Wit and Whimsy

We took a photo of this mural in Downtown L.A. on one of our neighborhood walks, and I’ve framed it and toted it from office to office. It’s a red PARKING sign, with the last three letters faded and a young girl swinging from a swing that hangs off the “A.”

It’s one of those beautiful combinations of whimsy and deep message. I can picture myself in the swing, the wind in my hair as the swing reaches higher. Just by three faded letters, the artist reminds us that we can turn something practical into play without too much sacrifice.

I’ve interpreted it as a reminder to play, to enjoy life, to swing high sometimes.

Every once in a while, I wonder if I missed the real meaning of the piece. What if I completely missed the memo and have it all wrong?

Misinterpretation is a risk inherent in all art and its consumption. Every time we put something out there, it could be misunderstood. But what if it takes on new meaning? Is that okay? Can we be okay with putting art out that has a life of its own, that we can’t control?

Better to put it out there than to hold it close, afraid of what might happen to it when released into the world.

If you have a different interpretation for this mural, or any of the other pieces I discuss in this blog, please share. Because sticking to my own interpretations gets boring and I’d much rather hear from you!