On view at the AIABaltimore Architects Bookstore
11 1/2 W. Chase St., Baltimore, MD 21201
May 4 – June 29
Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Reception: May 4 @ 5:00 pm
Artist Statement
“Excuse Me Sir” is a collection of sketches done in Baltimore, Maryland over a three-year period. Most of the sketches were done “plein air” during lunch breaks. I have no idea what “plein air” means. Someone told me that’s what it is. It sounds fancy. I do know that on more than one occasion security has ambled up, eyes squinting with suspicion uttering, “excuse me sir…”
Occasionally I’m asked to leave the site or even, understandably, escorted off private property. But folks are mostly happy and even ask to be shown how to sketch. In return I’ve been given money, had money taken from me, had poetry recited to me, been panhandled a lot and, for some ungodly reason, hugged. I’m always completely humbled by any praise.
Pen and paper work like a camera to me. I can preserve images of buildings and point out their beauty. It also gives these places a new life on social media (follow “@jcgarch” on Instagram).
Buildings matter.
Jerome C. Gray, AIA. Architect