Rules of Engagement
Photo by Paul Nestor
When I walk among displays of quality art, whether at a gallery, museum or art fair, the engagement I experience is enough to satisfy my soul and send me home feeling inspired. However, I recognize that many people — especially in this day and age of Pokémon Go — want another layer of interactivity.
The ArtWalk @ Liberty Station, Aug. 13-14, is offering something for us all. I can perambulate the grounds to my heart’s content while others put their efforts into a more communal exercise. To that end, I suggest the following “rules of engagement.”
RULE 1: SUPPLY A FAKE 3-D.
James Yuransky is inviting attendees to co-create a Zedist mural. You don’t need a degree in material science and engineering like James has in order to participate. You don’t even need to know what Zedism is, but it may be helpful: The term coined by James refers to a style of painting in which geometric shapes are mapped onto a canvas in such a way as to create the illusion that they protrude from the surface plane.
RULE 2: MAKE UP A GOOD STORY.
Another interactive opportunity being presented for the first time at the artwalk is Nan Coffey’s “Inclusion Art.” Nan began incorporating the stories of strangers in her paintings a year ago through Facebook. At the artwalk, she will be able to connect with people face to face. Those who stop to chat may have their stories depicted in the work she will be painting on-site.
RULE 3: CATCH SOME RAYS, AVOID OTHERS.
Artist & Craftsman, an art supply store in North Park, will provide materials for the public to create personal masterpieces, placing objects from nature onto sun-sensitive paper to make prints that mimic X-rays without the danger of radiation exposure. They’re also much cheerier, in bright cyan versus clinical gray.
RULE 4: THINK LIKE A MONARCH.
Four painted butterflies will be hidden throughout the artwalk grounds. Find them and Butterfly Effect will donate money to the charity of your choice. You can get clues from the artwalk’s Facebook page. Or you could employ the tactic I often use when I can’t find something like my glasses, to-wit: “If I were a Lepidoptera, where would I hide?” This mental process might be easier if you first step in front of the butterfly wings backdrop intended as a social media photo opp.
RULE 5: CHEW THE FAT.
Whether or not you participate in the above activities, take the opportunity to engage with artists who are displaying their work. You’re guaranteed to enjoy the artwalk all the more if you connect with others.
For more information, visit www.artwalksandiego.org/libertystation.
