Remember when I was so super excited that I couldn’t wait to dance until I got home? It was because I went back to take down an interactive installation and everything was still there. With street art, you can never be guaranteed that the things you’re putting up won’t be stolen or defaced, so it’s always extra special when it’s there waiting for you!
For this installation, I simply taped up a poster, asking passersby to write down what they were grateful for. I also did a little yarnbomb above the poster (which I left up), reading “Gratitude” in felt letters. Interactive things like this make my heart soar. I get to read all these responses, in different handwriting, and remember how wonderful humans can be.
The entire poster was full, and the Sharpie I hung up with it was still dangling. There were obviously repeats in answers, like “friends” and “family”, but I’ve turned most of the original entries into a list for you to look through!
Family
Life
My anchor
Friends
Love
Gelato
Bars with lots of beer
Sex
Greatful for the freedom to experience life without any regard for…laws
Full moons
To be alive
Being here in Baltimore
Weed
Health
Bicycling
Sun
Moon
Sea
Being the man I am
The Rachels
Literacy
My cocker spaniel, Alex
Penis
Stuff
Someone to go to Baltimore with
My two legs
Health
Employment
Education
Freedom
Making memories
Imagination and the power of creation
Exploring
Sprite (not Sierra Mist)
Caramel apples
Nachos
A free evening with my love
Whomever posted this sign
I agree! You’re grrreat! Let’s all change the world together!
Money and god
The Cleveland Browns
I highlighted my favorite entries. Obviously the Sprite one wins. I laughed for a full minute at that one. I’m so grateful for the people who spoke back to me on the poster. I didn’t leave my URL or name anywhere on the installation. This was purely just for the interaction. I would love to know if anyone who wrote on this sign found this post, though!
This time of year, lots of people are making lists of what they’re grateful for, and I strongly encourage it. I have a question for you, though. If you were walking by and saw this poster, what would you have written down? What’s the one thing you would decide to add to this list? Tell me in the comments!
I’m grateful for you and the joy you spread around, and for my love and my cat and mail and food! Also, that one person reminded me to listen to my Rachels records again. XO
penis. obviously. (but i would probably put sex)
great idea – and super response from the people of Baltimore. I am grateful for people who bring joy to others, people with creative souls and kind hearts.
I am grateful for my family, my man, my friends and for having a roof over my head, enough to eat, clothes to wear, flushing toilets, having a job I love (sometimes) and the luxury of time for my artistic hobbies.
I am honestly grateful for handmade soap, street fairs in new york city, autumn, the ability to inspire/be inspired, and love all around. Happy (almost) Thanksgiving Mary!!
This makes me so happy!
I would probably write down “beds” or “grilled cheese and tomato soup” or “animal friends.” I would definitely second the family, friends, love, full moons, being alive, and being in Baltimore!
I’m gushing. ^-^ My top answers would be existing, my pet rats, and metaphors!
If I had walked by this sign I would have stopped to write down “my home life”. I work 40 hours a week so I can come home to my husband and dogs and spend my free time with them. Happy Thanksgiving, Mary.