My Street Art on a Berkeley Utility Box

The City of Berkeley has decorated their utility boxes with art through a program called Street's Alive. The only requirement is the theme had to have something to do with "sustainability."Me and my friend Marie both were awarded grants to do this. (Yes, you've heard Marie before  when we painted fire hydrants). The only requirement is the theme had to have something to do with "sustainability."

 It goes to show you, if you just APPLY to art call-outs, you will get them!

Here are the results:

TITLE: Four Contemplations

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This art is actually a thin film that was digitally generated from the art. It is then glued onto the box.  

It is easier to clean, the art is protected, and it can be regenerated in case of damage.

 

View of street, intersection of University Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Right across from Trader Joe's  (in the background)! 

ARTIST STATEMENT (We were asked to write one)

If we could see the end result of every small action we take everyday, our entire world would change. This is because our behavior would change. This is why I like to use words in my art: so that we can reflect on our actions, even if it is just for one second.
I put four contemplations in four directions on my box, to greet four types of people at a busy intersection:

• "Be Mindful" is for the pedestrian approaching the intersection, to remind them that even simple tasks are best done with great attention.
• "Be Courageous" is for cyclists and drivers waiting at the stop signal, who might be distracted by challenges they are facing.
• "Be a Steward of the Earth" is for the lingerer who might stop to look at the art, and wants to think more carefully about their actions and why they matter.
• "You Can Make a Difference" is for the pedestrian who just finished crossing the street, who now can leap forward with confidence.

(photos by Peter Mui)