More Community Dialogues

So, even though the Community Dialogue Series has nothing to do with Finland, the process is achieved by melting water-based pigments, so I thought it was fitting considering that 'melting' is precisely what has been happening since I've arrived in Finland. Besides, like the last post stated, this is a body of work that I began a year ago, practically abandoned it, and then found new inspiration with only a week or so before leaving the country, a SOP that I have to embrace.

The body began as a way of introducing myself to Elmira, NY while at the same time continuing my exploration in latent processes in painting and social sculpture. During the 2009 Elmira Street Painting Festival, I collaborated with many locals of all ages to create large paintings. I would place some of the pigmented cubes on the painting surface, and others would follow suit, or vice versa. When finished, lets just say the paintings scared me...

Only recently did I finally understand what I was doing. It was never about making paintings. It was about the line of communication I opened with new people, some who have never had the opportunity to experience art, let alone be a part of its process. The beauty is in the detail. Individual interactions are seen through the mixing of individual colors.

Community Dialogues Series #2, 2010

Community Dialogues Series #3, 2010

Community Dialogues Series #4, 2010

Community Dialogues Series #5, 2010

This project was made possible, in part, with the funding from the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and The Finger Lakes' Quickarts, administered in Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties by the Arts Council of The Southern Finger Lakes. Additional thanks to John Ferrell from the California All Natural Pet Foods for supplying the fish-shaped trays.