The Vending Machine Concept

The Vending Machine Concept originated from the idea of micro payments being utilized to pay for large projects. And to counter the idea that our Artists should be starving. I know its a revolutionary idea but our capitalist system does not value the true motives of the artist. I should only speak for myself. I got tired of being part of a "stable" of artists, making art as a product, being judged by people who don't have ground experiences in art making, feeling like a beggar when asking to be paid for the work, as if an artist is some strange creature who requires only air for sustenance. "Every act of creation by its mere existence denies the world of master and slave." (Albert Camus, The Rebel) The Vending Machine Concept evolved out of the idea of placing a parking meter next to artworks. People would pay for time to view the artwork. I purchased the vending machine from e-bay, painted it, made the beads. Participants put a quarter in the machine, get an art token and contribute to the labor, skill and creativity that goes into each piece of art. I co-created a piece titled "Community II" at the Youth Shelter in Laguna Beach. My teaching there is sponsored by the Laguna Outreach for Community Arts (LOCA) The vending machine will be placed in a variety of locations until "labor day" 2013. Any funds raised over $600. will be donated to LOCA. The "Community II" piece will be donated to the Youth Shelter.