sense, free. No rules or fees included. No stipulations or laws to follow. It is a gift. People passing by can be gifted the art. They can enjoy it if they choose to. They might look forward to seeing it on their daily commute and they discuss it with others over coffee or a chicken leg. They might tell their spouse; or they might not even notice it. There will be a portion of folks who will disapprove it but this is always true no matter what the question. I will keep doing what I am doing until I feel it no longer has a relevant purpose.

I am going to replace the work that was taken. I want to do this because I have had so many people respond to me about the disappearance. They inquired as to where it went. They have wanted me to know they were sad it wasn’t waiting on them anymore. So, today I built a bunch of new crosses that I will put along the roads in the near future.

Over the weekend I put out many cardboard bears; from Lilburn to Decatur to Grant Park. I drove around Saturday and Sunday night hanging them around Atlanta. The cardboard bear faces are sprayed on old cardboard and then some are  hand painting.

Keep your eye open for them. I made them for all to enjoy. If you want to take one please do but I will be fine if they hang around a while.

On another note, I applied to be in the Candler Park Fall Fest 2011 in October as well as the 2011 Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp in early November. I hope these work out and I can see you there. I will keep you updated.

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– kyle