Post written by Christa Avampato. You can follow Christa on Twitter.
A few weeks ago, I was on my way up to Harlem to do some research for an after-school program I’m hoping to launch in January. As I was walking up Broadway, I stopped to admire a painting that has been done of the sidewalk.
It depicted a smiling Barack Obama beside a very pensive Hillary Clinton. Scrawled next to the painting was a URL: http://www.hanisidewalkart.com/. I wrote down the site to look into at a later date.
Two weeks ago I moved into a
new apartment, and the day after I moved in there was a large gathering of people in a circle across the street.
I thought for sure someone was hurt, signing autographs, proselytizing, or break-dancing – all common things in New York that draw large sidewalk crowds. None of the above.
There was Hani, painting Michael Jackson on the sidewalk.
This time, I went home immediately and looked up his website. I would have interviewed him right there on the spot, though didn’t want to disturb his creative flow. I emailed him and he wrote back that same evening to say he’d love to be featured on TJCC. His story and work are fascinating and I am enthralled with his art, much of which is showcased on the website. I’m very happy to share his remarkable talent with all of you in this interview.
Christa: How did you get started as a sidewalk artist and why did you choose that medium?
Hani: I was in Italy when I first saw a girl drawing on the sidewalk. I was inspired. I kept thinking about it until I start doing it. I found myself there; I loved every aspect of it especially the medium because I always liked using my fingers to mix the paint, even when I used oils.
Christa: What’s been the most satisfying aspect of your work as an artist?
Hani: The most satisfying aspect of my work as an artist is that I ‘am doing what I want to do for a living. My independence. I chose my job and made it happen. The response and all the positive reactions and feedback that I get from people [is gratifying].
The inspiration that I exchange with people. Without it I could not have continued for all these years (25 years and counting!). And finally I love the truthfulness and honesty of it all. The fact that the work speaks for itself.
Christa: What do you hope your work accomplishes?
Hani: What I hope my work accomplishes is to sustain me and my family. I hope it makes a difference in my life and hopefully other people’s lives, inspiring and spreading good will. And I hope it helps me get closer to God.
Christa: What work will you be doing in the coming months that New Yorkers should be on the lookout for?
Hani: So as to what I will be doing in the coming months: I don’t have anything specific other than to continue to work/ I am always searching for new ideas. I want to be able to touch people lives, minds, and hearts. That is always a struggle for me, I am never sure if what I’m doing is helpful until I start doing it, and that is the hardest part. The Start.
Christa: I noticed you’ve done a variety of commercial work: from Nickelodeon to Fendi. Has the current economy effected this portion of your business in any way?
Hani: Yes! The current economy affected my work in a big way. I think that art is the first thing to go and the last to come back. So, I am working as much as I can now trying to market my work. I am going through so much to try to reinvent myself.
Christa: How do you choose the subjects of your work and the locations of the art?
Hani: I look for an area that is highly frequented and hopefully a clean surface and a wide sidewalk away from any private property or business or any complaining managers. As for the subjects, it has to be something that I like visually, something that provokes interest to as many people as possible, inspiring and thought provoking.
Lots of times, people and friends come to me with ideas and suggestions, but I have to be convinced of course!
Christa: What advice do you have for other artists who are looking to get their own work out into the world?
Hani: Do exactly that: take it out to the world. Take it to the streets, directly to the people. There is lots of feedback out there, lots of critics which all artists and creative people need. Museums and galleries are not just indoors. They are also outdoors. You will never know whom you are going to meet. Everybody walks outside. You meet real people out there who become who they truly are when walking on the streets with everybody else.
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Christa Avampato works in the field of innovation and product development and is a graduate of of UPenn (BA) and the Darden School at UVA (MBA). Her writing focuses on curating a creative and original life, drawing inspiration from a variety of topics including the arts, books, travel, new technology, and New York City.
In addition to being a weekly TJCC Contributor, Christa writes abouts creativity and hope at Christa In New York and about entrepreneurship at Examiner.com. You can also find Christa on Twitter.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Very cool article. Havi is a unique character with a unique outlet for his work. I enjoyed hearing about his work.
Great job, Christa!
Cool find, Christa – I hope I get to see Hani here…I like how he said "go where the people are," which is naturally, especially in NYC, outside. As usual, another great Christa story!
I've seen street drawing over the years and am always amazed at how accurate the depth-perception is on such a flat surface. If the artist draws a well, you really feel like you're looking down into the water. This in an incredible art form and so in the moment since the canvas is part of the real word. I'd like to capture more of that spirit in my own work as a writer.