I’ve long been puzzled by the whole concept of “art”.
I was gobsmacked when Miss 22’s high school art teacher rejected some of her projects back in the day as being more “craft” than “art”, and couldn’t help but wonder: What is the difference was between art and craft?
Lately however, I’ve been inspired to make some art (craft?!) of my own: a fairy door tree.
Problem is, this tree is not in my yard – it’s along the footpath on a fairly busy road in my neighbourhood. It’s a tree I pass regularly on my morning walks, and to me, it’s just crying out for the fairy door treatment … don’t you agree?!
Mind you, I’m the kinda gal that is still looking for a tree that “could” be The Magic Faraway Tree, and fascinated by fungi that looks like fairy rings despite having left childhood behind a loooong time ago …
As a goody two shoes decent law-abiding citizen, I would never dream of defacing public property or leaving graffiti tags on trains, road signs or the like, or painting a moustache and swastika on posters for a certain local politician (okay I might THINK about it … but I’d never do it).
So here’s my dilemma: If I did indeed sneak out one night and transform this boring roadside tree with a fairy door – would that be considered street art, or graffiti? Forget yarn bombing – I wanna go fairy bombing!
A quick search online and it seems that once again, there is a fine line between street art and graffiti. Technically, both are illegal. The main difference is in the intention – street artists want to delight, inspire and intrigue, to elicit an emotional response from passers by – bring a smile to their faces, if you will 🙂 , whereas those who graffiti just want to make their mark for all to see.
I’m pretty sure that a fairy door on a tree fits the criteria of street art! Can you imagine the faces of children when they saw it, or even adults who (like me), are still enchanted by the magic of fairies? Would it be seen as a delightful way to build community pride and a sense of place, even a tourist attraction?
Or would I be prosecuted for vandalism?
Knowing my luck it would be the latter.
So for now I’ll just dream about it – or maybe I’ll send this blog post to the local council to see what they have to say 😉 .
I’m interested to know your opinion. Should I or shouldn’t I? And would you?!
Awww I love this! I think you should do it – I’ll help! 🙂
I’m too much of a chicken I think 😉 but thank you, you’re the best daughter ever!
I love the idea too, and I’m sure if you got permission from the council it would be okay? In our suburb an artist applied to paint the power boxes with beautiful seascapes and tropical scenes and it really brightens up the streets!
I actually worked for our local council’s community development team when they managed the painting of the traffic signal boxes in our area! That was many years ago now though and the staff has completely changed, but that’s why I knew it’s probably not something I should just go and paint myself …
I love the idea Janet. I’m sure kids passing by would love it too.
I’m not much of an artist so maybe I should just suggest it to council and see if they want to take it and run with it 😉