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THE ART: "Fast Pass" consists of four 7' wide × 5' high framed panels all linked together for a total span of 28', for a grand total of 2880 old fast passes and 924 other dimensional collage elements. Fast Pass is a dazzling abstract visual based on compelling human interest. More -> THE PROJECT: Two years in the making, "Fast Pass" is a unique and ongoing community-involved project that will culminate in an art exhibition in approximately one to one and a half years. More -> The project has three specific goals. GOALS:
THE ART: The first of the four panels was completed in August of 2004. Since I cannot show the finished project as yet, I will describe some of its attributes. Imagine a sea of fast passes - a patchwork quilt of colored stripes. Imagine 720 silver and gold holographic stripes glittering as they reflect the light, then add to that the 70 three-dimensional objects that are abstract in nature and also have varying degrees of metallics, which also add to the effect. This first panel has the effect of kinetic art without actually moving. "Fast Pass" dazzles the eye and jump-starts the senses. As you move right or left you are interacting with the art. Here's a look at one of the panels.
While appearing very colorful and decorative, the underlying concerns behind the art are most significant. Fast Pass contains a psychological depth as it explores our shared human experience and our search for identity, meaning, purpose, and self fulfillment - as we navigate our busy day. It's about our need and attempts to create order and predictability in a chaotic life and deteriorating society. The art, like each of us, contains a rich and complex reality - behind the facade. The dimensional elements are a metaphor for Muni riders and their common, yet obscure inner realities. Fast Pass also hints at a unifying spiritual connection or oneness which we all share. Yet, to see this amazing and oppulent explosion of color and shapes - without these insights - the viewer might only guess as to what Fast Pass represents. top of page HOW FAST PASS CAME TO BE: Over three years ago, I experienced an interesting series of events. At the time I had designed, produced and maintained three major radio station websites for San Francisco's KKSF Smooth Jazz, KMEL, and STAR in Los Angeles. It was great business - I won numerous awards and got nominated for "Webmaster of the Year." It was a full-time routine that paid fairly well. But one day, I was walking along and I got this strong inspiration to devote the rest of my life to my fine art which had been more of a hobby during the last 33 years of my design career. "Well, how can I do that?!" I thought " And what kind of art would I want to do at this point in my life!?" Amazingly - a month later - I lost all the accounts when Clear Channel bought out my clients and went in-house. One door closed and another door opened! Coincidence? With enough money saved to explore art for one full year - full time - the answer to "what do to" was right at my feet, where in our SOMA area - I began to find the most interesting and compelling crushed metal and found objects in the streets. I set my course and began a new series of process oriented and very architectural assemblages. Since I had the courage to trust my intuition, I decided to name my new series "Trust." ( view the series here ) The very nature of the new series relied on an intuitive process in which my emotional reaction to the materials and the energetic relationships created between them directed the creative process. The Fast Pass prototype & the first large Fast Pass panelAfter the 22nd piece in the series, I created a small - experimental collage using Muni Fast Passes which I had started to collect. I loved all the different colored stripes and the holographic strips in the center. This new work was different than the rest of the series. I called it Adult Pass. It was striking and quickly accepted in a jurried competition at Pro Arts Gallery in Oakland. About a year later, I was looking at the piece, and wondered what the concept would look like in a larger and more complex format, and with the addition of another dimension. I imagined that it would be quite striking, and after producing the first 7'×5' panel in the Summer of 2004, it was clear that I was right. The response from those who have seen it has been overwhelming. It was at this point that I envisioned the larger scope of the project... FOUR PANELS displayed horizontally. The ProjectIn attempting "Fast Pass," I have received an unforeseen bonus - people and stories! The thing that is so unique about this project - especially when you consider its scale - is that it could not be done without the support of many individuals in the community. During the process of collecting the passes needed to do the first 5'x7' panel, a process that has taken over three years, I have developed relationships with various people who have become regular contributors. Additionally, I have met and spent time with a number of people who have given me their large collections. Each person has been very interesting and full of stories. This process has added a human dimension, and a quality to this art project, which is unique to anything I have ever done before. As the passes appear in my mail box, I am especially touched by the many envelopes that come with one or two passes, and I think - "wow - this person went to all this trouble and spent almost half a dollar to give me their pass." Instead of just being a collage of pieces of paper and objects, it is a collage that incorporates many personalities, events and human stories. Countless trips to and from on Muni buses and streetcars. This concept of using recycled materials that are imbued with the energies of the past is consistent with all of the works in my "Trust Series." Many of my contributors have asked to view the art when completed. While I would like to show the one panel completed to date... it is important to me to exhibit the project in its entirety for maximum effect. Please bear with me as I create an element of mystery - for on the day of the reception, it will have been worth the wait. top of page The Exhibit"Fast Pass" is meant to be seen by a very large and diverse audience: one made up of both art enthusiasts and the general public. If I could, I would encase it in plexiglas and put it on one of those rolling billboards you may have seen on San Francisco streets, and I would park it at designated locations where passers-by could have a look. It's not so important to me that they like it... but that they have the opportunity to experience it. top of page In Support of the ArtsFast Pass has become a very unique project, with its many contributors, supporters and continued activity via word of mouth and mentions on "blogger" websites. In the process of promoting Fast Pass I have realized that this project has the ability to also promote important Bay Area art programs that enrich the lives of young students as well as the elderly. Both audiences are important to me for I was once a young person looking for direction, then a young struggling art student and now - one who teaches art to seniors in private care homes. Having taught young and old, I have seen how art enriches lives and I hope to see Fast Pass create more awareness, participation and resources for these programs so that they can continue to grow.
THE SAN FRANCISCO YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL: The Youth Arts Festival which is held each year, is a great opportunity for K-12 students - to showcase their talents. The 2005 9 day festival took place at Zeum and the Yerba Buena Rooftop Gardens. Learn more about this great organization and how you can support them and participate. Visit their website. In Support of Public TransitWhen you take public transportation you are helping to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. MUNI MARKET STREET RAILWAY Learn more about Market Street Railway, our vintage fleet of streetcars and how you can support this great organization by visiting the MSR website. I hope to see the "Fast Pass" project create an increased awareness of the positive aspects of Muni and our collective Bay Area transit system. |
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ART WITH ELDERS:
This wonderful program offers art sessions and professional instruction to our elders who
are living in private care facilities. 
And don't forget our colorful historic fleet of streetcars. Thanks to