FLOWER GARDEN: ART IN THE LOOP

Flower Garden was a playful, layered installation of colorful acrylic flowers that celebrates creativity and community collaboration. The shapes of the flowers were derived from digital scans of kids’ drawings created at a community art studio in Kansas City. The piece evolved and grew as time went with layers of green vinyl, reflective acrylic shapes, and bright acrylic flowers. The public was invited to install the flowers during a lively public event. It was a great experience interacting with the public and hearing their reactions to the creative process. Some were hesitant to engage, thinking they wouldn’t be good at the activity. Others were very excited to contribute. There were kids being lifted on shoulders to reach the top sections, couples exiting the streetcar pulling the other towards the bright acrylic shapes, and friends snapping selfies as they put their piece onto the shelter. The best part was seeing all the different ways people approached creativity.

 

My goal was to create a piece that celebrated and shared the joy I get from being an artist. I hope the piece reminds someone of a time they were creative and inspires them to be creative in whatever form that takes. This experience has enriched my art practice immensely. Watching the piece take on a life of its own as it spins in the wind or is lit up by streetlights exemplifies the magic of placing art outside for all to see. People have told me the piece is part of their morning commute, others have said they made a family outing specifically to see my art while eating ice cream. I love that I could be a part of a small moment in someone’s life.