Where do small businesses turn to when they need a job done that requires a steady hand? They turn to their local artist. Thus, started my journey to my favorite pizzeria in lower Manhattan. I took the train to get to Picasso Pizza. As I walked to reach my final destination I passed this sculpture.
This is “The Sphere” by Koenig. It was conceived as a symbol for World Peace and stood in the shadows of the World Trade Center buildings for 30 years until that fateful day. But it survived and was placed in this park as a temporary memorial for all. This sculpture, created as an icon for World Peace, survived 911. Miraculous, ironic, symbolic and spiritual all at the same time.
What sophisticated skills and ancient mediums were needed from a classically trained artist? Chalk! Lettering in chalk on the menu board was the job for the day.
We started out by going to Pearl paint to get supplies. Pearl paint is probably the best and biggest art supply store in all of New York City. (However, it is debated who is better, Utrecht or Pearl). Michael gave me his credit card to go in and get whatever I needed. A gold platinum credit card with no limits. So I went all out and bought $11.oo dollars worth of chalk.
Michael’s father, Michael Sr. and I decided we made the better team. He figured out the columns and item placement and I drew them in. Oh, and the younger Michael, he went to the other pizzeria and ran errands; and I did give him back his gold platinum card.
This store was just remodeled. Opening day was at weeks end. Writing out readable lettering while sitting on counter tops and standing on ladders is not the easiest thing in the world.
Yet, it was lots of fun chatting away with Michael Sr. all day long. Maybe that’s why it took so long to do but my kids don’t mind because when I am done, I always come home loaded down with food.