The Rent Project

Most of The Rent Project

2009-10-11T20:23:00.002-04:00

More Doodles.

2009-10-11T14:58:00.001-04:00

More catching up.

2009-10-11T14:46:00.000-04:00

I doodled on envelopes and wrote short notes this morning to those who sent me $3.50 but didn't request anything. I took 20 minutes for each. Being sick with a cold really set me back. I still have a dozen or more 20 minute labors to do. I'm at 81 envelopes. Of course, I paid my October rent. I'm still here. I was lucky that a few people hired me for longer periods of time.

Catching up with The Rent Project

2009-10-06T08:49:00.000-04:00

Since doing 20 minutes of work actually takes longer, I'm still catching up on all 20-minute requests. I've had a cold since Troy Night Out. Here I am pouring wine for 20 minutes at the UAG gallery. They sent me 3.50 weeks ago.

Troy Night Out exhibit of THE RENT PROJECT

2009-09-28T09:15:00.000-04:00

Not bad.

2009-09-27T06:30:00.000-04:00

The Rent Project at Troy Night Out was fairly successful. I didn't get as much traffic as I would have liked but there was a lot going on and I think people were flocking to larger venues. I had a rather minimal video slide show projected on a wall.

Troy Night Out

2009-09-25T07:11:00.000-04:00

I'm exhibiting The Rent Project tonight at Troy Night Out. I'm going to continue the project until the end of the month. I still have 20 minute requests to fulfill. I have a sore throat today and labored breathing. I'm getting a cold. I have to install The Rent Project at 27 3rd street in Troy this morning. It's an empty storefront and I'm not quite sure how I will install yet. Unfortunately, they don't give you anytime to plan. I'm being let in the space for the first time today, the day of the show. If I had been able to get in the space a week ago and periodically until today, it would be better but so be it. Honestly, I'm disappointed in most of the work I see at Troy Night Out. Hell, maybe I'll be disappointed in my own piece.

2009-09-19T16:08:00.000-04:00

Someone asked me to do a 20 minute version of "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper. This is my sketch with the original. Kinda fun.

One of my more fun 20 minutes.

2009-09-18T10:05:00.000-04:00

I met Caroline at the Art Center in Troy, where she works to organize her car trunk for 20 minutes.

Close to Half.

2009-09-17T11:14:00.000-04:00

I have close to 50 envelopes. I'm almost done completing all tasks, but playing catch up right now. I realize how challenging it is to reach 100 people. I've never been a strong self promoter but I'm learning. One thing I need to work on is being clearer about my ideas. However, I'm not always sure about where a project is going until I get started. I'm finding with The Rent Project, many people want me to direct them. What I want is the opposite. I want them to direct me. Sure, there is a basic framework, but who is to say rules can't be broken? Some have already broken them. I've gotten requests for labors beyond 20 minutes and have received payment through paypal and by check. I see myself as a facilitator and want to basically assemble all this material in a fairly simple way. There is certainly a style to how I document the process and how I carry out these 20 minute actions. I suppose that is my contribution. But more than anything, this is about communication and my own struggle to communicate and connect to others. Art is a go between for me and it has been both successful and unsuccessful.

Reclusivity, WNYT 13.

2009-09-15T09:23:00.000-04:00

I got a request to do a small sign for someone's parents. I had 20 minutes to do so. I sat in bed and doodled this sign. I'm enjoying the varied requests for 20 minute tasks. Some are in person, others I document and send off or post to this blog. This project has really forced me out in the open. WNYT interviewed me the other day and I was on the evening news. I'm still waiting for them to post the video online so I can link it. But my point is I can be very reclusive and this project is challenging that tendency. It is a good thing.

The struggle...to be and to be an artist.

2009-09-12T14:36:00.000-04:00

Despite the wonderful support and interest in The Rent Project, I find that I struggle with my energy level. It sometimes feel as though I am lifting a huge boulder above my head. I know I can do this piece and I'm very good at keeping my commitments, in this case performing all the 20-minute requests that I have received so far. But it is honest to say I am easily overwhelmed in my head and body. It's often like a hump I have to get over. As an artist, being out of graduate school for just over 5 years now, it can sometimes be difficult to attain that same creative momentum I had when I was immersed in the built-in community of college. In that time, it was enough to just show up, engage in dialogue with those around you and access all kinds of great minds. Outside that bubble, one must work around "day job" schedules, family and other life responsibilities. I just wonder how we, as an art community can integrate those things into some sort of communal living. I wonder how many artists are interested in such an idea. Why are most of our living situations so isolated from one another? Can there be a center? The capital region has plenty of artists but they are all over the place. There are small enclaves, such as the CAC, The Foundry, Grand St. Community Arts and other groupings of artist studios but I have yet to see a powerful force. How can we merge these energies more? I'm just thinking aloud. I would like to have this conversation with others.

My Fears are burning.

