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Description:
Johnson’s locker consists of two 90-inch by 48-inch sides made of
brushed aluminum. The other two sides are composed of steel and are
39 inches by 48 inches. The top surface is 90 inches by 39 inches.
Oil-based enamel paints were used to reflect the dichotomous nature
of the physical environment of Tempe. The two larger upright sides
depict a cityscape on one side and a desertscape on the opposing
side. The two small vertical surfaces display houses that express a
connection between city and desert. The top surface represents the
space where all things meet: the sky.
Funding:
The project was funded through city of Tempe Capital Improvement
Project Percent for Art funds made available through the Tempe
Transit tax.
Artist biography:
Rose Johnson received a BA Honors Degree in Graphic
Design/Illustration from Leicester Polytechinc, England, United
Kingdom, in 1983. Since then she has worked extensively as a
Painter/Muralist, Illustrator, Installation & Performance Artist and
as a Community Artist. In 1986 she moved to Phoenix and has
exhibited extensively in Tucson, Phoenix and Tempe. Her murals
include a 1995 grant from the city of Tempe and Tempe Municipal Arts
Commission to create a large public mural. As an illustrator she has
been published in Arizona Highways magazine and the New
Times in Phoenix. Her installation and performance art includes
the participation in the project Alternatives/Alternatives,
an international exchange with X Teresa in Mexico City.
As a community artist she spent two years as an Artist-in-Residence
at the former Tempe Art Center.
Artist statement:
My design reflects the enjoyment of riding
a bicycle both within the city and out in the desert. There are a
couple of cars and an aeroplane [sic], all trailing clouds of smoke
as a cautionary reminder of the pollution resulting from forms of
transportation other than bicycles. In this way the bicycles in the
design take on a superior position in their pureness. It will be
very brightly painted and will glow like a jewel in the sand. |
