Working with these buildings as subject matter offers unexpected challenges. These are privately owned operations, so there’s a bit of skepticism and suspicion that follows me around when I am collecting new material. Today I was approached by one such owner, initially pointing out that taking pictures of his business was not appreciated. He actually turned out to be a nice guy, who seemed to relax when I explained what I was doing. Of course, it’s hard to explain how an old laundromat (in this case) suffering from cosmetic neglect was a viable topic for art, but I think he decided that was my business. He may have even been flattered, if a little befuddled. Here’s the interesting part; it turns out that part or all of his concern centers around surveying and redeveloping. He doesn’t want to lose his livelihood to another condominium. THAT’S not good, but I was able to connect in some way with him. After all, whatever reasoning I put behind using this area as subject, there is always the underlying notion that it’s changing at a mind-boggling pace. Similar to a fruit still life, these things are temporal, and the end of their existence is near. To my new friend, the danger manifests itself very differently. But we could both acknowledge the bitter reality of change.
Not to wax poetic on it too long. After all, he simply would’ve rather me not taken pictures of his building and hung out in his parking lot on my bike. That’s cool with me. So to you, Mr. Laundromat man, I dedicate today’s post.
The Laundromat! Could there be a more tired subject for urban painting? That’s debatable, but my primary concern is not the retro quality of the place, but rather the present shapes of the building and it’s graphic accents. Preliminary sketch submitted for your review.
