The term itself was lovingly coined by my father many years ago to describe the things that are completely out of one ’ s control despite best efforts , and certainly it would be foolish to think IAI would get through two months unscathed . Our glistening island signage , laser etched boxes of clear acrylic , was no match for a summer whose apocalyptic weather included baseball-sized hail and 60 mph rain storms . Inside the fort , thanks to occasional bouts of oppressive humidity , the swelling structure had a devilish tendency to nudge once-snug work out of place . While every element of the project needed some degree of adjustment , recalibrating , reimagining , and upkeep this summer , the artists and I learned alongside each other and figured it , whatever the ‘ it ’ happened to be , out together .
Over the course of IAI , in the moments I was lowest on energy or bogged down by logistical quandaries , that same unforeseen ‘ yo-yo factor ’ seemed to take pity and offer back something positive . Sometimes I would just happen to overhear couples quietly discussing their favorite works in Adirondack chairs on the beach , stumble upon visitors take grinning pictures with a sculpture , or get swept up in a wave of ‘ cool !’ s as the ferry approached the pier , excited squeals that stemmed from children feverishly pointing out artwork on the shore and clamoring to disembark . It was in these replenishing moments that I was reminded of what IAI was all about . The project ’ s larger mission supersedes the aesthetic merit of the work itself . It was an opportunity to demonstrate that the arts are for everyone , and should be made available to everyone , whether you are a newborn , a great grandmother , or an exuberant student on a ferry . And there is no better way to drive that message home than by placing artwork out in the wild , at the mercy of the elements and unforeseen forces , yet publicly on display and for the enjoyment of all .
Elizabeth Devlin is an independent curator , art consultant , and founder of FLUX . Boston , an online resource for artists and art enthusiasts in the Boston area and beyond . As a trusted resource and friend to the arts community , a certified Boston Redevelopment Authority artist , and curator of several critically acclaimed exhibitions to-date , Elizabeth strives to make the art world more accessible and to champion the endeavors of Boston ’ s creative community .
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
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Stage Harbor | by Dennis Dale , ASLA | Submitted by Artist
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