summer art walk on myrtle ave

One of the exciting projects I got the chance to work on recently is the Summer ArtWalk organized by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership (MARP) and curated by the wonderful Ramon Candy (check her art here). I had collaborated with them last year illustrating and designing a tree guard which got installed on the avenue (see it here). This time, they paired a small business with a local artist to create a unique art display available for everyone to enjoy. The works were on view for the month of July and the artists were on site for a day of art hunting! Many people roamed the neighborhood with the provided map to catch as many pieces as they could. It was a wonderful show bringing together the community and showcasing the unique talents of the neighborhoods. I wrote a bit more about here. 

I was paired with the hair salon [salon]718, operated by the wonderful Michaella. Her and her staff were extremely nice and  truly a joy to collaborate with. I saw them work, take their time with each client, continuously train and teach, and basically deliver on all front. Clients were leaving the salon happy and the haircuts and colors were amazing, I'd urge you to give them a try if you are the area, I know that's where I'm going for my next haircut!

Since I got to paint the window of the shop, as well as have an art work displayed, I decided to create an original piece that spoke to the business I was working with. I also wanted to create a dialogue between the window art and the hanging art, creating a whole piece rather than separate units. This piece tooka good amount of rough sketches,  experimentation on my windows and a few messed up canvas to come to life! 

Phase one : the painting 

Once I got the design down, I prepped the canvas, and went for it! I  built a custom top and bottom bar frame  with the help of my trusted sidekick of a hubby.  We had to reposition a couple of times and work out a stapling system, but in the end it worked out really well and I was able to position the frame exactly how I wanted it in the window (in regards to the distance to the glass, and the height within the window frame). 

Phase two: the window art 

It took me two days to paint the window, and then I came back for an hour or so for the touch ups. My pictures of the finish piece don't really do it justice because 1. glass is hard to photograph, 2. The art was on both windows and door, and it was a bit wide for my camera and 3. I was so focus on the work and then excited about it  that I didn't really focus on taking great picture oopsies! But here is kind of a gallery of the progression in chronological order.

I had so much fun doing this piece and thinking up ways to integrate the spirit and mission of the business  into my work. I took a playful and free hand style approach to the theme of hairdressing reflecting on the endless possibilities that a little haircut offers. There is  joy in taking care of oneself and freedom in experimenting with style, look and how we present ourselves to the world. There is care in the hands of the person helping us become another version of ourselves. 

 It may not seem like much, but these themes are very close to my heart, the mundane joys that connect us all may be what will save us in the end.