We do not know when we started, we will not know when we will end
By Christopher Lacroix
Pablo Picasso once said that “Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.” That was the thought that crossed my mind when I first came across the latest Skytrain public art installation at the Broadway and City Hall transit station.
I looked across the other side of Cambie street and saw a new structure being built, rising higher in the sky than the one it replaced. The restaurants and coffee shops housed is the torn down building are no longer. Only the memories of good times remain to combine with the promise of new meeting places that will come with the ending of construction.
The creative process is never-ending, encompassing us all in the ever-evolving nature of life. It is in the act of living that we come to discover the strength of our creative spirit in embracing new truths that “runs down from the top of our heads and out of our hearts…
“the way to create art is to burn and destroy
ordinary concepts and to substitute them
with new truths that run down from the top of the head
and out of the heart”
Charles Bukowski
“We do not know when we started, we will not know when we will end is a series of photographs of the artist holding crumpled foil letter balloons. The foil balloons are the remnants of a video work in which the artist used these party decorations to spell out the statements “I AM SORRY,” “YOU’RE WELCOME,” “YOU’RE SORRY,” and “I AM WELCOME,” eventually squeezing each balloon letter until it popped. These statements, both submissive and defiant, through this humorous act of destruction, become as impotent as their deflated vessels. Rather than discarding these objects that have served their purpose, the artist holds them up triumphantly, monumentalizing them perhaps in the hopes that they will once again become legible.” Broadway City Hall Skytrain Station
ChasingART 
Very neat installation! The Toronto subway line does art installations. It really helps out with that standing in an empty bathtub, or shower stall feeling….. no warm water running …. just cold lonely tiles.
For you, it’s the cold grey cement. Even on a hot day, and the cement radiates heat, it still seems cold. This is one reason why I love all street arts.
It was neat watching your video. The music seemed very James Bond. 00ART
{{hugs}}
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You have a marvelous sense of humour, Resa 00ART and the best definitions. Yes the shower stall feeling with cold lonely tiles. You were the one who inspired me to look closely at street art. A few years ago, I sent you photos of a remarkable mural that I found close by. I now see that there is a redevelopment sign on the building so will be heading to revisit the mural. Your are the best mural treasure hunter!!! Exciting!!
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Well, the new Art Gowns ep 2 is more tongue in cheek than ever!
I have 1 more drawing to finish.
Holly has picked the video. I’m thinking …. a week?
I have to watermark the drawings, edit, add thank you’s, etc!
Yes, revisit that 00ART mural. You know, when they put up scaffolding and boards… sometimes sweet art appears!
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This is very interesting, bringing new thoughts to my mind. I saw the photo on my cell phone and really did not understand, but now I am able to understand what you and the artist are saying. Thank you for sharing, very important new thoughts for me.
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I am delighted that you enjoyed this post. Over the past couple of years I have become more interested in public art installations for they respond to the influences that we experience in our daily lives and choices. Art makes us stop, think and reflect, which is so need in our world that competes for our attention. Sending hugs!
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Did I see a frame with a barcode?!? Fascinating, urban outdoor display. Your theme reminds me of watching little boys revel in building-destroying-rebuilding their constructions. And it especially brings to mind the mortal-perishable/immortal-imperishable hope of my faith namely that of gaining new life from death. There’s something powerful in Lacroix’ destructive-creative piece. He seizes objects which often float away out of our control, sometimes even become refuse, destroys their message, but then hopes to restore their intent. We hope to become legible. As always, Rebecca, your choice of themes is always very thought provoking!
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Oh how powerful, Mary Jo. “We hope to become legible.” There is that balance between “what was” and “what is” and the transition between the two points – “what will become.” I especially appreciated your thought on “objects which often float away out of our control…..”. And yes, you did see a frame with a barcode, something that caught my attention. It seemed at first, out of place; and then, it brought clarity to the message. You would be interested to know that Lacroix’s mentor when he attended the University of Alberta was Dana Claxton. Her word is extraordinary. https://chasingart.com/2019/04/07/dana-claxton-fringing-the-cube/
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Oh, thank you for the link 🙂
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Oh, ich mag diese Art von Kunstfreiheit, die Sie Rebecca hier uns zeigen. Danke vielmals!
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Es gibt so viel Kreativität um uns herum, dass wir es erst erkennen, wenn wir innehalten und überlegen, was gegeben wurde. Ich bin dankbar für die Künstler, die Dichter und die Gärtner, die uns Schönheit und Liebe bringen. Vielen Dank für Ihre lieben Kommentare. Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag.
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I loved the visuals, the music, the energy of this Rebecca. I love the philosophy most of all.
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You are a dear friend, Cindy. Your support and encouragement mean a great deal to me. Sending many hugs and love your way!
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