An ad agency contacted me after discovering my work at the semi-annual open studios event here in the West Chelsea Building. The creative brief called for a New York City-based artist to paint an object that could be used to promote the launch of a new Manhattan location of a national hotel chain. Upon accepting the commission, I had no idea what the 'object' was going to be. I was told that the client would deliver something to my studio.
Soon after signing a contract, movers showed up at my Chelsea studio and dropped off a brand new, dark grey Ikea couch. I had three weeks to create a colorful New York City vibe on the couch, making sure to incorporate the client's corporate identity in some form.
I created color fields on the large cushions and structural parts of the couch using acrylic paint, spray paint, and specialized fabric paints. I went to town with paint markers, paper stencils, and sharpies, creating an edgy, substantive piece with senses of movement, snark, humor and local color.
The ad agency and the client were thrilled, they loved the final product. The couch was delivered to a launch party in Manhattan's Meatpacking District at the Gansevoort Hotel where it was photographed with partygoers, agency staff and clients. It found its permanent home in the lobby of the newly-christened hotel in midtown Manhattan.
