(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, March 03, 2014 ) Portland, OR -- Here’s an art book that is unique, not only for its content but for the process used to collect the individual pieces.
It’s a 300-page book of full-color graffiti images, gathered from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USA, Scotland, Ireland and England. And this is not just any ordinary street art, it’s graffiti from the bathrooms of bars and cafés.
Fittingly, the book is titled Off The Stall!: Unconventional Bathroom Graffiti.
This unique project is being undertaken by Jake Anderson of Lexington, Mass, who insists that some of the world’s greatest art can be found in some of the world’s nastiest places. “I believe that bathroom graffiti is something to be valued,” says Anderson. “Not all of it, but a small minority is worthy of fine art and anthropological study. I’m specifically looking for graffiti that will make people laugh, think, or smile.”
Anderson has traveled all over the USA, uncovering distinctive artifacts for his book. It’s not unusual for him to spend an hour or more in a single bathroom and his search is not limited to men’s bathrooms. With permission from the café or bar owner, he has uncovered some hidden gems in ladies’ rooms.
Most of the time, the graffiti doesn’t last long before it is washed away or painted over – and gone forever. “That’s why this project exists,” explains Anderson.
The process of collecting this artwork has been refined over the years. First, the curator takes a photo of the graffiti and then traces the image onto a piece of paper. The traced version is sent to a graphic artist who reworks it into an aesthetic masterpiece.
The total budget for the book comes to about $42,750. A large chunk of this will come out of Anderson’s savings but he has also launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $3,500 and prove the viability of his project. His hope is that strong support from Kickstarter will attract an additional $20,000 from private investors.
Those interested in supporting this project can access Anderson’s Kickstarter page. Depending on their contribution levels, backers will receive copies of the book, signed copies of graffiti and acknowledgments in the book.
For further information about Off The Stall!: Unconventional Bathroom Graffiti, visit his Kickstarter project, the books website or contact Anderson at offthestallproject@gmail.com. Both websites include a video as well as before-and-after art samples.
