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Yesterday at Orlando Weekly‘s first-ever Artlando event, a massive celebration of our local arts and culture scene, local photographer (and OW contributor) Robert Bartlett volunteered his time to document some of the people who came to participate in the event. We asked people to give us their first names and to make one simple statement, either about themselves or about why they appreciate art. We’ve assembled them into this gallery, which we’re calling Humans of Artlando (with our appreciation for and apologies to the creators of the “Humans of” concept, Humans of New York). Erin Sullivan
**We did our best to keep names and statements lined up with your photos, but due to a bit of rain-related chaos, it is possible that we have transposed a name or two along the way (we are, after all, only Humans of Artlando, too) please email Erin Sullivan at esullivan@orlandoweekly.com if you catch a mistake, and we’ll correct ASAP. Thank you!
Andrew: “Art is the channelling of the infinite into form. Make sure channelling is spelled the right way, with two Ls.” Credit:Robert BartlettJasmine: “Art is everything around you. It’s major, it’s manmade, it’s crazy how you express yourself.” Credit:Robert BartlettDonna: “I recently moved here from Austin, Texas, and it’s so laid back the people are always two hours late.” Credit:Robert BartlettPatrick: “Art makes the mundane tolerable.” Credit:Robert BartlettBilly: “I am art.” Credit:Robert BartlettMayor Buddy Dyer is Orlando’s biggest arts supporter. Credit:Robert BartlettNadine and Shawna and Kenna: “We love art because it embodies the soul. And it makes it makes us feel stuff in our heart place.” Credit:Robert BartlettIsabel and Milan: “Let us give thanks.” Credit:Robert BartlettSam: “I like the pure enjoyment and freedom of expression in art. It doesn’t have to be specific things, it can be anything you want to make up. Anything. You can just think it up, and you can just do it.” Credit:Robert BartlettDoug: “I’m that mushroom guy.” Credit:Robert BartlettOlivia: “I like art because I like the creativity and how the different colors combine and how it’s just nice to look at. And some types of art can be calming and exciting. Or sad.” Credit:Robert BartlettStephan and Teddi:
What do you love about art?
Stephan: “Just being different.”
Teddi: “It’s an expression of self. Of individuality.” Credit:Robert BartlettStephanie and Sophia:
Tell us something about yourself.
“I am Sophia’s aunt, and we go on day dates to explore our city.” Credit:Robert BartlettEmmanuel, Riley and Elijah: “We’re cool.” Credit:Robert BartlettMariana:
Why do you like art?
“Because. I don’t know.”
Do you make art?
“Yes. I like to paint.”
What kind of paintings? Oil, acrylic?
“Both.” Credit:Robert BartlettSteven and Alberto and Ines: “Art is important because the world needs more creativity. There is never enough.” Credit:Robert BartlettRenee and Eric:
Why do you love art?
Renee: “It’s fun to look at. I’m not too serious about it, so …”
Eric: “I’ll have to agree.” Credit:Robert BartlettJonathan:
What do you love about art?
“Creating.” Credit:Robert BartlettFrancisco:
Why do you think art is important?
“Well, i guess art is important because it’s a reflection of life. Life imitates art. And its expression, ultimately, is one way from one person’s mind into the mind of another. A way for people to express themselves, from one medium to another.” Credit:Robert BartlettTristan and Alexi and Justin:
What do you like about art?
“Everything.”
“Everything about art.”
“Animals. i like all the art.” Credit:Robert BartlettKaterina:
What do you like about art?
“It makes the strange familiar and the familiar strange.” Credit:Robert BartlettOlivia and Jordan and Elizabeth, and Joe:
What do you like about art?
“I just like how it shows creativity and stuff.”
“I like all the colors. ” Credit:Robert BartlettLucas: “Art is creepy.” Credit:Robert BartlettTyeschea: “Art is contemplative and inspiring.” Credit:Robert BartlettLindsey: “Follow your passions.” Credit:Robert BartlettAshley: “I am super sweaty right now.” Credit:Robert BartlettAshley: “I’m off to buy some mice for my snakes.” Credit:Robert BartlettEryn: “I’ve never murdered anyone … yet.” Credit:Robert BartlettTaylor: “Dancing in the rain.” Credit:Robert BartlettEm: “Je t’aime.” Credit:Robert BartlettLisa: “I love art. Rain, shine or sweat.” Credit:Robert BartlettJonathan: “I like pizza.” Credit:Robert BartlettJohn: “Rain is wet.” Credit:Robert BartlettRachel: “I practiced this.” Credit:Robert BartlettTasha: “Live, love, imagine, create art.” Credit:Robert BartlettMichael:
Why do you like art?
