Journal Postings: Mark Reigelman II
| (02/05/07): So far...Thank you | | Other people/organizations that have assisted in finding potential sites include:
CreativeTime,
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council,
Wexler Studio,
Cleveland Public Art,
Designfenzider, and
Saul Ostrow.
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| (02/05/07): So far...Thank you | | Other people/organizations that have assisted in finding potential sites include:
CreativeTime,
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council,
Wexler Studio,
Cleveland Public Art,
Designfenzider, and
Saul Ostrow.
Image: Thank you in sign language. |
| (02/05/07): So far... Thank You |  Image: Thank you in sign language |
| (02/05/07): NYC Public Art |  But there still is one organization that I have yet to mention. A exerpt from their mission statement, “The Public Art Fund is New York's leading presenter of artists' projects, new commissions, and exhibitions in public spaces. For over 25 years the Public Art Fund has been committed to working with emerging and established artists to produce innovative exhibitions of contemporary art for neighborhoods throughout New York City. By bringing artworks outside the traditional context of museums and galleries, the Public Art Fund provides increased access to the art of our time -dismantling any barriers to the accessibility of contemporary art - and provides artists with a unique opportunity to expand their artistic practice.” When I first discovered The Public Art Fund (thanks Greg Peckham) and read their mission statement I was convinced that this program would be able and willing to assist in some manner with the “Stair Square” project. It turns out , unfortunately, that the director of the program Rochelle Steiner, responded with a tone very differently from their mission statement. She was not committed or willing to work with an emerging artist in order to produce an innovative exhibition. She would not meet with me for a short conversation and refused to assist me in any way. Even after I had flowers and chocolates delivered to her office (thank you Angelo) she still refused to assist with the project. What kind of human being turns down a flower and chocolate bribe? Sadly, this exchange has left my thinking very negatively of the Public Art Fund and NYC public art process as a whole. Image: The look of a human when they receive flowers and chocolates. |
| (02/05/07): Today, |  I am currently working with Clare Weiss, the Public Art Coordinator for the NYC Parks and Recreation Dept, attempting to realize the "Stair Square" project at Borough Hall in Brooklyn. |
| (02/04/07): Research |  The project began as a research project of public seating in NYC. After documenting various forms I was most inspired by the impromptu seating taking place on steps. It was this research of step-sitting that led me the Metropolitan Museum of Art where these qualities seemed magnified. It was this location, with its exaggerated qualities and inherent relationship to art and design that continued to inspire and direct the development and ultimate outcome of this project.
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| (02/04/07): "Stair Square" Goals |  Step-sitting is a large part of NYC urban life and landscape, whether it is to catch up on old times with a friend, catch some sun, or catch your breath, NYC public steps are always there for the occasion. My project, later titled “Stair Square”, attempts to take part in this stairway interaction. It not only exposes this aspect of urban culture, but celebrates it. It acts a table between two people gently nestled into the historic steps, while also acting as a seat for those watching the street shows below. Sometimes, however, the ‘squares’ act only as a reminder of the following days exchanges by brightly littering the stairs. The “Stair Square” project recognizes and applauds these marginal public spaces but more importantly promotes and facilitates public interaction. |
| (02/04/07): Museum Images |  The Cleveland Museum of Art with "Stair Squares" Day
The Cleveland Musuem of Art with "Stair Squares" Night
Computer Rendorings: Chris Neuman www.cneuman.com |
| (02/04/07): Sketching |  After the research portion of my project was completed I began designing. I realized right away that the design needed to be bright and sleek in order to contrast the steps in which they would be placed. I also wanted the design to carry with it a high level of site-specificity; size, color, finish, and number were all determined based
on the site. The end result was extremely simple, a hollow cube with a missing corner, a “Stair Square”. The “Stair Squares” takes visual cues from steps while consisting of materials opposite their counterpart.
Image: "Stair Square" sketches |
| (02/04/07): Computer Modeling |  Once the design was roughly completed through sketching computer models were then created. This enabled me to understand the object three-dimensionally without having to spend unnecessary time and money prototyping. It was in this stage that many details are worked out such as radiuses, finishes, scales, and material combinations. After the initial modeling, which was intended only for me and potential manufacturers, I went to presentation modeling. With the help of good friend and colleague Chris Neuman the potential installation and design came to life. Through digital 3d lighting and environment building we were able to put the “Stair Squares” into a space that showed its true potential as a piece. These images also became essential when it was time to present this concept as developed installation proposal. |
| (02/04/07): Computer Modeling Cont. |  "Stair Square" images 1 and 2. Created by Mark A. Reigelman II and Chris Neuman. |
| (02/04/07): Prototype Development |  It was then time for full scale prototypes. I searched around the country for a company that was willing and capable of producing these pieces, luckily, I found a place close to home. I have been working very closely with a Tool and Die shop in Avon Lake Ohio, Hashier and Hashier Mfg. Inc.. This company is a family owned Tool and Die shop specializing in metal applications and willing to assist in the prototype design, development, and production of the “Stair Squares”. It was in their Avon Lake shop that a small team led by Paul Hashier worked with me, first on my design and then on fabrication. Although the “Square” went through dozens of failed prototypes, the final design and fabrication techniques came rather quickly. The final prototype is very simple consisting of a powder coated steel body, aluminum feet, and Teflon-plastic composite pads acting as self levelers. In a matter of only months we went from computer images to a final full scale working prototype. After fabrication details were organized it was time to focus my efforts on retrieving a site for installation.
