SEE THE PROCESS & GET INVOVLED
Here are some steps and tips for creating your own installment. Feel free to adapt the process as you see fit. Don't forget to document your installation and share on our platform!
*If you have not seen the completed example piece, please proceed here and revisit this page after you are finished.
01
Pick your location and story
Choose the spot where you want to install your work. It might be somewhere a historical event unfolded, a place a person has lived, or anywhere that bears a special significance to you. Dive in and research if necessary. Unearth the stories it has left behind and observe its significance in our present world.
To boost interaction, it is best to pick a noticeable spot where foot traffic is high. Document what that location looks like so you can paint your piece accordingly in later steps.
*If installed at certain locations (on a private vs. public property), consider whether your artwork would be removed or disposed. For example, if you choose the side of a home, make sure to contact its owner to confirm.
02
Design your image
After researching and brainstorming the story you want to tell, try to condense it into an image. You can either go with your gut or make intentional choices about the perspective, subject, and style. Who or what is depicted? Is the image cropped and composed of swirling curves like the example on the right? Or is it made out of angular geometric shapes? What does that decision symbolize or convey?
Try to complete multiple sketches before landing on your favorite one.
03
Start with string, scissors and tape
Transfer your sketch onto a piece of rigid paper. Then, gather some string−twine, yarn, fishing wire, whatever that is available to you−and start outlining the pencil marks. You can use glue to secure the string onto the paper first, but it could be done nicely with only tape (like on the left). Press your fingers on either side of the taped string to completely seal the gaps.
04
Cover with gesso or acrylic
To seal off and smooth out the surface, apply multiple layers of acrylic paint or gesso onto the taped surface. I choose white because that was a base color of my photo, but you could pick any color that works for you.
05
Paint your camouflage
Remember the photo you took of your location? Now try to replicate the texture and appearance of the surface where you are going to install this work. Feel free to experiment with different materials that suit your reference. For instance, shiny spray paint or acrylic paint might work best for glossy surfaces, while gouache and chalk markers would work better for matte walls.
06
Make your invitation / label
Create the label you will install next to your work (if you think one is necessary). The examples on the right are invitations to participate in the artwork, but you can draft your own content. Perhaps you want to explain the story or history you are depicting, or maybe you want to give more detailed instructions on how to interact with the work.
07
Install + do not forget the pigment
Install your finished piece and text at your location! You can mount it with foam tape, masking tape--whatever sticks best. Don't forget to keep a pouch of charcoal dust/chalk powder/pigment on the side so viewers can interact and trace the ridges of the work.
Watch as people engage with your story and ideas and add on to your work!
08
Share on our platform
Document your process and final results. Please share your work and thoughts on our platform to help inspire more people. Drop a pin and description on our projects map here.
