michelle ward

another visionary...Chihuly

As I mentioned in the last post, we visited the New York Botanical Gardens in 2006 when Dale Chihuly glass sculptures were on display.  Not just a few chandeliers, MANY.  Not just a few little installations of his orbs, spike, tendrils - MANY.  It was extraordinary.  My friend Anne and I were clicking away on the cameras, but we also took time to just admire.  To just experience it.  It was special to share the experience with my daughter and her friend who were 10 at the time.  Both of them fancied themselves roving reporters with film. Loved seeing them dash around the grounds, trying to get the most artistic view in the frame.

I had watched many of Chihuly's videos and understood the passion he brings to the process, with enough enthusiasm to power up the teams who create on location - like Venice.  That was my favorite.  Could you imagine being there and seeing colorful glass balls bobbing along the canal?  When you reflect on what he does - creating all those pieces, wrapping and shipping, unwrapping and assembling on location.....it makes you even more in awe that someone would go to those lengths to share beauty.  A visionary.  

Last summer on our road trip we stayed in an Indianapolis hotel with a lobby jewel.  Fallon and I gasped because we knew who made it.  Lovely.

 

 

 

If you are in Florida, near Coral Gables.....you have plenty of time to make plans before the end of May....

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day sixteen

 

Thanks for coming along on my homage to Christo and Jeanne-Claude and the 10th anniversary of The Gates - Central Park, New York City.  It was a soul-touching mind-bending joyful experience to witness in real life - one of those you-had-to-be-there events.  I was glad I did - twice!  How I envy those who got to see them in-progress, then visit daily.  I will always be impressed and respectful of the colossal undertaking, and the courageous vision behind the saffron curtains.  To walk under them was a privilege. Sixteen days was fleeting, ephemeral....wish it was a little longer.  But the short-lived existence adds to the specialness, and that was their point.  Sixteen days meant you had to make the effort to get there, to be part of it.  

Christo is still pursuing Over The River, a temporary fabric suspension over the Arkansas River in Colorado.

There is a new book on the artists, due for release March 24.  Christo and Jeanne-Claude In/Out Studio. Christo will be signing books on April 1st at 192 Books, from 7pm. (192 Tenth Ave at 21st Street, NYC)

 

 

Although The Gates was a once-in-lifetime event, there are many opportunities we can take advantage of as curious people, hungry for visual stimulation.  Nine years ago we got to see a Chihuly installation at the New York Botanical Gardens.  It was another example of getting to witness a grand vision by an artist.  There is a Chihuly experience awaiting you at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Florida through May 2015.  Wish I could see it!  Last summer I met with friends at the Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey.  I will be going back soon to see an art installation by Jae Ko - 20,000 lbs of recycled kraft paper will be transformed into sculpture along a 80 ft. wall.  I have plans to visit Storm King later this Spring - to see a monumental Andy Goldsworthy stone wall in real life.  Is there something going on in your neck of the woods?  Get out and see it!  Whether it's an annual flower show, a new museum exhibit, or a parade, or fireworks - it's good to make a change to our routine and expand our visual cues.

Obviously art isn't about being epic, but it is really cool when we can participate as an observer, something that is really big.....so big that you can experience it dimensionally.  Here's to the visionaries.  

Thank you Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

 

 

 

The final page of my Gates journal - using up the table cover newsprint, with a parody postcard. This image made its way around the internet ten years ago and recently I found a shop selling "The Crackers" at CafePress.

 

p.s  The Gates of NYC have never been far from my mind, particularly these last three years while our town is undergoing serious road construction....we have miles of saffron orange barricade curtains along our local roads.  Here are the daily views during summer and winter.

 

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day fifteen

 

On the final weekend of the event, I visited a second time with my friend Anne.  Snow had fallen and the view was much different.  The clouds hung low and the sun barely made a presence, but the park was lit with color, and still filled with pedestrians, and photographers, to catch the last impression of an epic art installation.  It was very special to see with Anne, as we had been at the Met exhibit the previous summer.  

