Artist FAQ
Q: Can you help me fund my column art?
Sorry to say, the answer is no. We are already funding construction of the columns themselves (concrete, wood, steel, acrylic, etc.) as well as electronics, power supply, and transportation to/from the event entirely through personal savings and fundraising. While we can’t give you money, we will provide you with a bunch of services and the chance to display your art.
Q: What the heck is a chapter, and how do I pick one?
The easiest way to pick a chapter is to peruse our Timebook. Each of the 27 chapter titles is in bold: Cryptic Era all the way through Holocene Epoch. We have chosen to divide the timeline up into eras in the Precambrian, periods in the Paleozoic/Mesozoic, and epochs in the Cenozoic, resulting in 27 chapters. Geologic purists may find this vexing, but hey, it’s an art piece not a museum installation!
We have tried to summarize some of the broad advances in biology and geology that occured during each chapter, but we have only scratched the surface. We strongly recommend doing some more research on the chapters that intrigue you. The Wikipedia entry on “Geologic Time” is a great place to start!
Q: I, as an artist, have a reeeeally great idea for this one column and it’s totally better than whatever else you may have picked. Can I get preference?
Short answer: no. Long answer: all proposals will be carefully reviewed by our team of curators. If your idea really is the best idea, fret not, it will be chosen! To be fair to everyone applying, we will be anonymizing the applications to ensure that total strangers have just as much of a chance as our personal friends.
Q: I already talked to you guys months ago and claimed a chapter. Do I still have dibs?
No. After much consideration, we decided that the best way to approach the artist selection process was to clean the slate and let anyone apply for any chapter. This includes the first and last columns, those we previously said were “already decided”. We want to be open to _any_ good ideas, without bias towards our personal friends’ applications. Those of you who have already developed great ideas for particular chapters, never fear – we have faith you’ll put together such a stunning proposal that we will have no choice but to choose you!
Q: Can I propose ideas for more than one column?
Yep! Please let us know if you’d like to actually create two or more column sculptures, or if you’re just giving us multiple ideas but you want us to select you for only one column. Both options are feasible.
Q: When will I find out if I’ve been selected as a column artist?
April 1st!
Q: How long will I have to create my art?
You can start designing immediately! We will need your completed art by July 1st so we can install it in the columns, supply you with appropriate lighting and power, and debug everything. This gives you three months to build your sculpture.
Q: Once I’m chosen on April 1st, then what happens?
We will closely coordinate with you to be sure you have everything you need. Our Art Curator (Morley John) will be available to meet with you in person if you want to talk about particular challenges of your sculpture idea.
Q: Do I get a box? When?
If you need the physical box, for example if you need to drill holes or mount things to the bottom of the box, that can be arranged. We will have boxes fabricated, ready for your use in May or early June.
Q: Do I have to be in the San Francisco area to propose a sculpture and have access to the box in which to create my art?
No way! We welcome proposals from all over the country and all over the world! We will work with you to coordinate any shipping necessary to send you the box, and have it sent back filled with your wonderful art.
Q: How much power can I use?
We may be able to provide power to some columns, and depending on the column the amount will differ. If your piece requires power (apart from lighting it) please let us know and we’ll figure it out as our power system design starts to get finalized.
Q: Does it get hot inside the box?
Yes! Hot like the dashboard of your car in the desert. Don’t use hot glue for anything. If your art needs to be less warm, let us know in your proposal. We might be able to add some ventilation for you.
Q: Does the acrylic protect my art from the ultraviolet light of the bright desert sun?
Minimally, if at all. Please bear this in mind when choosing your materials.
Q: Is there a place to put parts of my project that aren’t visible (electronics, machinery, etc)?
Yep! Each column will have a hollow center (4″ in diameter) that can be used for parts that should not be visible.
Q: I’m good at (doing some stuff) but you don’t know jack about my skill set. How can I help you guys?
If you want to be involved helping the project, but not as a column sculpture artist, please check our Volunteer Page.