Banner Moment for Public Art

When the Southern California economy went south, one of the first things to go was privately funded public art. But public art projects are popping up again. One is a low-cost, innovative program at the Park LaBrea apartment complex, honoring community artists. The Park LaBrea Art Council’s latest project, the brainchild of council founder Pasqual Bettio, is “Reflections of L.A.,” a series of banners hung from light poles in the apartment complex. The artists were chosen in a juried contest. It opens Sunday with an outdoor benefit party; proceeds will be used to buy memberships at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for low-income families.

For information: 213 549-5433.

JODI BONASSI

Woodland Hills, painter of ‘Chrysalis 2’ at right

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I have always used art as a means of expression and survival. I lost both of my parents at a young age and turned to painting to fill the void in my life. I have learned to do things from my heart and not to get caught up in my own troubles; rather to go beyond them. My themes are connected to universal love.

My banner, “Chrysalis 2” took me 140 hours to complete, it was a monumental task. For three weeks, I worked on the banner painting every morning from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. while Spencer, my five-year-old son, was sleeping. My neighbors were touched by what I was doing and they wanted to help, so they took Spencer overnight on a few occasions so that I could meet the deadline for the project.

The passion behind my paintings comes from being thankful. Last year I had to undergo a double mastectomy. 1996 was a difficult year. Chrysalis 2 comes from my heart and has enhanced my growth as an artist.

When I paint, I give it all that I have. After the mastectomy, I’ve realized the urgency to be creative in the moment and to be the best that I can be at all times. For now, I am healthy but I don’t know what is ahead of me. I now know the importance of giving from the heart; it feels great and it’s been a growing year.