Too Much Junk Art in Sebastopol

[pearl g]

I am a big art lover and huge fan of public art. I enjoy the different kinds of sculpture in Sebastopol. But in my opinion there are too many cute, whimsical junk art sculptures all made by the same guy.
These sculptures are funny and colorful. Kids of all ages really get a kick out of them. But why do they keep appearing everywhere? Why do they seem to be permanent? Maybe I would appreciate them more if they were rotated. The artists from Sculpture Jam and other west county artists treat art as something special. This junk art has reached a saturation point. Sebastopol is starting to become identified by this junk art. There are so many talented, humble, sophisticated artists in this county. Very few of them would have the nerve to inundate a community with their work. I find it weird that I can't escape this stuff. It is everywhere.
Keeping ego in check as an artist is difficult. But the aesthetics of a country town should be taken into consideration. I started asking around town and found others with this same opinion.

[irisorchid]

I love Patrick's junk art. He is recycling unwanted things that would just fill up the landfill. I love the whimsical quality and uniqueness of his art and I never tire of seeing it. It makes me feel happy when I see it. Much of public sculpture leaves me cold, an oversized pair of scissors, or a metal shape. I'm sure that it took a great deal of skill to create it, but it doesn't intrigue me or make me want to see it over and over again. But that's art, it is very subjective. I think there happen to be a lot of people in Sebastopol who enjoy his playful, fun approach.

[C Tut]

irisorchid, I couldn't agree more. I love Patrick's work, and always take guests on a walk down Florence Ave on the standard tour. His art is free-spirited, fun, appropriate for all ages, and (thank goodness) doesn't take itself to seriously. His work is also disarming and approachable, you don't have to "get it" to appreciate it. The reason this town is "saturated" with his work is because people like it! Despite looking like "junk", each statue has it's own unique personality, and inspires a smile on (most) everyone's face. If you feel like Amiot is monopolizing this town's art scene, please support your favorite local artist by purchasing and displaying their work. :2cents:

[DeadwoodPete]

I absolutely agree, and thanks for saying it.

Deadwood


I am a big art lover and huge fan of public art. I enjoy the different kinds of sculpture in Sebastopol. But in my opinion there are too many cute, whimsical junk art sculptures all made by the same guy.
These sculptures are funny and colorful. Kids of all ages really get a kick out of them. But why do they keep appearing everywhere? Why do they seem to be permanent? Maybe I would appreciate them more if they were rotated. The artists from Sculpture Jam and other west county artists treat art as something special. This junk art has reached a saturation point. Sebastopol is starting to become identified by this junk art. There are so many talented, humble, sophisticated artists in this county. Very few of them would have the nerve to inundate a community with their work. I find it weird that I can't escape this stuff. It is everywhere.
Keeping ego in check as an artist is difficult. But the aesthetics of a country town should be taken into consideration. I started asking around town and found others with this same opinion.

[Larry Robinson]

To paraphrase Scoop Nisker, if you don't like the art, go out and make some of your own.

[dingo]

Junk Art??? Not.
Patrick's art is ingenious, resourceful, ecological, and extremely creative. I go out of my way to view his works, up close, time and again. I find them humorous and amazing and they lift my spirits. If so many people display his art it is because they feel the same way. It says alot about the fun and lighthearted type of people that live in this area. If you tire of looking at them, look away. But please dont start some kind of personal crusade to eliminate something that makes Sebastopol unique.

[DeadwoodPete]

Dear Dingo,

I think you have missed the point. I do not object to Patrick's work, I love it. We need more to represent other aspects of our live here and to see the world through diversity.

Thanks, Deadwood


Junk Art??? Not.
Patrick's art is ingenious, resourceful, ecological, and extremely creative. I go out of my way to view his works, up close, time and again. I find them humorous and amazing and they lift my spirits. If so many people display his art it is because they feel the same way. It says alot about the fun and lighthearted type of people that live in this area. If you tire of looking at them, look away. But please dont start some kind of personal crusade to eliminate something that makes Sebastopol unique.

[theindependenteye]

>>I think you have missed the point. I do not object to Patrick's work, I love it. We need more to represent other aspects of our live here and to see the world through diversity.

