Three months ago, Sally Marbry conceived the idea to transform a utilitarian electrical box in front of the Greyhound station in downtown Redding into a piece of public art. This 18-part series is a chronicle of her work and her observations of life on the corner of Pine and Butte.
Part 10: Denial
August 14 Dave’s early patrolling keeps it clean… Possibly street respect. Thank you.
The two guys installing their second mosaic sphere outside the Shasta Historical Society stop to chat. They explain a diluted grey wash that set designers use to create a dirty weathered look. I will let nature take its course: Time and the street will weather this treasure.
Dave , with bucket and pick-up-litter clamps, chats with Tony about boarding up the Café door.
Weaving Bum sits on the box and I scoot him off with an energetic “sorry.” I feel he is a little pissed and always confused. He sits down for a spell on the concrete and I force myself to look and see his face. Now I will recognize him in other areas of town.
I have had my fill of city living, years pioneering artist lofts in Downtown LA and Seattle. No more concrete living for me: the smells, the sirens, the shouting rants and alley bottle clanking. But I must admit I am intrigued at the many building blocks to paint this picture. One is not aware of details until you dig your heels in. Sitting on the sidewalk, squatting over the curb, I am a silent sponge.
Small girl breaks away and comes over to look. Mother calls her back. Indian Joe seems to protect innocent travelers. I see and hear him offer advice and escort a backpack guy toward the Mall to a safe haven.
Maybe all this is preparing me for my later years… no health insurance, nothing in savings and women outliving men. Me on the street sitting with my dirt. Stop. Buck up. Think positive. What is with these flashes of doom. Must be hormones, no sleep or low thyroid. Maybe it’s because I’ve anchored myself to this building.
To be continued…
Click here to find all the Greyhound Chronicles.
Visit Sally on September 12 on Pine and Butte as she reveals her electrical box turned masterpiece as part of September’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop.
Sally Marbry has shared her fine art, ceramics and sculpture skills as a teacher, product designer and interior designer. For the past year, Sally has been the host and writer of “Home Zone,” weekly on KLXR. She also chairs Viva Downtown Redding’s Design Committee, which spearheaded the public art and street beautification project. Reach Sally at Earth2Sal@charter.net.
