Townsend:
As many probably know, I opted for the Awesome™ Project to
pursue Dean’s public art wall idea. The art walls would not only be highly
visible to the surrounding communities and give an outlet to the many people
who have the desire to create, but also act as a containment measure against
local graffiti. I feel that I gravitate more towards this idea as opposed to the library
boxes simply because if someone has the desire to read a book there is no
barriers for them to seek out their passion, but an individual who wants to
create public art faces much greater risks. What this means is that the library
boxes wouldn’t be necessary to people who want to read, but an art wall is
exactly what public artists need to hone their craft and show off their creativity. Permitting would be an issue for both ideas, but an art wall just needs the
consent of a building owner while library boxes would require government access
for bus stations or sidewalks. We are moving into a digital age in terms of
literature, making this idea of paper books in boxes appear out of date. A physical art wall will last for years and years, and has the potential to become a local cultural monument.
Lucas:
I voted for Rachel’s library box from the beginning. The ingenuity involved in her proposal clearly came from a place of passion. These boxes do not represent a solution to illiteracy nor will they make every Angeleno put down her or his device; however, each book represents a chance for inspiration. A chance for one person’s eye to catch the bright colored binding of a book and be provoked to pick it up. A chance to change that one person. One person is not the far-reaching impact the Awesome foundation has in mind, but that is just the paradoxical point that makes this book-sharing idea worthwhile. Books are inherently personal. They attempt to connect with the reader on an individual level. With this idea, however, Rachel has taken that personal connection and broadcasted it city-wide, using the metro rails as her airwaves. I urge each one of us to consider how many people this idea has the power to change.
While keeping in mind thoughtfully considering others' opinions, state your position to debate and discuss the merits of the idea you stand behind. There are no limits to how many comments you may post, so feel free to come back to and respond in a way which will further our understanding.
In our preliminary, top 3 vote, I voted for the art wall and not the library boxes. The art wall idea seemed more appealing and simply more awesome. My opinion quickly swayed when we began discussing each top project individually when Joey brought up that there had already been functional Library boxes in use all around. However by the end of the discussion I was back to my original liking of the art wall for its unsurpassed creativity and my realization that it would be easier to accomplish, and would have more impact, and overall more interaction. Consider the personal experience that would be involved in both ideas: The library boxes would allow me to pick up a random book out of a few choices and maybe read it for a bit. I would then return the book and pick another on a different day. That's basically it. Yes it is an interesting idea but I do feel that it does not exemplify the spirit of the awesome project as well as the art wall(s) does. Imagine going alone or with friends for a day to visit a nearly blank canvas of permanent property. YOu are given the opportunity to physically make a mark on your city, with no repercussions. I'm not sure about others, but this would have been my dream as a kid. To be able to paint on the walls, sharpie something on the desk, or make a mark without consequences? This project gives the opportunity for free, displayed, and public expression of a personal message. The same cannot be said about the library boxes.
ReplyDeleteI love both projects– both are awesome. However, my vote is for the art wall. Perhaps I am swayed towards the art wall because I am an artist myself and have a passion for it. It has more of a sense of creativity and freedom to it with comparison to the library boxes.
ReplyDeleteI am annoyed that our class in our discussion on wednesday was so disjointed and almost angry. Not everyone got to speak, and the vote meant nothing in the end.
My other concern is that people are leaning towards the library boxes simply because they believe that Rachael is more reliable than Dean, or that they would rather see someone younger receive the money instead of someone about to go off to college because it will mean more. THE PROJECT ISNT ABOUT THE INDIVIDUAL WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY, IT IS ABOUT THE IDEA ITSELF. (not yelling– I just want people who scroll past the comments to read it.) So keep this in mind when you are voting for either choice if it is based off of what you feel about the individual who receives the grant.
In the initial vote, I did not vote for the art wall simply because it seemed to ambitious to me. I love the idea, but I was incredulous that Dean would actually be able to build a wall and worried that the project would fail. The library box proposal won me over because I didn't have any doubt about it getting done.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I changed my mind after Mr. Donnell interjected that we were focusing too much on how WE would carry out the projects instead of trusting the applicants. Yes, an art wall is crazy. But to me, the art wall is the definition of awesome. It's impactful and very creative. I can picture people of all backgrounds making great use of it. I'm even excited to draw on it. Don't get me wrong, I love the library box idea, and there is great value in it. I like that it promotes reading and education and is a simple (but creative), concrete idea. However, the art wall, while ambitious and a little risky, is not only awesome but really needs the $1000. I'm going with the "go big or go home" mentality at this point. Also, can't you imagine how great the wall could be once it gets set up?
