**Elevator Art** 2024
One of my favorite projects, which aligns with the concept of "social sculpture," is what I affectionately call "elevator art." This project is also one of the most challenging, as it truly transforms me into a performative artist.
As people step into the elevator, they encounter me and my cart of materials. I extend an invitation for them to share a word that brings a smile to their face. Between floors, I engage in a ritualistic process: pressing a string dipped in ink onto a sheet of white paper, essentially creating a unique piece of artwork. Simultaneously, I recite their chosen word with gusto, adding sound effects like "abracadabra" to convey a touch of magic. For instance, if someone offers the word "MONEY," I might receive "MON-ney" with flair.
Each pull of the string leaves its mark on the paper, resulting in a distinct visual representation of the interaction. Once the process is complete, I hand over the personalized artwork to its creator, emphasizing that their chosen word holds a special kind of magic that brings joy to their life.
This entire interaction can last anywhere from three to ten minutes if only a few individuals participate, to potentially longer if there's lively engagement among the riders. The elevator becomes a shared space of creativity and connection, a transitional space where people not only interact with me but also with each other, exchanging drawings and magical words.
By the time they reach their destination, occupants have experienced something beyond the ordinary elevator ride. They depart not only physically transported but also mentally shifted, carrying with them a reminder of the magic that resides in everyday words and interactions.
One of my favorite projects, which aligns with the concept of "social sculpture," is what I affectionately call "elevator art." This project is also one of the most challenging, as it truly transforms me into a performative artist.
As people step into the elevator, they encounter me and my cart of materials. I extend an invitation for them to share a word that brings a smile to their face. Between floors, I engage in a ritualistic process: pressing a string dipped in ink onto a sheet of white paper, essentially creating a unique piece of artwork. Simultaneously, I recite their chosen word with gusto, adding sound effects like "abracadabra" to convey a touch of magic. For instance, if someone offers the word "MONEY," I might receive "MON-ney" with flair.
Each pull of the string leaves its mark on the paper, resulting in a distinct visual representation of the interaction. Once the process is complete, I hand over the personalized artwork to its creator, emphasizing that their chosen word holds a special kind of magic that brings joy to their life.
This entire interaction can last anywhere from three to ten minutes if only a few individuals participate, to potentially longer if there's lively engagement among the riders. The elevator becomes a shared space of creativity and connection, a transitional space where people not only interact with me but also with each other, exchanging drawings and magical words.
By the time they reach their destination, occupants have experienced something beyond the ordinary elevator ride. They depart not only physically transported but also mentally shifted, carrying with them a reminder of the magic that resides in everyday words and interactions.
