Chalk
The last time I played with chalk I was drawing a lopsided hopscotch board in the driveway, intending to teach little A. the old schoolyard game. Muscle memory must have kicked in because it turned out the perfect size for a 9 year old girl’s saddle shoe, and not nearly sufficient for a clod-hopping women’s size 9 sandal. Needless to say, A. was unimpressed. He was more interested in pegging my bahookie with a nerf ball anyway…
Before today I really had no idea that chalk was such an expressive medium, and undertaken by serious artists who have income streams outside an upturned hat. Then today, I zipped out to Pasadena for their 2007 Chalk Festival which apparently is the largest of its kind in the country. I don’t think it was just the blistering heat that had me in a daze. With what seemed like thousands of other gapers smooshed into the courtyard, we stepped cautiously around all the transient masterpieces trying not to step into the “canvas”. We all dipped and dodged, taking in vibrant colors and glimpsing designs scattered every which way from every which perspective.
As for subject, there was a definite turnout from the fantasy and comic/cartoon fans, and quite a few pinups represented. Artists drew inspiration from Jack Sparrow running down a beach, a candidate for “Funniest”), Mexican history, aliens, Shrek babies, landscapes, snapshots of cherubic children clutching sheep or flowers, Abe Lincoln, even a vintage champagne ad. Aside from a handful of heartfelt dedicatio signs, I do not recall many “father” themed pieces, so I was surprised to learn later from the website that this warranted its own award category.
Many artists – working alone or in teams – were still tweaking their art in early afternoon on the second day. One guy working on a Blue Boy replica said that he deliberately uses the full two days, because the black chalk can blow away and taint the other details. The intricacy of these sidewalk pieces is unbelievable! Can’t wait to check back on the website and see the winners! Here’s the link: http://www.pasadenachalkfestival.com
Check for results and other fascinating Cardone-a-rific tidbits like blue is the most used color, orange among the least.
