sketches

anne's sketches :)

Rosie Ayala; Grimy Waiting Lounge

After walking around, it was on my way home that I really found my place. The Red Line, Monroe station. I thought that all around it had interesting lighting as well as interesting sounds as well as interesting people! And would add a good contrast to the other spots chosen by the other students in the class.

Jenny Charles-Santos : Organics & Metals

For my project, I wanted to explore the contrast of having organics in the middle of Millenium Park in contrast to things that are man-made but have organic shapes. I will be exploring the juxtaposition of things that are naturally occuring in contrast to things that are man made.

Kelly Dress - Secluded Riverwalk

My spot is a secluded and closed off spot of the Chicago Riverwalk. We didn't visit this spot on the trip, but I found it on my own time with my good friend Imogen when we took a late night walk. We had recently moved in together, although we had learned about one another online, we went on a late night walk and seized the opportunity of time and privacy to talk one-on-one without any restraints. I chose this location because it brings back the fondness of our first night together, our first adventure together, and the thing in our friendship which brought us closer. There are two small staircases that head down towards the river in-between two bridges. It is very quiet compared to the rest of the Riverwalk- to the point where you can hear the water lap against the concrete. Not many people know about it either. I feel as if it is one of the area's best kept secrets; It's not usual to find near-silence in the city.

Noboru Bitoy - War and Peace

I chose the Chicago Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This place speaks to me on so many levels; primarily the juxtaposition of the ugliness and sorrow of war, memorialized in calm serenity. In this bustling part of town, there sits a small landscaped area paved with granite and adorned with gold. It's a quiet nook next to a noisy street, and it tells a story of violent courage amidst postcard scenery. People come here to meet with friends, to relax mid-day, to observe the simple lovely detail. I was drawn to its many stark contrasts, and it allows my mind to reach the many meanings in its handowork.

Jackson Van Matre; Raw, Agrestal Sanctum.

Millenium Park Conservatory, E. Monroe St. and S. Columbus Dr.

Beautiful Architectural Detail:

Sense of Calm Within Urban Enviroment:

People Within Environment:

Things Ignored:

Line:

A boy from Indiana, the prairie is in my heart, and upon moving to Chicago, I found myself fearful of losing that deep, organic connection to nature; especially wild, grasslands. I was deeply soothed whilst walking into the Chicago Conservatory- it gave me a sense of home, belonging, and that which is already known. Among the urban horizon of skyscrapers and piercing tones of bustling cabs and buses, in the seclusion of these gardens, an inner primitive ora takes over one's mind. The chirps of native crickets somewhat drown the distant hum of the city. Summer's last butterflies take flight and dance through the spindling flowers who seem to mimic the towering infrastructures surrounding. And when one decides to finally depart this sanctuary, a refreshed, wild, and primordial existence is renewed; necessary for art.

Carley- Inversely Illusional Park

I came across my space on my second walk around the city. It was a spur of the moment trip and was caused only because I had pent up frustration from how earlier that day I couldn't find any spaces I resonated with. My space is half a block in from the intersection of Stetson and Randolph. I became enamored with this space because although it is only an empty lot surrounded by dusky underground roads and tall office buildings, the small plot of grass has the 'characteristics' of a 'park'. For instance, man made structures that could be played on by children (the yellow parking blocks, a shopping cart), a pond (the puddle beneath the bridge), grass, some dirt that could be used as a baseball diamond, rocks to climb on, and so on. Obviously, this lot is not suitable for the public and for children to play in, but I find it striking how the vacant and fenced off lot gives an illusion of a park and of a place for adolescence.I hope to go back to the lot during the evening to see how the late sunlight reflects off the tall surrounding buildings and trickles down into the pit, and if any kids sneak into the lot at night. This paradox draws me in because it all seems very "Stand by Me", in how children (I'm talking about myself here...) always seem to seek adventure and fun in the things that are most outwardly dangerous.

Aric Crafford - Persistently Flickering Liberation

Within my chosen space, Persistently Flickering Liberation, it is heavily based how the surroundings affect one another. Over the course of my time being there, I noticed the area is rarely walked on and often neglected. However, a parking garage is next to the place and many individuals do not take my space's route. As well, animals tend to avoid the space. A netting canopy tops the walking route and has much debris is tangled within it. Within the canopy, are areas of repair due to previous accidents. Pigeons often inhabited the area in high places of refuge from the on going vehicles on the road. Along with previous accidents, pigeons tend to be apart of this. When I first arrived, a pigeon was mashed in between the wire. The pigeon seemed to have been in the area for much time due to it's physical state and individuals did not know of it's existence in the canopy. Adding to the neglect of my space, is the piping. The piping is insulated due to harsh Chicago winters so the pipes will not bust. I was informed that the pipes had not been repaired in years and would most likely not be repaired this coming winter either. A natural occurrence in the area was water dripping. I observed over a period that a puddle would grow and shrunk. However, the puddle seemed to be neglected too as the pigeons did not go to for a source of water. The puddle did not ripple either when on-going vehicles visited the area.

Seung Min, Yoo -Ramshackle Rising Wing

Ramshackle Rising Wing

I have been to Millenium Park lots of times but this visit was very much different. I explored lots of interesting features that I have been loverlooked. While I was taking pictures, I realized this dense urban environment and green park harmonize so well. It was a beautiful sunny day and many people were resting on the glass. This park was a perfect place for people to relax and
I could feel the full of enegy. I was very impressed to see a mutual beneficial relationship between this bustling city and the park.

Kasey Dann - Serenity with-in the storm

Serenity with-in the storm

By State and Wacker and the area by the Renaissance Hotel. I chose this location because this spot has many hidden gems. To begin with, there are tiny pockets of nature, gardens, and flowers.
Not only does it have beauty but it is a busy hub for out of state folk and locals. The Chicago river walk is right across the street. The red line is also a popular spot for commuters. What intrigued me the most was in the middle of state street, on the median is marble benches and trees. It is like a mini garden to sit and watch the "concrete jungle" and the hussle and bussle that surrounds you.

I liked to simply people watch while being there. Not only was I watching miniature plays happen in front of me but I noticed my self starting to think about where the people where headed. Even with a densely populated city there is still areas that are calm and relaxing. The boundaries that I created to close off my space was the median garden on state street, the Chicago River walk on Wacker and the outside facade of the hotel.



With in that space, I have found relaxing spots and within it interesting infrastructure. The architecture had intricate designs and old styled faces. No matter where ever you go, you can always fine special places within a huge city.