I think that both ideas are awesome and have flaws as well. Dean's idea is awesome and unique, however there are certain issues of how Dean is going to be able to carry out this idea. I know that Townsend, who constantly reminded us, saw that this project is feasible. Initially I find this project to be very unique and awesome I am not sure how successful it will be. The idea of having a blank canvas to allow different people and artist a way to express themselves is unique and very interesting. In addition, I am not sure if we factored the lasting impact of the project. Although the wall will allow people the freedom to express themselves, I feel like it will lose meaning after the wall if filled. Also how is Dean going to keep the canvas an on going project? I am still confused of how he is going to keep the canvas blank for others to express their opinion?
ReplyDeleteFor Rachel's project I think it is very interesting as well. The library boxes are a great way to inspire people to read. I think that the idea of being able to pick up a book when you are on the metro is great. In addition, these books are a great way to be able to take people out of their busy schedules and to stop looking at their phones. Townsend said in class that we are moving towards a more digital lifestyle, which is correct. Personally I love the feel of picking up a book, to be able to physically hold someone's work. It gives me a sense of ownership. I think it would be said to hear someone say "I have never picked up a book(I understand that it highly unlikely for someone to say that, but if we are moving towards a technological run world, then books and other things are going to slowly be discontinued)." As some people have said that they believe that this project can be carried out without the $1000, I am not to sure. As of right now I am torn between the two projects.
I was really into the art wall idea until I heard about the library boxes. I love looking at graffiti and murals through out the city, however, I think the library box is a better use of the grant. My decision also has nothing to do with the individuals behind these projects. Yes, it would be exciting to drive by one of these walls and see the impact it has on this city, but I think the library box can also have a great impact. Art is great and I think people should have the opportunity to publicly display their work, but I also think education is extremely important. If we were to put library boxes at different stations, it would encourage everyone to pick up a book and just read. I don't think everyone is really given that opportunity. The boxes will hopefully draw their eyes away from their screen and present people with more positive things other than what someone might come across on various social network platforms.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day both are great ideas and will in some way make LA more awesome.
Firstly, I should probably say that I am in favor of the art wall project. Second, I wanted to address a couple of things that frustrated me on Wednesday. Many people used the argument that this or that project has been done before, somehow discrediting the idea from being considered here. Both of these projects have been done before so the point is moot. I was also frustrated by those who seemed to put more emphasis on someones character and ability to complete the project than the actual contents of the proposal itself. As evaluators, we are supposed to find the most awesome project, not take a shot in the dark and make assumptions on whether someone may or may not in our opinion be able to do their project.
ReplyDeleteIn short, I find the art wall project to simply be filling a more pressing need. Books are already becoming digitized, and if someone wants to read a book for free, public libraries are easily accessed in every single city in the United States. Books are free, walls are not. Being able to do art in a public space is just something we as citizens are not really allowed to do. This is why I find the art wall project so "awesome". It fills a real need instead of just making finding a book slightly more convenient (assuming the books haven't been stolen or boxes defaced by this point in time). Both projects are really cool but if we have to choose one, the art wall just seems to fit the criteria for what we are judging by better.
The reason I am in favor of the library boxes is because of the constant interaction with the installation. The idea promotes education and kindness as well because its about giving as well as receiving (taking). Although one can interact with the wall, the library boxes is a constant interaction. I like the idea that one book can start at a bus stop in Pasadena and end up at another bus stop in Echo Park or a metro station downtown or someones house in Hollywood. It's a cute idea with a lot of support.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I think both ideas are great. However, I am swayed by the art wall, since it is truer to the Awesome Project. The library boxes are something that the city could benefit from, yet it lacks the certain spark this project needs; it sounds more like a Girl Scout project than an "Awesome Project". Jojo is right: it's a "cute" idea. It is super simple and straightforward, but it lacks originality (based off the fact that there library boxes in place already--where Rachel got her idea). Contrary to Lucas' point, I don't see much passion behind this project. She had two ideas to begin with, and when Mia and I interviewed her about this one, she did not seem incredibly excited or invested. On the other hand, Dean is very invested in this idea; it was his junior speech last year. Personally, it is something I have imagined in times of boredom, thinking, "How awesome would it be to have a public art wall?" To have the opportunity now to make that come to fruition is very unique, even once-in-a-lifetime.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think the art wall has a lot more cons as compared to the library boxes. We discussed how the chosen idea should be able to last more than one use, and if you think about it, once the art wall is blanketed in a bunch of individuals doodles and paintings, there will be nothing left to do apart from admire--until time passes and defacement takes place of the artwork. An art wall doesn't necessarily seem like it brings a community together, rather it lets people express themselves without educating anyone else. Library boxes could expand to something bigger and I know that I will donate books to keep the operation going whereas the art wall would just cost more money to replace/to paint over (if too much graffiti covered it). But to keep replacing it would take a lot of effort and our class along with Dean would have to be willing. The library boxes really teach people responsibility and open up easily accessible entertainment for a wider audience and a wider location. It seems to be that the art wall is more projected towards those who have the privilege to drive there and the artistic skills that are assumed to be had, and I doubt daily bus riders would even hear about the wall in the first place. All I'm saying is that I thought that we wanted to choose a plan that would involve the whole city and although I was a fan of the art wall originally, now I believe that only certain people will be able to participate and those people aren't learning much from the experience and only getting to amuse themselves for a certain amount of time. Books keep getting published and will constantly change and constantly affect the people who read them. I love Rachel's idea!!!!!