I too love it. But the objection that there's too much of it? Suggesting that the artist restrain himself isn't a recipe for diversity. We should ask instead what makes it possible for this artwork to grace so many front lawns. Is it that it's inexpensive? That it's on loan? That other artists just aren't pushy enough? I dunno. I'd love to have a piece of sculpture out there in our front yard, but I don't have ten cents to make it happen.

Perhaps there are sculptors who'd be willing & able to put their pieces on loan for outdoor display on people's lawns. Perhaps the Center for the Arts or the county arts council could seek funding (or a wealthy individual step forward) to deal with the insurance and installation costs. What an extraordinary gift to this town!

Meantime, I applaud the junk sculptor's lovely work. He's found a way to do his work and have it seen. Would that it could be a spur to others to find an equally fruitful path.

Peace & joy--
Conrad

[Barrie]

I am a big art lover and huge fan of public art. I enjoy the different kinds of sculpture in Sebastopol. But in my opinion there are too many cute, whimsical junk art sculptures all made by the same guy.
These sculptures are funny and colorful. Kids of all ages really get a kick out of them. But why do they keep appearing everywhere? Why do they seem to be permanent? Maybe I would appreciate them more if they were rotated. The artists from Sculpture Jam and other west county artists treat art as something special. This junk art has reached a saturation point. Sebastopol is starting to become identified by this junk art. There are so many talented, humble, sophisticated artists in this county. Very few of them would have the nerve to inundate a community with their work. I find it weird that I can't escape this stuff. It is everywhere.
Keeping ego in check as an artist is difficult. But the aesthetics of a country town should be taken into consideration. I started asking around town and found others with this same opinion.


I love Amiot's art. He may start with junk, but the finished product is not junk. A lot of "serious art" these days looks pretentious, full of ego, meaningless, not pleasant to look at, that's my opinion. Amiot's art is full of joy. They are like friends, the guy on the bike next to my vet's office, the Noah's ark in front of the church, the dog in front of the Humane Society, they make life better. Barrie

[RussianRiverRattina]

You can definitely count me in as a fan of Patrick Amiot's appealing, colorful & whimsical found-object sculptures. After all ... one man's "junk" is another woman's treasure. Art doesn't always have to make people want to Fight-the-Power, commit suicide, projectile vomit, or write letters to your congress person. Sometimes art simply makes you want to smile.

For some photos of these sculptures, visit Patrick Amiot Sculpture Art on Florence Avenue in Sebastopol (https://laughingsquid.com/patrick-amiot-sculpture-art-on-florence-avenue-in-sebastopol/).

Cheers!

[podfish]

the quantity adds to their character, as do the unexpected locations they pop up. Maybe there's a bit of competition for prime locations to display art, but really the existence of one piece of art doesn't preclude the existence of another. But it's the nature of his kind of art that it's going to create a strong visual impression; his pieces are so loud. Objections to displaying them here seem kind of NIMBY to me, because I don't see how his art can be presented without being a bit overwhelming to its neighborhood - and it's definitely worth presenting his work.

[Ronaldo]

Art work that generates polar opposites of like and dislike quite often has something going for it. And as stated in another reply opinions about art are subjective. Providing a link to the sculptures in question would have been useful for those who may have not noticed or seen some of the pieces in question.
Here's another tack:
An old friend of mine Leo Sewell out of Philadelphia has been producing "junk art" since childhood. See his work out at:
Leo Sewell (https://www.leosewell.net/index.php)

Check out the linked 'Installation' page for his piece "Torch", it's an impressive 40 feet high.
Ron

[hales]

I like your friend Leo's work very much.. now all we have to do is get him to put some of it up around town.. ; )

Scott.


