The Gates Stand Alone
In early April 2005, a Florida-based quilter, Becky Phillips (Flickr | Webshots), contacted me about using my Gates images as the theme and inspiration for a monthly quilting challenge in which she and some far-flung quilters participate. I gladly made my works available to them.
Becky used “The Gates Stand Alone” as the starting point for the group, but her quilt ended up being inspired by my “Torn”.
This is part of the power and excitement behind Flickr! I am honored to be the inspiration for an effort like this, and I look forward to being part of other such collaborations.
Comments and faves
Rabidquilter (87 months ago | reply)
I have used this photo here: community.webshots.com/user/artimagechallenge Please let me know if this is not okay! I have tried to follow the restrictions of CC and given you credit, but I'm new at this. Will take it away if you don't approve. Great photos, btw! Thanks. Becky Phillips bphillips@xtalwind.net
djwhelan (87 months ago | reply)
Thanks for the recognition, Becky! I'll drop you an email to learn more about your project, but if this shot or any of mine can be an inspiration, please let me know.
djwhelan (87 months ago | reply)
In case my comments get lost again from my “I’m Just Mad About Saffron” set, I’m leaving them in a few convenient places throughout the set. Enjoy!
Yes, I too was among the masses travelling to Central Park in February 2005, to be a part of Christo’s Gates (more officially, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “The Gates, Central Park, New York City, 1979-2005”).
I had narrowly missed (no pun intended) “The Umbrellas,” and I decided that I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. Besides, I’m always looking for an excuse to visit New York....
Now, say what you will about the artistic merits (or lack thereof) of the Gates, but know that someone else probably has already said it. However, the Gates was as much an experiential happening as an art installation, and in that context, I’d say Christo succeeded. Unlike some of his other works, the Gates were immersive, interactive, and truly inspirational. Walking for miles through freezing temperatures and, on my second day in the park, newly fallen snow, I was amazed at the number of people doing the same thing. Taking pictures (lots of pictures). Speaking languages (most that I didn’t understand). And just being together (something the world needs a lot more of). Yes, I would say that Christo succeeded with flying colors (well, at least one flying color).
Much of the world is already burned out on Home Depot orange, but I believe that this over-photographed scene will continue to show up in books, magazines, videos, and blogs for years to come. Some will turn away in disgust, some will pause a moment before turning the page, but everyone will remember where they were when saffronmania hit New York.