Because I sold-out of everything on Saturday. And with not enough time to make anything Saturday night because I had an opening to attend. I decided to bring my studio to the streets and make some new pieces there. Right away, Sunday was looking to be a good day. Plus, people really enjoyed seeing the process of how I make my art. By mid-day I had already surpassed Saturdays sales and was almost selling them faster than I could make them. People seemed to be more relaxed and talkative. I was constantly getting kind words of encouragement.
And after three days, I was beginning to get familiar with who the artists and gallery owners were that were exhibiting at Art Chicago in the Merchandise Mart. You could tell because when they went to lunch, grab coffee or make runs to the liquor store I'd get these screwface looks of disdain or jealousy. Probably, because here I was in the open sunshine, blasting my tunes, smoking cheap hand rolled cigarettes and selling my ar
t and I didn't have to pay a dime to do it. Poor Bastards.
But more than anything, I really appreciate all of the new friends I made, the candid stories people shared with me concerning their lives and the positive feedback I got. Selling my art on the streets of Chicago allows me to get a real sense of whats going on and allows me to reflect that in my work. It colors a realness to my art which is formed from the vibes and energy I digest from the pulse of our great city and those that walk it's streets. From the poor, the insane, the rich, black, white, gay or straight, everyones individual perspective is as important to me as the air I breath. And for that I feel very lucky and honored.
But the hardest part, is not being able to go the bathroom whenever I want. Saturday I went five hours without peeing. That's gotta be a record. When I finally was able to go, I nearly wet myself just thinking about relieving my kidney's. I left a little quarter spot on my pants in anticipation. I hadn't done that since I was a kid. Very humbling.
But with the sun blaring down on me and the constant moving around and talking, I needed to monitor my water intake because if not -- I'd have to go to the bathroom every hour. So, I felt like I was repeatedly on the verge of dehydration. And add to that, the paint fumes and the constant rumble of the elevated trains, it all paints a surreal memory of last weekend. But thankfully my wife would stop by and bring me food and watch my stuff so I could take a bathroom break. Another benefit of her presence was sales would increase when people saw that my wife was pregnant. I've tried to convince her to come with me full-time but she called bullshit on that. Oh well.
"Pink Betty" 16 inches by 16 inches Spray Enamel
"Hockney's Pool#2" 16 inches by 16 inches Spray Enamel
"Mayhem" 16 inches by 16 inches Spray Enamel
"Flowers For Josephine#2" 16 inches by 16 inches Spray Enamel
"Ode To Chicago #2" 18 inches by 16 inches Spray Enamel
"Jimmy Clean" 16 inches by 16 inches Spray Enamel
"It's In The Eyes" 16 inches by 16 inches Spray Enamel
"Everything Is Sugar Free" 16 inches by 16 inches" Spray Enamel
"Beast Quotes Celine" 16 inches by 18 inches Mixed Media
t and I didn't have to pay a dime to do it. Poor Bastards.
First thing Saturday morning I set up at the bridge on Wells and Wacker. But there was very little foot traffic. I noticed a block west looked a little more heavily traveled so I moved over there. But when I got there, nothing. Once at my new position I noticed my last spot began to get a constant stream of people. It was like being at a check-out line and no matter which one you pick, it'll always be the wrong one. It didn't matter because the wind was getting a bit treacherous and I decided to go back to where I was on Friday, at Wells and Hubbard. Bu
t before I left, I was able to sneak a picture of the local legend "The Walking Dude" in his natural habitat.
general, Saturday was much more subdued than Friday. I think with the Cubs game in the afternoon. The Blackhawks and Bulls both in play-offs games later that day, business was slow. At least not as good as Friday. I did manage to sell out of everything but it took 9 hours.
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