Lovely Lines

Officially in SFMOMA withdrawal. The museum is closed for renovation till 2016. I took it for granted when it was open. Access and exposure to inspiring and innovative works at one’s convenience is a gift. Part of me has been lost and disoriented despite the institution’s off-site programs. However, the new spaces will provide more opportunities and strengthen the San Francisco Bay Area’s aesthetic culture.

Patience is in order.

I’ve been watching the construction time-lapse movie of its progress. It’s fascinating because the website is updated every 15 minutes since June of 2013. Been geeking out due to the fabulous lines of Snøhetta. Each day shows new light, shadows, and growth.

See for yourself:

http://www.sfmoma.org/our_expansion/expansion_building/constructioncam

From the SFMOMA’s website: “The architecture firm Snøhetta is collaborating with SFMOMA to develop an expansion that will not only create compelling new spaces, but also enhance the museum’s contributions to the community. In the words of Craig Dykers, one of Snøhetta’s principals, the extension of the SFMOMA building will ‘become the tissue that merges building and community, supports the museum’s role as an educational and civic catalyst, and opens up the museum to the diverse audiences it serves.’”

Yes, indeed. In my art practice, I’m inspired by natural and manmade environments. This relationship is the foundation for my love of lines. How one mark can be extended through intention, speed, width, and invention is truly inspiring. As a result, wanted to see Snøhetta’s vision in person.

First parked at the garage closest to the museum. Checked each floor to see any glimpse of the masterpiece. No luck. Security was suspicious by my behavior and concluded a walkabout of the massive block limits any innocent incident potential.

Street level walking around the construction site provides blocked views. No complaints here. I was happy for the opportunity and time to see such beauty. Turning the corner, an Academy of Art University building appeared. Asked the security guard if viewing SFMOMA’s construction was an option. She looked me over while examining my ID and said with a smile: “Wait here. Sure!”

From the roof, I sketched and took photos. Feeling alone, neighbors in adjacent buildings observed my actions. One individual waved and smiled. I sat down and watched the fog sauntered in. Lucky me to have this opportunity and vantage point. Only a bird gliding across its surface would have a better perspective.

Inspired by its patterns, lines rolled out of my pens like the city’s energy. This was only the beginning. The art that would be waiting inside for future visitors was an exciting notion. The wait will and has been well worth it.