Becoming Involved In A Project? Opps
Key West’s 200th Anniversary
Sounds simple and exciting to participate in the celebration! But what is it all about? This year The Studios of Key West is celebrating two of the ingredients in the island’s special flair. The culture roots in Cuba, and the love of baseball. A call to artist to assist in the celebration sponsored by, The Studios of Key West, the Oldest House and the historic Gato Building. So far it sounds like a good time.
With the enthusiasm of participating in this call to artist, I signed up immediately. Now what? 200 newly commissioned baseball bats were available upon reservation for anyone who would like to participate. This multi-venue exhibition will be based around the baseball bat, using the imagination and any materials you would like to use. Sounds simple so far….
The puzzle was figuring out how to support the bat while painting and being on display
The Cuban Flag at the bottom and the Florida Flag on the top unfinished
A bat in raw wood?
Oh what to do? Without many requirements this piece had to be developed in a way that would follow the Anniversary themed celebration. The process begins with a friend who suggested using the flags from Key West and Florida. Not only were the flags a good idea but also the commerce that was built between these two islands were the cigar factories. Now the ideas are starting to come together. It was recommended that the raw wood be sealed to protect the bat and the artwork that would adorn the surface.
There were a few challenges that had to be overcome. First the stand had to be made to hold the bat in one place. The surface of the bat was minimal, especially at the thin area of the handle which measures a bit over 1”. Using oil paints was tricky as it would smear with a bump or touch. At this point one should ask themselves if they are truly crazy!
Next the addition of cigars around the handle of the bat. With each step the bat was dictating how and where items would be placed. The flags were painted, the cigars were completed now a handle exposed of about 6” of wood, now what? The thought was quit while your ahead and leave well enough along. The inner voice kept telling me it didn’t look finished. What next?
Notice the space between the flag and the cigars.
“What you are thinking, what shape your mind is in, is what makes the biggest difference of all”
Willie Mays
Final deadline approaches
The inner voice won, take the challenge and move forward. Ernest Hemingway fished often in the waters between Cuba and Florida. Many black and white photos of he and his friends standing near the catch of the day, Marlins. That is it, add a Marlin. The first Marlin wrapped around the handle, one could see the pieces of the marlin but in no way did it look like a fish. Scrape the paint off and let me try again, Second time around painting the fish on this small surface was a challenge but once the fish had the last stroke of paint, I walked away in tremendous relief.
On Tuesday the bat will be delivered to The Studios of Key West. The theme of this bat is “Cigar Cities”. March 2022: Play Ball! on view at The Studios of Key West (Opening March 3) the Oldest House (Opening March 4) and the Gato Building (Opening March 11)
The finished project to be delivered in Key West on February 22.
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