Snow this morning, huge, wet flakes which melt on contact. There’s so much to ponder, little to say in the aftermath of the assassination of Pakistan’s daughter, Benazir Bhutto.
The violence we’re so capable of, silences all our best efforts: what could our lives possibly mean in the relief of that? I had been grateful, as a woman, to see the white veil on her, to hear her words: inspirational, sensible, compassionate. Spoken like a leader. A moderate, a Muslim, vocal and visible to the world. She was hope alright, in the polarized reality of Pakistan. Spoiled, in the name of God. So much shame, so many lives cut short and bloody in the name of.
Noreen Ahmed-Ullah from The Chicago Tribune visited The Fulton today, delayed by her story of the Pakistani community in the aftermath of Bhutto’s death. She had interviewed Bhutto twice before, and now stands in before us, writing for the fifth largest newspaper in the country, wanting more details about the work we’re doing.
And besides, it’s Ari’s birthday today. So we step back into this life, this artwork, this exciting project which grows more beautiful everyday.
Katie is our first intern, and here she is. Tough and capable and a catalyst, too: lively conversation thanks to her. Jokes and laughter in the cold.
And look at what they did! My camera failed me so Patrick Pyszka, Photographer for the City filled in. All these photos are his.
We heard from Erik Olson.
Hi Gordon, I just checked out the blog... it looks like things are coming along nicely. I loved seeing those huge pieces of colour leaning against the wall.
I think this is going to be your masterpiece. I can't wait to get there...
good luck,
Erik
He sent us a photo from Fenestrelle. This shows the interior of the church where the paintings were created, installed and displayed. Here they've just laid the color onto the plates in preparation for the installation of other paintings they've been creating. Paintings Below Zero was Canada's representative at the Cultural Olympiad for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin.
We had a birthday lunch, our first with Katie. There she is smiling on the left.
Then back to work for three more hours.
The new recruit. An interdisciplinary artist with a passion for art, music and mystery, Ari also has production skills. Fascinated by spirals, fractals and other patterns of growth, Ari loves watching ice crystals form... and of course, lugging around refrigeration plates. He's our guide to Chicago and has managed to fix up a previously mangled bicycle, which he rides everywhere.
Katie has a BA in Fine Art from University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She has passion for creating ceramic sculpture and enjoys oil painting, traveling and yoga, as well as Chicago's "offerings of art & culture." Although she answers whenever anyone calls "Katie" (there are 3 interns names Katie) she's an enthusiastic worker, and a welcome addition to 
Matt is an artist, bicyclist, disc jockey, self-taught keyboardist and photographer who likes to write. This is his first 
Katelyn recently moved to Chicago from Michigan, and works as a paintings assistant for artist Tim Lowly. She has a BFA in Painting, & a BA in Art Education (Western Michigan University). An artist who paints, Katie also plays violin with a number of groups in the Chicago area. She's new to 
Katie Louise Williams really likes ice. She grew up making ice rinks in her yard, playing hockey, staring at frosty grass, and, eventually, driving a Zamboni. The project has been one of her favorite experiences with both ice and Canadians. She rides her bike everywhere. When its warmer she's a vegetable farmer.
Technical crew. Laura is new to 
This is Jaz’s third installation with Paintings Below Zero. Jaz brings a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design from Emily Carr College to the project. A fanatic of typefaces, Jaz designed & produced the artbook on the Italy installation, created the flash web site from scratch: paintingsbelowzero.com, designed a full page ad in Modern Painters (Feb 2008 ) & numerous smaller design projects for 
Raised in Calgary, Winnipeg, Nairobi, and Boston, Erik is an artist and graphic designer, (Bachelor of Design Emily Carr, 2005), who has cultivated a distinct visual art practice informed by design and international travel. Following his studies with voyages to Honduras, Italy, London, England, Toronto, and Harlem, New York, Olson returned to his native Calgary to open IDEAL, a contemporary art space. www.erikolson.ca
River grew up in Northern California and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture) from UC Santa Cruz. His wild, youthful days of travel ended abruptly when he fell in love with a dancer. Now he's married, with 3 kids, a house, 2 cars and a dog living in semi-rural British Columbia as a stone mason. He relishes 
Originally from the U.K., Nancy is now based in Toronto. With a background in art education, she first worked with 
Adrian has worked in the Broadcast, Film and Live Production fields for the past 28 years and is presently Lighting Consultant to the CTV Television Network, TSN and Rogers Sportsnet. He also counts amongst his clientele the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, for whom he is the Lighting and Set Designer for their worldwide festivals.
Art spends most of his time continent hopping with Accent Refrigeration in the cool quest to design and install the perfect system. His favorite gig is Paintings Below Zero - and will continue to be until hell freezes over. He calls home Victoria, British Columbia with his wife and 4 daughters.
This is JC’s fourth installation with 
Nancy has worked with Gordon and Caitlin with PBZ since the 2005 Italy installation. She’s the go-to person behind the scenes. Nancy is responsible to have everything in place before the crew hits the location. She brings 21 years of event management experience to this gig, and she is inspired by the work. 
1 comment:
I am cold in Southern California, you must be freezing in the Windy City!!!!
Hugs to all, Bernie
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