While reading an article in one of my art magazines, I was intrigued about art being sold through old, used cigarette vending machines. I discovered there are over 400 artists who sell their work in over 70 vending machines throughout the U.S., and anyone can purchase art at an affordable price. No one knows what piece of art they will find, it’s always a delightful surprise. The art has to be in a box the size of a pack of cigarettes and wrapped in cellophane so it will go through the machine smoothly. The inspiration behind Art-o-mat® vending machines comes from Clark Whittington out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I was hooked, I wanted to be an Artist In Cellophane, as they are called.
It took me five weeks to come up with an idea. I would make one large picture and divide it up in smaller pieces. Remembering that each piece had to be the size of a pack of cigarettes (2 1/8" x 3 1/4" x 7/8"). I started working on my project. I drew out my picture on a large sheet of paper and figured out how much wood I would need. After buying my wood, I cut the blocks (a 117 pieces) and placed them in a wood frame. The pattern was transfered to the wood, then wood burned and painted. It took me three weeks and a lot of giggling for my project to be completed.
Once finished, I had a complete picture full of vivid colors, and individually, a unique piece of art. One of many. A picture that stands alone. Each block was then signed and numbered. Ready for the vending machines and for someone to be surprised with a new piece of unique art. Now, I am An Artist In Cellophane.
If you want to learn more about Clark Whittington, Art-o-mat®, and where you might find a vending machine near you, go to... http://www.artomat.org/locations.php
If you are the proud owner of one of these mini pieces of art and would like to see where your block is in the full picture, please fill out the visitor registry. You will receive a small print of the complete picture and the location of where you block is located. It is important that all fields are complete for a return response. The block number is listed on the back of your art block. (Example: C3)
Not everyone has access to the art vending machines, so to be the proud owner of one or several of these limited, mini art blocks, simply go to the order page or click on the picture below. With Christmas around the corner, these would be a perfect gift for the person who has everything. If you order a block, you will also get a picture showing where your block is in the larger picture.
This is my second time to furnish art for the "Artist In Cellophane" program. I made a linoleum block cut, divided the pictures into eight different blocks and made prints from these.
Artist In Cellophane Art
If you are the proud owner of one
of these mini pieces of art and would like to see where your print is in
the full picture, please fill out the visitor registry. I will email you a picture of all the prints for you to see where you are located in the larger picture. Please list the mini print number located on the back. (Example: B3)
