PaintBox Artist: Larry Pierce
Larry Pierce was born in the Bronx, New York on February 9, 1949. After graduating from the High School of Art and Design, he did a brief stint in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1969 as a Photographer’s Mate. He began formal studies at the School of Visual Arts in NY and was graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA). He taught Head Start and EHS preschool children at the Dimock Center (Roxbury, MA), for 8 years, taught art at the Smart Kids after school program, and wrote the curriculum for the children’s arts program, “Art for Life”. He is currently an Artist in Residence at the Sustainability Guild of Dorchester, MA, and is currently working with Ekua Holmes for MassArt’s sparc! the ArtMobile program and CACP to create paintings on electrical boxes in Roxbury’s Grove Hall.
I don’t really know. I’ve always had a compulsion to follow my muse, even though it’s been rough at times. Since I retired from teaching, I can devote myself to being a full-time artist. And I find that the time I have now is exhilarating and fulfilling.
What are some people, events, topics that inspire your work?
My friend, Sam Bogues, once told me, “I don’t want to be around people who want to dance, I want to be around people who have to dance!” That’s how I feel about art.
What type of art do you make and how will this project be different or similar?
Lately, I’ve been leaning more towards politics and social commentary. I chose the site of these two electrical boxes that stand right outside of Muhammad’s Mosque in Grove Hall as a way of letting people know how much we appreciate the positive example that the brothers and sisters of the Nation set for our community. I’ve received very enthusiastic encouragement from passersby, and I was honored this past Sunday by members of the Mosque where I was invited to speak by Minister Rodney.
What do you think is the purpose of public art?
While I was working on the Mosque paintings, I had people stopping by and giving me the high sign and honking their horns in appreciation. That’s the value of good public art. When people stop in their tracks and contemplate what you’ve done, it brings a satisfaction that makes me feel proud and humble.
Are you familiar with the Blue Hill Avenue community? If yes, how so?
Being from New York, I have always been impressed by the history that surrounds every neighborhood in Boston. Governor Patrick once said that this is where the country began! There is a road marker carved in stone right across the street from where I’m working that is dated 1735. I’m also glad to witness the remarkable comeback the Grove Hall neighborhoods are making, and I am honored to be a part of making it beautiful again.
What message are you trying to send to this community with your paint boxes?
I’m always impressed by how much people love art, and how enthusiastic they are to see it in their neighborhoods. I get so depressed to see the little shrines that surround street lamps with Teddy Bears and little flowers, indicating that some unfortunate young person has lost his life. I want to see those replaced with beauty and a promise of a brighter and more peaceful future.