Image: Project Manager, Paul Hashier |
| (02/04/07): Prototype Development Cont. |  Image: Paul Hashier with Industrial Metal shear which measured and cut all metal for the "Stair Square" prototypes. |
| (02/04/07): Prototype Development Cont. |  Image: Paul Hashier with Industrial hydraulic press break use to perform all bend required for the "Stair Square" prototypes. www.hashiermfg.com/Default.htm |
| (02/04/07): Prototype |  Image: "Stair Square" full scale prototype |
| (02/04/07): Prototype |  Image error. Image: "Stair Square" full scale prototype |
| (02/04/07): Prototype |  Image: "Stair Square" full scale prototype |
| (02/04/07): Prototype |  Image: "Stair Square" full scale prototype |
| (02/04/07): Christo and Jeanne-Claude |  With design and production issues resolved, it was time to find a suitable site for the installation, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. I thought since I was planning a fairly large installation I should get some tips from the most talented in the field of public art, Christo and Jeanne-Claude. They happened to be performing/speaking at Severance Hall in Cleveland Ohio around the time I was preparing my proposal so I made a point to attend. They discussed various parts of their process, from materials to finances however, I needed a more intimate conversation. After the show I waited around until they came out, then I walked up to them and simply asked for their personal assistance. We sat down right there and I briefly went through the project and emphasizing my need for the Met. --Yeah, I know, it is hard to believe.-- I sat and had a conversation with the most famous installers of public art about my “Stair Square” project. AMAZING! Since they do not believe in emails or phones they gave me their personal fax number and over the next seven days we exchanged faxes until they connected me with the chief curator at the Met, whom they talked to personally about my project. Yes, believe it. I was personally (I am over using this word I know) referred to by Christo and Jeanne-Claude to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. That is how I was initially connected to the Met. For the next several months I gave many presentations to various members, directors, and curators at the museum. With Christo on my side I was sure that this proposal process would end positively. Unfortunately, it did not. After months of email exchanges and presentations they declined the “Stair Square” proposal stating, “constructing such an installation on our main steps is simply not feasible given the number of visitors we welcome each day and the fire and safety concerns that come along with such large numbers." Sigh. I have yet to think of a strategy that would convince the Met to go along with the short term installation so I have been searching NYC for other potential sites. |
| (02/04/07): Greg Peckham |  My journey searching for a new potential site has led to many great conversations with interesting talented people. Although I still am looking for a site, it has been the help of many great people that has moved this project along continuously in forward direction. I have been assisted by designers such as Ron Gilad, Allan Wexler, and Dror Benshetrit and artists like Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The most helpful person in this project however has been a good friend and colleague, Greg Peckham. Greg Peckham is the director of the Cleveland Public Art program in Cleveland OH. Greg has been there at every turn to give me gentle nudges and subtle directions while having the ability to know exactly what to say to keep me motivated and positive. He also has never declined my requesting of favors; a personal email to the New York Public Library, finding information, or simply letting me use his status as leverage. Greg is a person that cares and is committed to public art and its positive effects it can have on the surrounding community. Like his artist statement preaches he is “dedicated to improving the quality of life through the highest quality, site-specific public art and creative urban design.” He has truly been my angel, and I can not thank him enough for all of his assistance. When this project happens, and it will, he will be standing right by my side, sharing the accomplishment. |
| (02/04/07): Declined |  Since the decline of my proposal by the Met I have been working with several institutions and companies on the “Stair Square” project. Although they all have showed sincere interest in the project I have been officially declined for various reasons by:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art,
The New York Public Library,
Philadelphia Museum of Art,
Brooklyn Museum of Art,
Jet Blue Terminal: JFK Airport,and
Columbia University.
It has been an incredible learning experience having the opportunity to discuss and present my proposal to such high-profile organizations although the experience would heighten greatly if one of them went along with the proposal.
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| (02/04/07): Decline Cont. |  Other organizations that have yet to return my many emails or phone calls include:
Storefront,
Van Allen,
Architectural League, and
Art Production Fund
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| (01/30/07): From The Top, | | Well, it has been several months since my project was initiated so I thought it was time to look back and put some of my experiences into words. My project was unique among my fellow winners by being a site-specific public art/design installation slated for the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps in the summer of 2007. |
| (11/07/06): Check |  Just checking to see if this works. |
| (11/07/06): checking again, |  mic check. |
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