Creative Gateway - Michael Tam

My project proposal involves blank wall areas all around Mesa College academic buildings.  I chose this region because not only does that large wall space have endless potential for art, it can also serve the important function of leading students and guests to specific departments of the campus.  The appearance of the campus is very uninspiring and repetitive, using neutral beige, greys, and off-white tones as well as sky blue.  This can potentially cause much confusion, especially to new students.  Although the buildings are coded with letters and numbers, one has to look really hard or double check with the campus map to find the correct building.  The "Creative Gateway" project solves this problem by directing individuals to their destinations as they approach them from various parts of campus.  When students are heading in that direction, they can immediately see that they are going the right way with large and colorful imagery enticing them to make a trip to the buildings, whether it is for class or just to take a peek.  It will also inspire creativity with bold colors and the contrasting form language, resulting in a visually stimulating method of finding one's way around campus.  This can potentially be applied to all, using related imagery and creating visual interest across the Mesa College campus.  This specific piece uses cartoon sheep heads as the subject matter.  They represent people, mainly students or young professionals.  Initially we are all just drones just trying to find our way.  Once we are enlightened, we are in a zone, leading us to another dimension to progress.  This makes us and our lives more interesting, and a little twisted sometimes.

- Michael Tam