DeleteI think that I should probably start by complimenting Lucas and Townsend on their masterful job at making this discussion a part of the roundup tomorrow. We need this time...
ReplyDeleteFirst, though, I still think that the trash idea is our best proposal (by far). It is well thought out, the applicants are clearly passionate (it was our longest application by at least 3x), and there is a clear roll out plan to start in schools, build out, and eventually become a companion project to the mayor's preexisting one. There is a mascot and a domain name--this project is a step ahead of every other one. And to those who say that it's not awesome because nobody cares about trash...maybe that's the point. It is to make you (and more importantly, the young kids in elementary school right now) more mindful about picking up trash, and in the end, make trash collection a habit. That's awesome.
To the library box/art wall debate: I feel that the art wall would be a better investment of our money. Partly because I talked with Dean about this for a pretty long time, and he wants to emphasize that he doesn't care as much about how the public art space comes to be; he just cares that a public art space exists and he wants to facilitate it. He thinks that a wall would be the best way to do it, but I'm not even sure that he is committed to that. Whether it would be building a space, buying a space, or asking property owners for their space, Dean has no limitations to how he rolls out his project, which really is an answer to my only issue with his project. Furthermore, an art wall is just more awesome than a library box. The boxes will quickly become disheveled and get defaced, the books will disappear or decrease in quality, and they are already littered throughout the city. It is a cool idea to put them in metro stations, but this may even be impossible because who knows if the MTA would be on board with the idea--and if they're not, this project would be dead in the water. An art wall would be a creative addition to the city, which, contrary to Annie's point, would be painted over when it got too full (or at least it could be--that's up to Dean). People could express themselves freely, crime could potentially go down, and everyone would be able to enjoy the wall greatly. The boxes are small, ineffectual, and could be a complete disaster. Plus, if the boxes aren't great boxes themselves, this project won't work because nobody would respect them.
I hope that we can look at the trash idea again. Awesome includes trash, and I think that people struggle to wrap their heads around that. If not, art wall all the way.
I'm still amazed that the Diversity Day got such few votes. I understand that the project needs to be more permanent, but nonetheless it is a great opportunity to solve the issues that we discuss so much in class. THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY! We always talk criticize our school of not focusing on diversity, but when an idea like Diversity Day presents itself to us, we shy away.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes there is definitely some bias in my opinion about diversity day, but rightfully so. I know that this would not have physical permanence but it would have physiological permanence. To tell you the truth I was close to tearing up in class because of the low amount of votes Diversity Day received. As a minority, I took it personally, even though one can argue that it was not necessary.
But I have sort of moved on and I want to focus on the projects at hand. I don't feel like the wall is work the risk simply because there is such a fine line between success and failure. I still don't fully understand some of the logistics and they keep changing. It seems as though we are making these changes without Dean as well so I believe that the library box is a better idea.
I'm glad that we have two super wonderful ideas, and that now we have to have a passionate debate over which gets the money. Because they are so different, and I love both, I don't have a stronger affinity for either. For me, which ever comes out the victor I will be okay with. I hope that once one is chosen, everyone in the class will agree in harmony. I know that's kinda hard to do, but it's important to see all sides of the projects and find a collaborative consensus.
ReplyDeleteI think what we should focus on is creating a space for everyone in the dialogue. If we are not allowing everyone to speak, we are not capitalizing on the insight that everyone is capable of contributing. If we focus on the process, on the way we communicate, then the decision will follow, the best possible decision will follow. Everyone must do more than cast their vote. They must voice their reasoning and their justification. Otherwise an unfounded opinion and an insightful one receive the same value.
ReplyDelete