2009-09-11T16:43:00.000-04:00

Ingrid asked me to write down my fears for 20 minutes then burn them. I sent her the ashes. I really like the way the ashes look in the envelope. This wasn't a hard project to do as I have many fears. I struggle with anxiety to do with just about everything. I enjoyed burning the paper. I'm a closet pyro. When I was 13 I accidentally set a 7 acre brush fire in northern California but that was a long time ago. Heh heh.

An Old Sculpture.

2009-09-08T17:37:00.000-04:00

A friend from Graduate School, Laura, sent me a very beautifully organized package with $3.50, a small box folded, newspaper for packing (The Onion), and postage. She requested this sculpture that she once saw on my staircase almost a year ago. At the time I was leaving little wooden pieces about and this one could be seen between the railing supports on one of the steps up to my apartment. But I moved away from this apartment for a few months before returning and left a lot of things behind. So when I got Laura's letter, I wasn't sure if it was still around. It wasn't on the stairs. It turns out my landlady had it in her shop which is below my apartment and close to where it was on the stairs. She ended up with a few of my little pieces that were floating around. It was a little awkward getting it from her. She may have grown attached. It was hard to tell. But she has other things of mine and will probably end up with more so I didn't feel to bad asking for this. But it was a little awkward. Whatever. I made a bunch of these from bandsaw cutoffs and glue. Anyway, I put it in the box and mailed it off today.

Loops, Drawing then walk to the post office.

2009-09-08T12:05:00.000-04:00

From 11:03 - 11:23 a.m. this morning, I made paper loops for Patrick of We Are Architects. He dropped off the supplies (paper strips and glue), hanging the bag on my front door. I'm not sure what he is using them for but now very curious as they are very beautiful in multiples. I also did a 20 minute drawing for Ginnie using the inside of the envelope so I could close it up and send it off. I went to the post office and mailed off 20-minute projects completed.

Reiki Session.

2009-09-08T11:50:00.000-04:00

I was contacted by Desirae who saw my ad on Craigslist. In addition to the $3.50 she offered me a Reiki session. In return she wanted some help creating a business card. The reiki session took close to an hour and was wonderful. I figure I owe her 20 minutes + 60 minutes in labor. This changed the structure of my project a bit but was welcome. This is her at her office in Albany and the psychedelic table I laid on.

Go Huskies!

2009-09-06T17:20:00.001-04:00

Someone from High School who now works at University of Connecticut sent me $10.00 and requested that I do drawings of the UConn mascot, the Husky. $10.00 bought her approx. 57 minutes, so I worked on 4 small drawings.

"I will manifest money thru my art and creativity."

2009-09-06T17:15:00.000-04:00

My friend Staci from Oakland, CA sent me $5.00 and instructions to chant "I will manifest money thru my art and creativity." $5.00 was worth 28 minutes approx. so I chanted for that long. It was difficult to stay focused and sometimes I mixed the words art/money. I thought it was a very good exercise. Staci also wants me to report if any changes happen because of the chanting. I certainly will.

Weeding

2009-09-03T16:30:00.000-04:00

Did some weeding today for 20 minutes in Albany and had a very nice conversation with Dawn who gave me my $3.50 in a nice decorative envelope. I received 4 envelopes yesterday and 4 today. I've been getting something everyday since I started this project. It's very exciting and keeping me busy with 20 minute jobs.

Plugging away.

2009-09-02T13:42:00.000-04:00

I worked on a few 20 minute projects today. First I mailed Corinna her 20 minute drawing, then I did two more for Ming Fay who sent me $7.00. Corinna is actually my very first girlfriend, twenty years ago. We've stayed in touch here and there over the years. Ming Fay is an artist and Facebook friend. I did Corinna's drawing on paper and then forgot to photograph it before sending it out today. I photographed a similar one shown here. For Ming Fay, I drew on two scraps of cardboard that were sitting around my apartment. I also worked on a 20 minute critique of Chuck Miller's weblog. He has a blog on the Times Union website.

Two More

2009-09-01T16:40:00.000-04:00

I received two more today in the mail. One said "pay it forward" so I am going to think about what I might want to do for someone else, for 20 minutes. The other wants a 20 minute critique of his weblog and flickr photos. I will work on that tonight. Only 4 weeks to go since I'm trying to pay my October rent. I'm not sure If I will make it to 100 unless I get 20 per week. I have 21 now. Although I believe two of those were in the amount of $7.50 requesting 40 minutes of my time. Anyway, it's interesting structuring my life around this project for a given amount of time.

Anthony's Critique

2009-08-31T09:52:00.000-04:00

My friend Anthony gave me $3.50 to critique his Facebook videos for 20 minutes. I watched 3 of them and wrote my thoughts down on paper. I photographed the critique and sent it to him.

