Kites in Flight: Tampa International Airport

 

The question I’m asked most is, “how did you get your art in the airport?” The answer is simple… persistence. The foundation for this project, officially installed in April 2006, was laid in the year 2000 with my first public art entry in the Tour of Turtles. For this project, I covered a 6-foot tall, 6-foot diameter freestanding fiberglass turtle form, with glass mosaic. The project was very successful and paved the way for future public art displays. Since that time I’ve participated in more than a dozen public art projects sponsored by different organizations locally, regionally and nationally. The more I’ve participated, the fewer guidelines and restrictions I’ve been given by the host organizations. I have used these opportunities to experiment and to have fun! I pushed myself every time to do something different than I have before. Yet, I developed a certain style of working that people could recognize as mine. I never look at a new project in terms of ‘will the artist fee cover the cost,’ because it never does. Instead, I look to see where this project will take my art. How many new people can I reach and what new doors will this project open? A 6 foot tall, 6-foot diameter, stained glass covered manatee displayed at International Mall with my name on it, is far more memorable than a display ad that reads, ‘Mosaic.’ Thus, the momentum began to build, doors were opened and I was asked to create the kites for the airport.

 

My advice to anyone wanting to do public art is simply this; just do it! Seek out opportunities. You’re creative, find a way to participate. Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Be easy to work with, respectful of deadlines and above all, show your best work. Sure, you may be told to ‘go fly a kite,’ but maybe you’ll be lucky enough to be commissioned to makes some!

Next time: Flourish

Thanks for stopping by.        

Lisa

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