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Yahoo!Once a year I visit with John Danner on the Memorial Day weekend during I Madonnari. John is a San Francisco city fireman by profession but his passion is chalk art. John not only spends the weekend here photographing the art but at other festivals throughout the state so he not only knows the artists but has a much better sense of Santa Barbara's niche in the world of street painting.
Ray Ford
If you’ve been to I Madonnari I’m sure you’ve seen him. He’s the outgoing guy with the ready smile and colorful shorts — and at times I’m not sure who sports the better style — John or the artists who sit patiently applying chalk to the pavement.
Throughout the weekend we talk in short bursts. There are too many people to stop at any one painting to have long conversations about either the art or past times. It’s also hard to get an overall perspective of the art when each piece is surrounded by the slowly moving crowds meandering along through the narrow spaces between each block of paintings.
Ray Ford
Genna takes a break from her work to talk to John and I about her painting.
So we connect here and there, share a few thoughts about the art, connect with others we’ve met over the years, knowing that we’ll have a bit more time on Tuesday morning to reflect on the paintings. With John, however, being the talkative one, there is always time to talk with the featured artists because he knows them so well, and I get to see a side of them that I otherwise wouldn't.
We are both extremely impressed by the artwork that is being created by a group of artists near the foot of the Mission in remembrance of Father Virgil. One can't help feeling that he would be pleased by the tribute being given to him, the person without whom I Madonnari would not be what it is.
Ray Ford
EARLY MORNING RISING
Tuesday morning comes early. I’m up a little after 5 a.m., hoping for early morning sunshine so the paintings glow. I want to be at the Mission not too long after six, before too many others are there, to catch the first light and have the paintings to myself for a few minutes.
I’m there at 6:15 a.m. with my camera in one hand and 8-foot bright yellow ladder in the other. The sun hasn’t quite come up so I have 15 minutes or so to get pictures before the light hits. John struggles in a bit after 6:30 a.m., coffee in hand, with what seems like a half dozen cameras hanging from his shoulders. Digital, 35mm, large format — John’s got it all.
Ray Ford
Joy Davis works intently on her untitled painting that is sponsored by the Burrows Family. Though she didn't finish until late Monday,hers is one of the top five.
There are still only a half dozen or so others out and about, so we have time to walk about, take pictures and do a bit of critical analysis of each of the paintings without getting into anyone’s way. As usual we are amazed by all of the paintings, even the kid works. Maybe especially the kid works because their simplicity and the way kids use color so freely make them especially appealing.
We naturally gravitate to some of the chalk art paintings. Some are brilliantly colorful; others intricately designed; still others with subject matter that provokes emotion. Over the next several hours John and I move from spot to spot, holding the ladder for each other, and in the process gradually narrowing down our list of favorites. Here's a sampling:
Ray Ford
Top pick. Joy Davis, untitled, mother and child, with absolutely stunning detail both in the woman's face and the background.
Ray Ford
Most stunning. Genna's "Healing Spirit sponsored by Stuart Winthrop, MD. Absolutely exquisite detail caught in the midst of soft pastels.
Ray Ford
In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month by Delphine Louie with assistance by Lisa Melcome-Weisman. Sponsor Walter Michajlenko, DDS. Rich colors and detail.
Ray Ford
Titled "Sanctuary" and on the outside edge of the art area, this painting evoked a sense of a strong spirit and a serenity that I found very moving. I love the colors.
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Just amazing art in just a few days.
tabatha (anonymous profile)
May 30, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not only was Joy's piece amazing, it was her first time participating in I Madonnari!
regina (anonymous profile)
June 2, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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