Wednesday, February 11, 2009

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE



The Aquarium of the Pacific hosted the global Art Miles project. http://www.the-art-miles-mural-project.org/
I helped mentor the painting stations under the whale. The other painting stations were reserved for school and home schooled children, who came with sketches and ideas. I handled walk up children and adults. On the morning canvas I had outlined a herd of sperm whales across the top like a banner with the rest a blank canvas. Kids had fun painting fish and I was there to sketch something if they wanted. In the afternoon, I had pre-sketched images from the Yellow Submarine with a sketch of city pollution draining into the ocean killing animals. More adult participation with and without children. No one was bold enough to paint the Beatles so I will finish painting it and add blue to the ocean areas.

Art Miles will take the 12 miles of painted canvas and copy them to construct a pyramid in Egypt for March 2010 to celebrate the end of this 12 year project. A lot of stories, of people, countries, war, challenges. Something magical happens when children apply paint. The moment belongs to them. Even with the adults. Fun happens.

It was a pleasure being a part of the event. I hope you will click on the link to art miles. There is an upcoming MOCHA event Feb 28 in Oakland, CA.

Coincidence TED was holding its annual conference at the nearby convention center. Sylvia Earle won, amazingly talented oceanographer and passionate environmentalist. Her company manufactures mini submarines so the Yellow Submarine image is a tickle for her to collect. At the aquarium, she gave the speech she gave at TED. When asked what seafood we could ethically eat she named catfish and local Tilapia.


Coml.org
is the site for the Census of Marine Life, an ambitious 10 year data collection project to end 2010 when the second decade begins. 71% of the surface is ocean which produces oxygen in addition to resources which are being depleted at a rate which is become non-renewable. Large fish like tuna, sea bass, are fished before they reproduce.

Graphic art is a prime communication tool to educate the world. I think the Beatles Yellow Submarine with its message of LOVE LOVE LOVE is as valid now as it was in 1968. With love, people will care. They did talk about love when they painted the Yellow Sub canvas.

1 comment:

fredsscratchings said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. It is kind of you to do this. A good way to share your creativity and to encourage others.