Art work that generates polar opposites of like and dislike quite often has something going for it. And as stated in another reply opinions about art are subjective. Providing a link to the sculptures in question would have been useful for those who may have not noticed or seen some of the pieces in question.
Here's another tack:
An old friend of mine Leo Sewell out of Philadelphia has been producing "junk art" since childhood. See his work out at:
Leo Sewell (https://www.leosewell.net/index.php)

Check out the linked 'Installation' page for his piece "Torch", it's an impressive 40 feet high.
Ron

[hales]

Since we're sharing art links, would this be a good time to share an amazing artist who makes kinetic sculpture, that seems almost to be alive? Check out the videos of Theo Jansen on YouTube, and here:

Theo Jansen creates new creatures | Video on TED.com (https://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/theo_jansen_creates_new_creatures.html)

I also wanted to share a local Sonoma County sculptor named Brian Tedrick, but his website seems to be down.. he makes magnificent sculptures out of
"junk"; pieces of wood, old tools and such. There is a very cool mountain lion piece, by the highway in Kenwood, and another two individual pieces that look like giant fish, also along the Kenwood section of highway. I'm pretty critical of sculpture and his are among my very favorite, ever.

Scott.

[MsTerry]

Very impressive!
Then you probably also like the work of Andy Goldsworthy.
YouTube - Collaboration With Nature (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq1Sw35mYzc&feature=related)


Since we're sharing art links, would this be a good time to share an amazing artist who makes kinetic sculpture, that seems almost to be alive? Check out the videos of Theo Jansen on YouTube, and here:

Theo Jansen creates new creatures | Video on TED.com (https://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/theo_jansen_creates_new_creatures.html)

I also wanted to share a local Sonoma County sculptor named Brian Tedrick, but his website seems to be down.. he makes magnificent sculptures out of
"junk"; pieces of wood, old tools and such. There is a very cool mountain lion piece, by the highway in Kenwood, and another two individual pieces that look like giant fish, also along the Kenwood section of highway. I'm pretty critical of sculpture and his are among my very favorite, ever.

Scott.

[phooph]

There is also a long time junk artist in Santa Rosa. He goes by Monty Monty.

Monty Monty Vintage Collectable Sculpture and Assemblage (https://www.montymontyart.com/)

[Visnhawk]

No offense intended, but, I think there are just too many people , with too many judgements, about too many other people, places , and things. So , smile, let me add my own:
I think we should be spending more time judging, writing, reflecting, about our own shortcomings and less time focused on others. I believe every judgement I have is reflected in something I struggle with myself.

In Love & Light ,
VisionHawk


I am a big art lover and huge fan of public art. I enjoy the different kinds of sculpture in Sebastopol. But in my opinion there are too many cute, whimsical junk art sculptures all made by the same guy.
These sculptures are funny and colorful. Kids of all ages really get a kick out of them. But why do they keep appearing everywhere? Why do they seem to be permanent? Maybe I would appreciate them more if they were rotated. The artists from Sculpture Jam and other west county artists treat art as something special. This junk art has reached a saturation point. Sebastopol is starting to become identified by this junk art. There are so many talented, humble, sophisticated artists in this county. Very few of them would have the nerve to inundate a community with their work. I find it weird that I can't escape this stuff. It is everywhere.
Keeping ego in check as an artist is difficult. But the aesthetics of a country town should be taken into consideration. I started asking around town and found others with this same opinion.

[jesswolfe]

Better yet, maybe we could spend that time reflecting on the strengths we see in ourselves and others. Focusing so much on the negative is not really where I want to spend my time.

I personally like the art around Sebastopol.

Jess


No offense intended, but, I think there are just too many people , with too many judgements, about too many other people, places , and things. So , smile, let me add my own:
I think we should be spending more time judging, writing, reflecting, about our own shortcomings and less time focused on others. I believe every judgement I have is reflected in something I struggle with myself.

In Love & Light ,
VisionHawk

[rocket man]

I would but I have no shortcoming's.


No offense intended, but, I think there are just too many people , with too many judgements, about too many other people, places , and things. So , smile, let me add my own:

I think we should be spending more time judging, writing, reflecting, about our own shortcomings and less time focused on others. I believe every judgement I have is reflected in something I struggle with myself.

In Love & Light ,
VisionHawk

[Sylph]

I like Patrick's art, it makes me smile! He is prolific, though! Where does he get all that raw material? The pieces seem to be evolving into bigger creatures, as well. I like that they are so 'free'. I enjoyed looking at the pictures of the work of the other junk artists. Some of the others have a very 'controlled' style, and are impressive in their own right. I like Patrick's 'willy nilly' critters, perhaps, because his freedom and wildness contrasts with my own art (and personality) style.

[scamperwillow]

I wonder why Patrick's wife never gets mentioned. I understand she does all the painting.....


