#bjr orbs

[badjonesrising]

Work in Progress: Public Art Project- The Update!

Yesterday, I finally got down to my public art project I started three years ago. I can't believe it's been that long. My friend Jamie has been bugging me about updating it and I even got some not-so-nice complaints about it looking unfinished. I am amazed that the sealant I put on it in 2017 actually kept the design pretty much intact.

Ben and I started early and just figured we would start and see how far we got- I didn't really want to paint over anything, so I left my BJR Orbs as they were, and created a border around each one. I didn't want to lose any of the splatter or the drips that I worked so hard on years ago. Plus, it's a part of my signature style and the layering of textures and paint really makes me happy and I think it adds character to the power box. It's a huge box and it took FOREVER the first time. Yesterday though, we got a lot done. We painted solid colors on the side to get rid of the white and primer. After sanding some parts, we added white and actually got to the black lines. Once the black lines on my rainbow taffy ribbon and portals are done, I will add the white highlights.

It was so hot yesterday and I totally got a sunburn. We got hungry and I got hangry, so we called it quits around four o'clock. I am so proud of us for getting so much done. I plan on going tomorrow and busting out the rest of the black so we can seal it this week.

I haven’t really made any art since I got home two weeks ago- so it was nice to be surrounded by supplies and emerged in creativity! I'll post final pics of the finished box when I am all done. I didn't edit this photos either- I wanted to make sure you guys saw the box as is. I like the minimal feel of my first design, but seeing those big color accents make me really happy. Super BJR art party fun box vibes.

Original posts can be found HERE & HERE!

[badjonesrising]

New Public Art Project: BJR Electric Box- Part 2!

Ok, I am done. It feels so good. The only thing I have to do is add the clear, all-weather coat. I feel such a sense of relief and joy knowing I have my art on this box. It was the ugliest electric box green and weird asylum pink before- and now it’s covered in my awesome BJR Orbs! One of my goals this year was to make these orbs bigger, and I thought this was a perfect way to get them out into the world. 

My biggest challenge was the side and especially the top- to paint it or not? We finally decided to paint it yellowy-greeny just because it needed to be completely complete. I also took these photos before I added the black orbs and the teeny, tiny details. There are some other cool parts, but I will show them another day. 

I read this crazy article back in the day that talked about how bad of an idea art ton boxes was. I can’t say. I enjoyed the process, seeing the art unfold...but there were a lot of things I didn’t like. It was too big, and it was cold or hot or raining everyday. I think it all came together once I added the black. That’s what matters in the end. Black makes everything better, all the time. 

[badjonesrising]

New Public Art Project: BJR Electric Box! 

I told Susan I would be done with this box at the end of August (I didn’t even start to prime it until then!). What I didn’t tell Susan is that I am very picky and may be a perfectionist when it comes to color, shapes, and art in general. I started with a sketch, and I had some ideas for layers, but I have never painted an electric box before- SO it was a wee bit challenging. It’s so big and the exterior paint dries so fast! 

Here’s the update: I am almost done (and will explain my process a little later on) and the only thing I have to do now is add the black outlines and shading. Then, after that has dried I have to add the weatherproof “anti-graffiti” coat- isn’t that ironic?! I laugh every time I read it or say it. I have been filming for a vlog throughout the process, and been doing lots of instagram stories- so please keep an eye out for that. I will be done in the next week or so! Wish me luck!

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