I could smack myself for passing up a saffron fabric tote, being sold the summer of 2004 at the museum.  I don't know what we were thinking....that perhaps they would still be available in February?  They weren't. So as a consolation prize, I ordered us each one of the Met logo bags last month....with orange base. After completing my Gates journal, I have moved all my remaining souvenirs - books, postcards, the HBO documentary dvd, a subway ad, and few other things that go with my Christo collection, into the tote.

 

 

More views of the park....with snow.

 

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day fourteen

 

They were born on the same day.  Christo in Bulgaria, Jeanne-Claude in Morocco, on June 13, 1935.  They met in Paris in 1958, and moved to New York in 1964.  They have a son, Cyril Christo.  Together, the artists proposed many temporary art installations.  The Gates was their 19th to see completion.

Jeanne-Claude departed for the pearly gates on November 18, 2009.

 

 

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day thirteen

 

 

 

 

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.

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day twelve

 

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.

 

As it got closer to the opening, a number of my friends remained unimpressed by the thought of this exhibit and, in some ways, the idea of "gates" with flags placed through the walkways of the park really doesn't sound all that exciting. The thing is, it truly was. At the time I described it as a living museum. You could not separate the gates from the awed looks on the faces of the people passing through and taking pictures. They all became a part of the exhibit. 

 

After walking through the gates, soaking in the experience, I headed to a high floor of a building adjacent to the Park. Looking at it from above was a completely different experience. It was quite beautiful from this viewpoint but what also became clear was the sheer magnitude of the installation. An event of this scope is not easy to pull off in NYC and it spoke to the dedication and persistence that Christo had brought to making his vision a reality. Definitely a take-away message from that day.

 

Those of us who live in NYC come to know the park as a very special place. It is hard to imagine Manhattan without it. It brings a much needed respite to those of us surrounded by 8 million people at all times. It represents nature, peace and beauty. Christo's Gates somehow managed to also bring a bit of magic to this special setting.

 

Thanks Seth!

 

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day eleven

 

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!

 

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day ten

 

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.

 

 

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day nine

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

 

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/

 

 

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.

 

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!

 

 

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:

 

 

The Gates - 10th Anniversary, day two

 

Ten years ago today would have been a Sunday.  All the newspapers came out, reporting on the unfurling event.  HEADLINES!  Art on the front pages!

I was so happy to see that the anniversary got covered yesterday. See The Daily News revisit HERE.  I was kinda hoping Google Doodle would have celebrated it.  I'll continue tossing the confetti over here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you experience The Gates?  

The Gates - 10th Anniversary

 

Today, February 12, is the 10th anniversary of the unfurling of The Gates - Central Park, New York City.

An epic undertaking by visionary installation artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude.  In 2005, 2/12 was a Saturday, and the news, both local and national, covered the story of this significant event.  The following morning every local newspaper had ART on the front page. Saffron glory.

The Gates remained in the city until February 27.  Beginning today, I will be celebrating with 16 days of blog posts.  It's my way of saying It Mattered.  Come along with me.

More tomorrow.

make it your own - valentines

I can't show you the cards I made this year since they are in transit.  If you haven't gotten started on yours, you don't have much time.  I think Valentine's Day is the perfect time to make it your own.  In fact, (you've probably already heard me say this) when Fallon was born I had a stamp made - looking ahead to elementary school trades.  "Won't you be my Fallontine?"  While the cartoon and Disney princess boxed cards were tempting over the years, it was fun making and embellishing our own.

Here are some past heart projects.  Maybe you'll be inspired to fire up the craft table to make some cards and/or gifts, with love.

Tomorrow....something orange saffron.

 

coming soon.....between red and yellow

I rarely do orange.  Here are some pages from 2005, where I was under the influence of orange.  And again, a spread from 2012 where I had to journal about some new-to-me Cara Cara oranges.  I don't even have orange paint - had to mix to two of my faves to get there.  Coming soon - a blog series that will focus on that hue that is found between red and yellow.