Junk Art??? Not.
Patrick's art is ingenious, resourceful, ecological, and extremely creative. I go out of my way to view his works, up close, time and again. I find them humorous and amazing and they lift my spirits. If so many people display his art it is because they feel the same way. It says alot about the fun and lighthearted type of people that live in this area. If you tire of looking at them, look away. But please dont start some kind of personal crusade to eliminate something that makes Sebastopol unique.

[sd gross]

:artist:
That is so-o-o relevant! Thanks Larry Robinson. By the way, what ever happened to Scoop?
:painting:


To paraphrase Scoop Nisker, if you don't like the art, go out and make some of your own.

[Sara S]

Except maybe your lack of punctuation skills.....


I would but I have no shortcoming's.

[hales]

I think he is mostly an author, lecturer and famous Buddhist..

wesnisker.com (https://www.wesnisker.com/)

I really like him as a DJ (was it on KSAN?), and enjoyed his trademark comment about making your own news.. : )

Scott.




:artist:
That is so-o-o relevant! Thanks Larry Robinson. By the way, what ever happened to Scoop?
:painting:

[RussianRiverRattina]

hee hee, good catch!


Except maybe your lack of punctuation skills.....

[Eric K]

I am a big art lover and huge fan of public art. I enjoy the different kinds of sculpture in Sebastopol. But in my opinion there are too many cute, whimsical junk art sculptures all made by the same guy.
These sculptures are funny and colorful. Kids of all ages really get a kick out of them. But why do they keep appearing everywhere? Why do they seem to be permanent? Maybe I would appreciate them more if they were rotated. The artists from Sculpture Jam and other west county artists treat art as something special. This junk art has reached a saturation point. Sebastopol is starting to become identified by this junk art. There are so many talented, humble, sophisticated artists in this county. Very few of them would have the nerve to inundate a community with their work. I find it weird that I can't escape this stuff. It is everywhere.
Keeping ego in check as an artist is difficult. But the aesthetics of a country town should be taken into consideration. I started asking around town and found others with this same opinion.

This posting triggered an interesting discussion over the past week or so but, so far, I don't think the essence of the original comment has been fully engaged.

Some of you (maybe all) will remember the episode in Sebastopol when a local business got in hot water with city authorities for placing a large figure of Olive Oil (Remember? Popeye's girl friend) on the roof of her business (I think it was a hair salon named Popeye's). If memory serves, the alleged offense was violation of the city sign ordinance. What might have been the response of city officials if she had taken down her balloon Olive Oil and replaced it with a Partrick Amiot sculpture of Olive Oil? Would it be art or advertising?

In my reading of the original posting the writer seemed to pose a question of quantity not quality or any other artistic judgment. Is there a point at which saturation occurs? And if so, what does the community do? Is there such a thing as "mono-art?"

Add the question raised by the "Olive Oil caper" and a related issue can be posed... Is there a point at which the public art in Sebastopol morphs into a private commercial statement? Is there so much of one artists work that the town becomes, de-facto, a one artist gallery?

Every day municipal governments regulate an increasing array of activity. Zoning laws originated in the objections of one group of people over how another group or individual decided to use property. In a very basic sense the original question raised can be seen as a land use issue. I'm sure some have seen the artistic display of half buried cars (I forget where they are). What if someone in town undertook a project such as this? Is there any point at which the city would consider entering the fray and regulating "art structures?"

How about issues of safety? I notice the huge cow along Hwy 12 tipped over a few months ago (assuming it wasn't a victim of "cow tipping" as you country folks might wonder). Large metal installations in earthquake country could pose risk of toppling over. Should a building permit be required? Should the installation have an engineered foundation to ensure stability and safety? What consideration is there of the "attractive nuisance" aspect of large sculture? Are they so inviting that kids can predictably be expected to try and climb on them?

These are typical considerations cited in the enactment of many of the stautes and ordinances which regulate our day to day activities. As an example, I believe Sebastopol already regulates political speech using the sign ordinance (size of sign, duration of posting, etc.). And we know commercial speech (Olive Oil) is regulated as well.

