"Aren't you sad when your art washes away?"

"Aren't you sad when your art washes away?"

No, I am not sad when my art washes away in the rain. In fact, my art would be much harder to create if it didn’t.

Permanent graffiti is illegal almost everywhere, so if my chalk art was permanent I wouldn’t be casually creating it out on the street in broad daylight. Even if I managed to elude the authorities, the knowledge that the owner of whatever surface I use will be annoyed to find their property altered without their permission is enough to dissuade me from being a graffiti artist. On the other hand, temporary chalk marks are legal in the public spaces where I live, and even if someone were to disapprove, I could remedy the problem with a quick swipe of a rag or a spilled cup of coffee. 

Even an official commissioned mural is more difficult and less therapeutic than a temporary chalk drawing because the process for murals is less spontaneous and the result more scrutinized. There are permissions to be obtained, preparations to be made, and careful procedures to be followed to ensure that the “permanent” art doesn’t fall apart when exposed to the elements.

By contrast, a chalk drawing can be completed on the same afternoon as its inspiration – or not finished at all, on the whims of the artist – and since it is not intended to persist, its destruction at the hands of wind and rain is an intentional choice rather than a tragedy.

chalk drawing of an elephant holding an umbrella over a mouse
"Foul Weather Friend" - chalk on stepping stone, photographed one minute before a downpour washed the image away.


 

 This is the truest reason why I’m not upset that my street drawings can’t be preserved: preservation is not the fun part. I know dozens of traditional artists who spend only half of their professional time painting canvases because the rest of their attention is taken up by framing, storing, shipping, hanging, and otherwise handling the canvases they’ve already painted. These actions are crucial to making a living and/or impact in the world of Art, but they are inconsequential on a grand scale compared to the act of creation itself. When my creative efforts are stuck to the sidewalk, I'm not obliged to frame them, store them, ship them, or hang them anywhere. I get to walk away with the simple satisfaction of having added something to the world that wasn’t there yesterday. If it's not there tomorrow, then its momentary existence will only become more ephemeral.

Don’t get me wrong: preservation is a very important goal in many parts of our lives. But one thing my childlike glee and my spiritual calm have in common is a happy disregard for consequences.

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11 comments

Thank you very much for your explanation of your art. It still makes me sad that your beautiful creations can leave us so fast but, I’m glad l have the pleasure of seeing them appear from the chalks in your hand. Your gift is much enjoyed. 👏🏽👏🏽☘💚

Mary McCàrthy

Ok, I sort of understand why you do what you do, but have you ever thought about taking a picture of your art and then printing cards of them for us to purchase? They would be awesome to send to family and friends with just a note from us to write to them. Your art touches the heart.

Katherine Richens

Love your art. You are so talented. Also love your philosophies. X

Patricia Clinton

This is the most beautiful explanation of your work, and the beauty of temporary art …. For the joy of All… INCLUDING the artist. You’re something special, my friend.

Cheryl Sowl

Your work and the posts bring a lot of joy in the dark days of Trump’s administration. Thank you so much!

Deborah Gordon-Brown

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