“Creativity.” Credit:Robert BartlettEdward: “We are all artists.” Credit:Robert BartlettCarrie: “It’s art, man. Let it be what it is.” Credit:Robert BartlettErica, Elijah and Toby: “Pisspots.” Credit:Robert BartlettPatti: “I’m a Beavis and Butthead fan.” Credit:Robert BartlettJessi: “I am art.” Credit:Robert BartlettVictoria: “Orlando City rocks! Welcome, Kaká!” Credit:Robert BartlettKae: “I think art is one of those things that links the past and the future in an interesting and concrete way, and that’s what I love about it.” Credit:Robert BartlettDevon: “I’m not sure what’s going on, but there’s dogs and pretty things, and I like it.” Credit:Robert BartlettCourtney and Charlie: “We love creative expressionism.” Credit:Robert BartlettDaniel: “Art is my future.” Credit:Robert BartlettCarl F. Gauze:
Tell us something about yourself.
“I’m one of the theater critics in town.” Credit:Robert BartlettChristopher:
Why do you love art?
“Because it keeps my wife employed.” Credit:Robert BartlettMatt and Carl: “The invasion is at 6 p.m.” Credit:Robert BartlettJon, Christina and Delaney (the dog): “I smell a lot of good art around here.” – Delaney Credit:Robert BartlettCarol and Matt: “Art is inspiring and relaxing.” Credit:Robert BartlettSteve: “Seeing the DRIP exhibit made me realize what my philosophy about art is: I’ll look at anything you have, just try not to get any on me.” Credit:Robert BartlettRachel and Joshua: “Art makes us human.” Credit:Robert BartlettAnna and Mike: “It’s open to interpretation. It’s great that it can mean a lot of different things to different people.” Credit:Robert BartlettChristina and Ryan: “Art is the reason we’re simply together.” Credit:Robert BartlettEmily and Haley: “Art makes you see things in a different way than you are used to.” Credit:Robert BartlettBrenda: “Art lets you express your point of view of the world.” Credit:Robert BartlettVinnie and Gregory: “It’s something for both of us. It’s hard to explain. I guess it’s just something you have to experience.” Credit:Robert BartlettPhil and Kay: “Art enriches your life.” Credit:Robert BartlettThad and Breanna: “Life’s no fun without art.” Credit:Robert BartlettJennifer and Vincente and Nikolas: “We like art because it expresses the feelings of people.” Credit:Robert BartlettDiana and Vera: “Contemporary. Creative. Spontaneous.” Credit:Robert BartlettGilbert and GeeGee and Ariana: “We like art because it’s fun.” Credit:Robert BartlettElijah: “I got a camera for Christmas from my grandma and grandpa, and this one is from my sister.” Credit:Robert BartlettKyle and Mindy:
Why do you like art?
Kyle: “I like the kind of meaning of someone’s expression behind their art – why they did it, why they show it in the art. If it’s hidden or clear to them.”
Mindy: “Because it can be anything and everything.” Credit:Robert BartlettDanielah and Lisa:
Why is art important to you?
Danielah: “Art’s important to me because it lets you explore areas of your mind that you would not know consciously.”
Lisa: “Because it’s an expression of love and beauty.” Credit:Robert BartlettMindy and Michael:
Why is art important to you?
Michael: “Because it’s important to her.” Credit:Robert BartlettKrystle and Janet:
Why is art important?
Krystle: “Because it keeps the culture alive.”
Janet: “It’s important because it keeps you sane or insane.” Credit:Robert BartlettGin and JC:
What do you love about art?
Gin: “It’s a way of expression.”
JC: “It’s a creative outlet.” Credit:Robert BartlettBecky and Robin and Morgan: “Art may not be the reason for life, but it makes life worth living.” Credit:Robert BartlettDenna: “Art is creativity, and creativity keeps your life moving.” Credit:Robert BartlettCamila and Samantha: “Art is freedom, self-expression and the ability to do whatever the hell it is you want to do.” Credit:Robert BartlettLea and Marc: “Art is about not being cliche.” Credit:Robert BartlettXi and Mike (of #ImpressInk):
Why do you love art?
“Because you can wear it.” Credit:Robert BartlettGraham:
Why do you like art?
“I like art because it gives us a reason to have festivals.” Credit:Robert BartlettNirmari and Jimmy:
Why do you appreciate art?
Jimmy: “Because it pays the bills.”
Nirmari: “Because it’s a way to express yourself.” Credit:Robert BartlettRob and Izzy:
Why do you appreciate art?
“Because our eyes need love, too.” Credit:Robert BartlettLy Sue and Gerardo: “Art shapes you.” Credit:Robert BartlettMary:
Why do you appreciate art?
“Because art is math.” Credit:Robert BartlettSandra: “Art is what makes life interesting.” Credit:Robert BartlettJennifer and Kathy:
Why do you love art?
Jennifer: “It just expresses my life.”
Kathy: “Art is my life.” Credit:Robert BartlettTravis: “Art motivates us to put up with all the other bullshit.” Credit:Robert BartlettJacob: “Art is important because it’s the individual’s creative expression, and it’s a way to connect the imagination with reality.” Credit:Robert BartlettErin: “I am an artist, and art helps bring what’s in my imagination to life.” Credit:Robert Bartlett