The question most people ask is “Why did you ever pick such a ridiculous theme?” Some people even shake their heads when they think about the mundane iron covers we all walk over.
Well it all began when I was a Mom going back to college to study art. I experimented in every style and medium possible.
Master Printer, Dan Welden advised me to settle on one style or medium. The distinguished professor of Art Histor, Lawrence Alloway looked at my little album of art creations and said, “You have a penchant for circles!” The spray painting work (right) is called “Spirals.”
Eureka! I discovered two pages containing manhole cover photographs! Wow! “What a perfect theme!” That was 1979 and I am still doing “Grate Works!”
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| Tempus Fugit | Sunburst | Whirpool Galaxy |
Above: Early “Mod Works” with circular themes.
24 replies on “Why Manhole Covers? (instead of portraits or landscapes?)”
You are ‘SooooIn’ now – circle themes can be seen in fabric and wallpaper patterns.
Circles feel good to look at. The line embraces itself. I can see why you were drawn to it in the first place.
And I personally like manhole covers and can see it as normal that you chose them as your medium.
Maybe mandalas have been your subject all along.
The site is great.
Al
Hi Bobbi,
That is so interesting. I had a similar experience at Southampton College
when I took a design course.
Love your Spirals. The variation of colors is fascinating. You have answered a question I had . Great work. Kathy
Nicely done!
Hi Bobbi…love it…..how are you??? Miss ya!
Love,
Patty
Hi Bobbi,
this is why I was always inspired to work with you! You have such a wonderful spirit, and enthusiasm for life!! What a lovely website you created, and I always enjoy looking at your masterpieces!! God has blessed you with a unique and very gifted talent. Continue to “shine your light” onto others so they may see God’s “grate” “works” in you!!
My very best to you,
Nancy Wibben
Dear Bobbi,
Thank you for the update on your web site. It is so exciting to see all that you are doing, in addition to what has already happened in your career. You amaze me, how do you think of these themes and then execute them?
You are my mentor!!!
Your sister, Judie
“Spirals”
Dear Bobbi,
Wonderful! Another “grate” bobbi-ism comes to fruition!
My computer doesn’t go to all places, but what I saw was exciting.
Much good luck–and love,
Your forever fan,
Sandy
Your subject matter is very interesting. I can’t go by now without taking a picture of a manhole cover. You would think that Disney would have an interesting manhole cover. You might want to design one for them based on your background. You might earn some $$ for this endeaver. If you are interested, call me and we will see who you should contact.
I’ve seen your work in a gallery – and I really love it! to see something as ordinary as a manhole cover through the eyes of an artist is so enriching. It makes everything in my life more beautiful… you turn the world onto the beauty around us.
bobbi,
congratulations
you have an excellent web page,
very professional…
in 2 words: very creative
fernando
Just Great! So glad you sent this msg. to me. I know from visiting your little studio you work very hard and serious at this creative idea. I would like to tell others Bobbi’s work is one word “PERFECT”
Bobbi. as you know Sandy & I just moved to Arkansas and I have two grates along my front walkway … one with a large bass or trout in the center… I will try and send a picture via e-mail…
Your friend Doug L.
Dear Bobbi,
I really like your new blog! You’ve worked so hard to get it together. Thanks for sharing.
Your best fan,
Ellen Gordon
Hello my friend bobbi,
i am alvaro from spain , felicidades , congratulations. i liked the spirales muchisimo. me gusta todo lo que haces.
un saludo desde españa. alvaro
Hello Bobbi,
Your new blog will be different and interesting, for, as the saying goes, “Variety is the Spice of Life”.
I now know how in your case grate-works was conceived, born out of a spiral thought! But, I’m curious though about how the other enthusiasts of this specific art came into being, e.g. those in Russia, and Japan. Japan’s grate-works are very beautifully designed hence, I believe, was the inspiration of some to replicate them in models, perhaps it was the same in Russia. Forgive me for picking your brain but this is to be thought of as a Grate-Thought!
May you have very happy moments on your new idea.
Regards!
Rosie
Hi Bobbi,
The beautiful “Spirals” are new to me. I wish that I had seen them when you were here!!!!
The Website is informative and very interesting. Right on, Bobbi. You continue to amaze me!!!!
Marilyn Abt
Bobbi,
Your concept is certainly unique and very interesting.
Keep up the “grate” work!!!!
Dear Bobbi,
How gratifying to see your unique art work create universal awareness of the striking designs on our street hardware. Thank you for that and for your ongoing support of my book.
Mimi Melnick
Author of Manhole Covers (The MIT Press, 1994)
Hi Bobbi,
You KNOW that I love your work!!
You are here with me in good memories
and admiration of your continued sharing of your gifts of art and
determination. Congratulations for all you do.
Love,
Dorothea Johnson CA USA
WWE Wallpaper
Hello…
I Googled for painting wallpaper, but found your page about
Why Manhole Covers? (instead of portraits or landscapes?)…
and have to say thanks.
Nice read.
http://www.wwe-wallpaper.info/
Bobbi,
I love the message from Pauline,”circles feel so great. The line embraces itself.” You’ve circled the world with your manholes!
Fan of yours and PTC student!
Ellen
Great Post! I personally really like your article. This is a great website. I will make sure that I stop back again!.