Stephen J. Groak Reviews: Magnolia and Van Nuys

Magic mural on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?

No.

Call me Dopey; I have no clue.

City of Angels.

Huh?

Indulge me in some context…

Ride a Metro, drive, bike, bus, e-scoot, skateboard, or even jaywalk around Los Angeles (and the surrounding cities) and you will come across a plethora of visual public expressions, from graffiti smeared across a 7-Eleven convenience store wall to commissioned works of art. The range reflects the diverse communities that inhabit this great metropolis.

At the corner of Magnolia and Van Nuys, adjacent to the ultimate German automotive eye candy—aka BMW of Sherman Oaks—I interviewed illustrator Danielle Gro'ak as she had just completed a commission to paint a City utility box.

How did this project come about?

As a Los Angeles native, I’ve always admired public art. When I moved to the Valley, I immediately noticed the painted utility boxes. I would take frequent walks in Sherman Oaks and admire all the designs. It’s amazing how much variation there is from block to block. I wanted to be part of this beautification initiative.

I sent a design to Let’s Paint Sherman Oaks. After some time, I heard back that my design was selected, and I was assigned a box. I was commissioned by the Sherman Oaks Chamber Foundation. Let’s Paint Sherman Oaks Website: https://www.letspaintshermanoaks.com/

What was your thesis/idea for submission?

My goal was to celebrate the critters of Sherman Oaks. I thought about plants, animals, and insects I’ve seen in the area and focused on each one’s personality. In the city, it can be easy to forget how much we share space with creatures. But all it takes is a bit of observation. Urban places bustle with wildlife.

During the process, what situations arose that surprised you or that you did not expect?

My utility box is at the busy intersection of Magnolia and Van Nuys. I was surprised by how many strangers shared their enthusiasm and appreciation. People who drove past honked and yelled, “you’re so talented” or “thank you.” Some even parked to shake my hand and take a closer look. A bunch of students who came off the bus stopped to watch me paint. This one gentleman even asked if he could help with the primer. I would talk frequently with people who live and work in the neighborhood. I felt like I was a part of something much bigger. Art brings people together.

Name an artist who inspires you.

I'm inspired by multi-disciplinary artist Mokshini, a New Zealander who is based in Brooklyn. Her illustrations are fueled by the everyday eccentric personalities of New York. I admire that she is not removed from her subject matter. She lives and breathes her city. She even occasionally hides pieces in the streets for pedestrians to stumble upon and take home.

Is public art a genre and does it go by other names within the artistic community?

I’d say, yes, it is a category. I’ve also heard it called community art or commissioned public art. Other visual artists who enliven city spaces are urban sketchers, street artists, on-site illustrators, reportage illustrators, painters, muralists, sculptors, graffiti artists, performance artists, photographers, chalk artists . . . the list goes on and on.

What is your process when painting a utility box, i.e., how did you decide what image went on which side of the structure?

When painting outside, the natural environment becomes part of the process. There was no shade where I was so heat was a big factor in when I’d decide to work and for how long. I found a natural rhythm of working for an hour, taking a break in the car, and working for another hour. When artmaking, I thrive on moments of spontaneity. When creating my design, I worked out which animals would go on the smaller versus bigger sides. Anything beyond that, I wanted to decide on-site. My sister, Raewyn, suggested that the dog should face the pedestrians walking dogs. We thought the hummingbird would give some peace to the noisiest side of the street and the mountain lion would energize people hustling in their cars. We thought the deer could be a surprise for people who walk past the box. Its colors also complemented the auto dealership in front.

Any messages to those driving past and viewing your work?

There's beauty all around. Some of it is quiet, and some of it is loud. All it takes is a closer look.

Any advice to those artists wishing to pursue this artistic journey?

Before I started this project, I reached out to artists in Sherman Oaks who had done it before. They were happy to share their experience. Know you’re a part of a larger artistic community, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What value do you think public or street art brings to a community?

Art deepens our sense of place and connection to one another. When I drive past a utility box, the bright colors zap me out of my everyday routine. It brings out the personality and textures already in the city. Art strengthens joy, community, and dare I say, fun.

What is your next public art project?

Right now, I am drawn to reportage illustration. Reportage illustration is the act of drawing, observing, and recording on location. Artists call the viewer to a specific place at a specific moment in time. I am in my final year of an MFA in Illustration and Visual Culture program at Washington University in St. Louis, and I am interested in mapping out stories in various corners of the city.

As Danielle says, “There’s beauty all around.”

When you drive past the utility box on the corner of Magnolia and Van Nuys let the “personality and textures already in the city” speak to you:

Stop, says the red light,

Go, says the green.

Be careful, says the orange light

Winking in between.