Collecting Experiences Project @ Makeshift Society Brooklyn
I am really excited about the next few months. Makeshift Society Brooklyn has given me a residency which runs from now through August 2014. This means a project that I have been dreaming up for the past six months actually has a home and dedicated time to see it through. I couldn't be more happy right now. Makeshift Society is a community of small business owners, freelancers, and makers with two clubhouses, one is San Francisco, and a brand new one in Brooklyn. Its a super supportive organization that provides space, time with like minded people, classes, and connections with job opportunities. For me this residency is a chance to do something bigger than myself and connect with awesome people.
So what's the project?
A series of 200 small paintings (2 x 3 inches) to be exchanged for personal responses (written or visual). The paintings themselves are personal collections of visual data, colors, textures, and patterns I see around me everyday, and wish to explore further. They are a sort-of record of my life experience and I’m hoping to see the ways they intersect with other peoples lives and experiences. I’d like to know why someone chose a particular piece, if it sparks a memory or an emotion...If there are stories to be told, I want to hear them. While the paintings alone are my side of the story the project will be a shared narrative.
The exchange will take place towards the end of my residency at Makeshift Society Brooklyn. Every letter, story, or original object will be photographed and appear here alongside the painting it was traded for.
My goal is to connect with others using my artwork as a catalyst. The project will create a platform to share and meet new people acting almost like an ice breaker at a party. Hopefully resulting in a shared sense of pride and ownership.
As I go all the paintings will be posted here as well as notes on the project and how it's proceeding.