Door Knobs

2009-08-31T09:47:00.000-04:00

After picking up dog poop for 20 minutes, Catherine had another task for me. She was trying to remove the door knobs off of 2 doors so she could replace the knobs and finish the doors. I spent approx. 10 minutes removing each door knob. I used both a phillips head and flat head screwdriver. I had about 2 minutes left, so I began to organize her tool area.

My 20 Minute Labors

2009-08-31T09:38:00.000-04:00

2009-08-30T11:22:00.000-04:00

Received 5 more yesterday. The visual potential of 100 different envelopes is exciting. Each one is so different. I can't wait to see the whole collection.

As far as the 20 minute labor goes, I've done some 20 minute drawings and have some outstanding requests to pick up dog poop, help design a business card, collect plastic water bottles, write down my fears, then burn the paper, and give a 20 minute critique of someones art work. (with some encouraging words)

Having other people involved in an art piece really forces me to rise to the occasion. I'm energized and want to deliver the goods. I was thinking I would show this in a gallery space but now I'm thinking it makes sense to show it in my apartment. Maybe I'll have a barbecue or something. Not sure yet. So far I see displaying the collection of envelopes in some interesting way and projecting images and text from the project...images of labor, money exchange, written/email exchanges, etc.

Second Day - 8 participants today!

2009-08-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

I received 6 payments of $3.50 today by mail, and 2 in person. It was very exciting to get that much mail in one day, especially the fact that they weren't bills or junk mail. I have 3 requests for 20 minute drawings, 1 request for me to pick up dog poop for 20 minutes, and 2 requests for advice, one regarding how to properly paint an outdoor table, the other help in designing a business card. Another person wants me to spend 20 minutes with an animal at the humane society...despite my allergies I may wear rubber gloves. Many people neglected to tell me how they wanted me to work for the $3.50. It made me think of different ways I could do this. I could offer up ideas to them, ways I could do things in the community perhaps: picking up litter in my neighborhood, talking to a lonely person, etc. I guess it would be like "gifting" your 20 minutes in a way. I'm not sure. I hope I get more suggestions.

In my head

2009-08-28T07:45:00.000-04:00

Honestly, I'm not sure if I will be able to convince 100 people to pay me $3.50 for 20 minutes of labor. Actually, it is the people that don't know me I'm worried about. Well, not worried, but I know that they will be less inclined to participate. I'm trying to put myself in their place. My idea could sound like a scam to people, especially given all the scams there are on the net. Perhaps I need to rewrite the project....so it sounds more like art. Because it is. Certainly, it is about paying my October rent so I have some financial breathing room. But it's also about engaging. I've wanted my art to facilitate connections for some time. I mean, it does but I like the idea of it being ABOUT connecting to community. I also like the idea that I don't know how this project will end. Most of my work starts with a kernel of an idea and grows from there. I have had one angry response to my project so far. I think the person saw it as a hand out. I should emphasize that I'm willing to work for it. Money is certainly a touch subject, understandably. But I'm trying to be proactive and do what I do best: make art. I'm also no solitary artist. I prefer to collaborate.

The First Contribution

2009-08-27T13:17:00.000-04:00

I got my first $3.50 contribution today! Thanks Patrick O'Rourke.

The Beginning

2009-08-27T13:06:00.000-04:00

The Rent Project is something I came up with a few weeks after losing my job at Lowe's. The idea for The Rent Project came from the necessity to pay my rent as well as the need to reengage with my community after about three months of depression. Here is the basic project.

1) I request $3.50 cash (3 bills, 2 quarters) from 100 people to pay my rent, $350. I am using Facebook, email and craigslist to contact people about the project. For the $3.50, I offer 20 minutes of labor. If you live nearby, I may mow a section of your lawn, fix a door knob, etc. If you live far from me, you could request a 20 minute drawing, advice, art idea, etc. The possibilities are practically limitless.

2) I will then create installation, displaying envelopes, neatly stacked bills and quarters, documentation of work exchange, anything related to the process/evolution of the piece, and invite landlady to show.

3) My address is 80 Division Street, 2nd Floor, Troy, NY 12180

4) I will stop at 100 people and send back anything beyond 100.

Background: I am a sculptor/performance/installation artist and have been for almost 20 years. Many of you know me, many don't. If you don't feel free to glance at my website warrenmacmillan.com.

A few weeks ago, I was fired from Lowe's for drawing on the bathroom walls. I was making $10.60 an hour. $3.50 is practically a third of that, hence the 20 minutes labor. My rent is actually $450 but my landlady allows me to do $100 worth of work on the apartment, painting, finishing cabinets, installing molding, etc. So I take advantage of that.

I am certain this project will generate some interesting material, connect me to new people, and of course pay my rent. This is also an attempt to get myself out of a rut. I've been in a funk for months, retreating into a cave-like existence. This is one attempt to resurface. This will challenge me to go outside myself though art.

I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Thank you.

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO OTHERS. It's no easy to task to get 100 people involved in something....