the relax project: A Permanent Artwork Proposal

"an idea so big, that only two eucalyptus trees can hold it up." that's how i started my long-shot-of-a proposal, the relax project, yesterday. in short, i officially submitted a proposal to erect a 36-foot hammock on the corner of st. college blvd. and arts dr. between two eucalyptus trees. it would act as a friendly reminder that life's gonna be OK. afterall, art is supposed to provoke emotion, right?





the complete proposal is below:

28 August 2008
TO: Jerry Samuelson, Dean
CC: Mike McGee, Cal State Fullerton Art Alliance, Jackie Reynolds

the relax project A Permanent Artwork Proposal

OVERVIEW
The Relax Project seeks to erect a permanent sculpture, a 36-foot hammock, in an unused space between the Visual Arts department and the Nutwood parking structure.

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this project, other than it’s bigger-than-life presence and impact, is to trigger a sense of relaxation and promote subconscious thought within a society of high-anxiety students, and the general public alike, as they enter or exit the campus, in a bigger-than-life way.

BACKGROUND
As a student, assignments, tests and an inconsistent schedule are all big concerns that come with a great deal of stress. It’s very rare that a student is encouraged to take a little “R&R” during a semester. The Relax Project is a reminder that "everything will be OK.” It is a deep breath. It’s a sigh. An AHH! This project, if nothing else, will put a smile on the viewer’s face.

This work of art is designed to be a confrontation, without the confrontation. Internal, but external too. It’s taking a stand, not for laziness, but for one of the most important ingredients to a student’s health: rest.

WORKING TITLES
AH-HA!
AHH!
It’s Due Next Week.
See You Next Week.
Western Zen.

TIMEFRAME Upon approval — further concepting is required before it meets fruition, approx. 6 months. Determining mechanical specifications, approx. 3 months. Construction, 12 months.

MATERIALS AND COST
A lot of rope, estimated 6 200-foot spools.
(5/8” dia. x 200’ length Manila spool = $100 ea.)
A lot of wood, estimated 10 2”x6”x10’ lumber.
(2”x6”x10’ Hemlock Fir Treated Lumber = $10 ea.)
Miscellaneous hardware, carabiners and straps.
Estimated total = $1,000. Private sponsors can be arranged.

FREQUENTLY ASKED
Q. Will people be able to lay in it?
A. Technically, a large van is able, but it will be high enough in the air to where it cannot be disturbed.

Q. What will be beneath the giant hammock?
A. Quicksand.
Just kidding. Currently there is dirt. This will evolve as the concepting becomes real. It can be anything from sand to artificial turf. It can even have a putting green beneath it. Or maybe artificial turf painted sky-blue with airbrushed clouds.

Q. How does this relate to your major?
A. It doesn’t. It relates to life. Mine and yours.

Q. Are you serious?
A. Academic-anxiety raises many concerns and should not be taken lightly. Smile more. Yes.

As it may seem out-of-place for an MFA student studying Graphic Design to dream this up, it really hits home with Everyone. Attached are rough simulations displaying scale to bring this project a little closer to real life.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this proposal and it’s attributions to CSUF. Most importantly, thank you for considering an idea so big, that only two eucalyptus trees can hold it up.

Sincerely,
brianprince

MFA candidate, 2011-ish
projectartschool.com