As a big fan of public art, I was particularly impressed with the fragments of public art featured in Chrysler’s “imported from Detroit” Superbowl ad:
There’s a lot to like here. There’s a lot of art deco, and I like art deco. There’s a lot of different kinds of art—murals, sculpture, architecture. And the spot features the sort of public spaces that are being phased out these days (in favor of commercial spaces that are technically only open to customers). The public square is important, and neither the mall nor the parking lot of a strip malls is an adequate substitute.
Anyway, one of the good things about public art on display in public places is that it’s available for use in spots like this. It’s part of our culture.
Wow, that is a fantastic commercial. I’m starting to come around to Eminem, after over a decade of generally loathing the guy. His latest album is undeniably great. That new Chrystler 200 is pretty nice, too.
Philip, how often does your critique group meet? I noticed on your blog that it’s located in the ‘Champaign-Urbana area,’ which according to Google Maps is only a 2 hr 45 minute drive from my town. I applied to Clarion 2011, which is how I’d love to spend my summer, but if that doesn’t come to fruition I’d love to come give your guys’ writers group a try at least once in June, or thereabouts.
Any thoughts on that? Do you guys enjoy new blood?
We meet monthly.
We’re open to new people, as long as they’re serious writers of short works of speculative fiction. (See the Incognito Writing Group page for details.)
If the nearly 3-hour drive doesn’t sound too daunting, send me some email and I’ll run your name past the other members of the group and get back to you with dates and times. (My email address is on my contact page.)