I know its not normally something people might associate me with, but when local artist and all-round legend Ian Rolls called for local artists to assist with his latest street art project, I was in! The last year has been so devoid of opportunities, how could I possibly resist an invitation to scrape around on the cold, dirty floor, getting bemused looks from passers by? “It’ll be just like the archaeology days!” I said.
As implied, each artwork was to be created on a single piece of discarded gum, firmly trodden into the granite surface of Pitt Street, and now to be our canvas. Although I was slightly concerned the knees might not withstand that kind of thing, but there was only one way to find out. Well equipped with a many roll mats and kneeling pads as I could possibly obtain, I made my way down to Pitt Street, central St Helier.
On arrival I found that Ian had meticulously prepared each piece of chewing gum with a light sandpaper and some acrylic primer. Immediately, my fears regarding painting a substance that had recently been in someone’s mouth during a pandemic subsided. It was a dry but cold morning when myself, Ian and a few other local artists, including Theo Jenner (better known as Jerzilla) set about our miniature masterpieces. A large amount of chewing-gum has been dropped in Pitt Street, so what better way to highlight this while adding a little colour and interest at the same time. For my paintings I chose to bring nature into town with me, including a Dor Beetle. Dor Beetles are large shiny black beetles found in the UK and are related to the Scarab, and like the scarab are a type of dung beetle. You could say they are nature’s recyclers….the unsubtle hint being that humans should put their chewing gum in the bin (as I’m afraid no beetle will do that for you). As you can imagine, some very small brushes were required and I thoroughly enjoyed using acrylic paint again after a long break from it.
Once completed, each miniscule canvas was carefully masked and sprayed with a varnish to protect them from clumsy passers-by who don’t look where they are going (the irony that I’ve been imploring people to look up for years) and the elements.
I won’t ruin the surprise by describing all the tiny wonders that are to be discovered on Pitt Street, but I recommend next time you are there, remember to look down to your feet for something you won’t see every day, and may never again! After all, as with all street art, the nature of the work is transient and who knows when the next enthusiastic Government of Jersey worker will come along with a power-washer. Still, as a friend said “This is one of the more unusual things you have done….one of”.
ali artology 