This series of chalkboard drawings was made for my friend Mikey's pub, The Druid, in Inman Sq. Cambridge, MA. The Druid was one of my haunts when I lived in the wintery hellscape of the north. It's where I met up with my friends to unwind after the work week to drink, play chess and doodle in my sketchbook.
Mikey asked me one day if I could do some work on his outdoor, natural slate chalkboard. I confess, I was a little unsure at first because it wasn't something I had tried before but I was certainly game to give it a shot. I suppose it is like any creative endeavor - do a bit of research, plan it out and experiment with materials. Overtime, I got the hang of it and it became second nature.
It definitely came with some technical challenges and I wouldn't say they were all winners but it was a fun experience along the way and it felt good to add some public art to an area I loved. I adapted colors and themes as the seasons would change and I met a number of people while I was outside on a ladder grinding away on them.
After the success and attention brought in, I was asked by a restaurant just a few doors down if I could help them with some boards behind their bar that had sat empty for years. What made these so fun was that I was a pure illustration job - they weren't interested in advertising specials or the menu. After some careful planning and some comical logistical issues, I designed these two opposing boards that emphasized their half seafood, half streakhouse menu..
...under the sea, under the sea..
The contest of Pork vs Beef rages on.