Getting the commission of this Harvard Ave Utility Box was a great success for me. It is my first public art commission since moving to Boston. I’ve already done four murals in Maine (here and here), but I was hoping to get more opportunities in Boston. This is especially true since I live in Allston, which people know for street art.
That turned out to be difficult at first. Yes, there are more opportunities and certainly one doesn’t have to convince people as much on the value of public art because it is a part of the landscape here. There is, however, a lot more competition. This means not only more artists, but more skilled artists, too.
This project came with a lot of work, and a lot of networking. Of course, they rejected my application last fall, even though I had had strong conversations with the folks at Economic Development in Brookline. I felt my application was strong. It wasn’t until the spring, when I was awarded this project, that I was told I was the first back-up if any of last fall’s artists didn’t work out. Not as bad as I had initially believed.
It turns out the art committee in Brookline loved my work. For whatever reason, they just chose someone else last fall. In fact, they loved my work so much that I’m on the roster to do larger murals in the future. That’s another story, but I’m satisfied at this point to get this commission.
The Brookline Art Makes Community (BAMC) required I submit some studies, but in short, they really liked what I proposed. The only thing was that they asked me to choose subject matter that represented the neighborhood between Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. As a result, I chose the S.S. Pierce building that dominates Coolidge Corner itself and the United Parish Church that’s a block away from the Harvard Ave Utility Box. I filled the rest of the box with the colors of nature and the sky.
Feedback is Great!
One of the great things that happened to me while painting was the public feedback I got from passers-by. Many people who live in the area stopped to talk to me as I progressed. Some shouted words of encouragement as they passed by. Others stopped to ask questions or to make comments. Quite a few simply said thank you.
Everyone was positive, however, and that’s great. It’s nice to know when people are happy about public art and seeing their neighborhoods brighten up. But just as important to note, I don’t do this for the ego boost. Hearing words of encouragement is actually a strong critical step toward understanding what you’re doing is resonating.
This may sound arrogant, but I know the work is good. I know it’s good for a few reasons. First of all, I’ve had multiple commissions from public entities, including two towns and one state. Secondly, I’ve never had bad feedback, so I know this style works. What I mean is that I don’t need to hear good words to make me feel better. I need to hear good words to see if the public likes it or not. If not, then I need to make a change.
Yes, it’s true that people are more likely to be positive than negative in this sense. Very few people have the guts to tell an artist to his/her/their face that the work is terrible. But you’d be surprised that it happens more often than you think. The vast majority of the negative feedback I’ve received is more that they just don’t like the style, and that’s OK. I can’t please everyone. The goal is to create something that people will enjoy, for the most part. Once I stray into the territory of negative feedback, I know I have to pivot. So far, however, I haven’t needed to.
I’m grateful for the Town of Brookline for the commission and the funding. Thank you very much. This helps not only my CV, but my confidence, too, as I navigate a highly competitive field of public artists. Next step…more and bigger murals!