Now, before you go off and accuse me of advocating regulation of art, I am not suggesting any specific course of action or, for that matter, any course of action at all. I'm merely connecting the dots in our generally ready-to-regulate frame of reference. (See aforementioned Olive Oil, fire dept. siren, signs in general, chickens inside city limits, etc.)

Just a few thoughts...

[oliviathunderkitty]

I've been reading this thread but holding off commenting but now I have a couple of things I'd like to add.

Patrick Amiot's art makes me happy. It makes kids happy, big kids as well as little kids. It helps schools (through his annual calendar). It inspires. It can brighten a dark day, lift a gloomy mood. And there is a lot of public art in town by other artists, like all those new pieces on Highway 12. Patrick's is quite identifiable--he has a strong voice, so to speak. (Which is interesting, as he seems to be a quiet, soft-spoken man.) Should he be singled out for disdain because he is both eloquent and prolific?

There are so many distressing things in life these days, generic developments, national chains, the failure of individually owned business, private heartbreak, public disappointment, deadly car accidents, home foreclosures, bankruptcies, cancer, no health insurance, wrongful deportations, gophers, the ever-present specter of Dick Cheney, hard drive failures, heat waves.

On the other hand, there are statues that make us smile all over town! It is glorious. I'd be more inclined to declare a Patrick Amiot Day in Sebastopol than I would be to suggest maybe there is too much and maybe it is self-serving. It serves the community and I am grateful for it.

Olive Oil was interesting and I was very sad she had to go. And I remember well the so-called "door to Hell" at the fire station. When I saw it the first time I smiled and instantly thought, "Wow! A root cellar! What a great idea." It was a wonderful portal.

I believe Patrick Amiot is a tender soul with a very private side. I don't know him; that's just my impression from the couple of times I've met him. I hope this conversation is not making him regret how visible he has become. I hope it is not making him feel uncomfortable.

And Scoop Nisker was indeed on KSAN but not as a DJ. He did news and commentary.

[Helen Shane]

I am Patrick's backyard neighbor. I walk past his art on an almost daily basis. It is unique, it is amusing, it is joyful. And junk ends up, not in landfill, but rather is re-used in a pure, innocent pursuit. You go, Patrick!

[Larry Robinson]

It could be argued that the primary pathology of our time results from a deficit of beauty. Part of the remedy is public art - as well as music, trees, poetry, love...

If you think there is too much of one artist's work, might not the answer be more art, not less?

[pearl g]

Yes we all agree his art is nice.
I'm just saying when art becomes redundant I would rather it be in some other city. Over-saturation minimizes art's importance.
And no need to worry about unwanted publicity by the artist.

[oliviathunderkitty]

His art is nice? Nice? Hmmm. Not a word I would use to describe this art. It is far too inventive, creative, delightful, surprising, at times breathtaking, to be described by such a mild adjective. Nice seems almost dismissive in this case.

And who is to decide when something is redundant? Who makes the call on over-saturation? Whose decision is it? One person's over-saturation is another person's exuberance, another person's celebration.

This I will concede: Patrick Amiot's art is no longer a secret, a chance discovery, something one stumbles upon when driving on Florence for some other reason. It is now a part of the commons. But is this by definition a negative thing?

Not to me. I find it a glorious thing, right up at the top of the list of things I love most about my home town.

[The Owl]

Patrick is a national treasure and we are very fortunate to have him living here and gracing this little burg with his ingenious, wildly colored, uplifting creations. Recommend you slow down, breathe deep about ten times and look at them again.

Peace and clarity,
Paul Nicholson

[Helen Shane]

Others have commented appropriately on the treasures that are Patrick Amiot's sculptures. I simply add "me, too."


His art is nice? Nice? Hmmm. Not a word I would use to describe this art. It is far too inventive, creative, delightful, surprising, at times breathtaking, to be described by such a mild adjective. Nice seems almost dismissive in this case.

And who is to decide when something is redundant? Who makes the call on over-saturation? Whose decision is it? One person's over-saturation is another person's exuberance, another person's celebration.

This I will concede: Patrick Amiot's art is no longer a secret, a chance discovery, something one stumbles upon when driving on Florence for some other reason. It is now a part of the commons. But is this by definition a negative thing?

Not to me. I find it a glorious thing, right up at the top of the list of things I love most about my home town.