Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #44

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 44th review I've received.

When I first looked over Paul Shortt’s site I wasn’t quite sure how I felt. It’s so often hit or miss as to whether an artist’s works will click with an individual – it’s like blind dating, but entirely for aesthetics instead of sex. My first impressions were of the “Please No Photos” collection. I immediately wanted to dislike this “artist”, because anyone can hold an out-of-the-ordinary item in public and take pictures with it. As I continued to move temporally backwards through the pieces, however, instead of seeing what I viewed as more laziness, I saw a succession of different approaches, art that isn’t just spectacle and a camera, art that doesn’t necessarily get framed, or is even purchasable. That’s when I started to think that my initial impressions warranted further rumination. As it turns out, I found myself enjoying a tremendous number of the projects Shortt has captained over the years. Rather than allow his artistic endeavors to remain passive experiences, Shortt’s works frequently engage the viewer directly, actively, and often physically. Also, as it turns out, he actually seems to put a great deal of thought into the reasoning behind his pieces. For example, the initial “No Photos Please” collection that so dismayed me originally, was seen through a new light when accompanied by the artist’s discussion of the event with another artist. Though it’s still not my favorite, I can at least appreciate the thought that went behind the symbol, and it’s relationship to the medium used. Another thing that won me over was his enthusiasm and honesty. Though I don’t believe Americans need lessons in narcissism, it doesn’t mean it should be wiped from existence- and the idea of a controlled burst of it, almost like a dose of medicine, was quite the idea. It could be a partial reflection of Shortt himself, as his business card project and letters of reference hint at a twisted narcissist residing in his brain. Further pushing this was the use of awards in different projects. Whether arbitrarily awarded and potentially insulting, or self-created, self awarded affirmations, the awards both point out how we seem to be capable or throwing praise at just about any action, all it takes is a piece of paper with a little bit of gold foil to validate the victory. I’m tempted to make myself an award for writing this review. The “It’s simple but complicated” series was a huge disappointment in that there wasn’t more of it. Though the flag one seems to hit one on the head with it’s message, the fact is that the videos are short, enjoyable, and offer the opportunity for more thought if allowed. The kernel of this idea was one of my favorites, but has yet to reach the robustness of some of his other projects. My favorite visual, physical piece was the piece of art that was never meant to be a piece of art – the “free poster”. I want one quite badly – the 24 by 36, because you really have to embrace it. I love the accompanying “Resist” poster as well – but it lacks a directive about nose-picking (a personally favored indulgence of mine against society’s norms). The cherry on top, however, is discovering that this review for which I’ve been recruited , is actually part of a project by Shortt. He’s made an art project out of paying others to talk about his art. It could probably be argued that this connects directly to those strings of skewed narcissism witnessed in other pieces. It could also be argued that this is another example of laziness in a project. It could also be argued that this is awesome, avante garde, etc. Art is about arguing after all. It’s also a ballsy move to pay a stranger money to say whatever they want about his art. I’d have to say that after taking everything in, I’ll probably be looking at this site again, even if I don’t get paid for it. By the way, under the “collaborations” you’ve spelled back and forth “back and fourth” under the video entitled “Making the Wind”. Keep arting.

Mechanical Turk Review of My Art 43

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 43rd review I've received.

I don’t know very much about art, and even less about Paul Shortt, but I came across his website, and I was really touched by the emotion, and occasional cynical humor. I decided to view some of his other work and it was interesting to see how he came about. I’m going to review his website specifically, collection by collection, because each offered an interesting perspective in their own way. First offered up is “Please No Photos”, he described it as “As part of the 8th annual street festival Art In Odd Places I walked along 14th Street in New York City holding an enlarged seven-foot “no photos” symbol that implies a prohibition on photography and questions the constant surveillance of public spaces.” It’s an interesting idea, and it was well done. He had people hold the sculpture and have their picture taken with it “subverting the act the sculpture implies”. I saw this as a reference juxtaposing current society with a dystopia similar to that portrayed in the famous novel 1984, given that so much of the world is more concerned with their individual rights, that they’d be willing to ignore the larger issues of mass security and privacy. While one may not be comfortable having a stranger photograph them in a public space in general, it’s much more accepted if they are able to hold a sculpture, or pose next to it. This is where I saw cynicism and humor most specifically in his work, and the fact that you can almost see his attitude in the very first collection is something to admire in a young artist. The next collection we get to view is “Contemporary Farewells: New Ways of Saying Good Bye”. This was kind of a silly collection, but nothing that really jumped out except for “The Cell Phone Bye”. It may just be my own personal experiences, but it makes me sad that so many people so have lost touch with one another and they hide so much behind their own personal electronics. I think the collection is meant to be silly, and many of the images made me giggle, but that one evoke a bit of sadness. We as a society are losing touch with one another, and focusing so much on our electronics, that it’s become a difficulty to have personal face-to-face discussions. The next collection is called “How to be Narcissistic”. It was similar to many that you’ll see as ice breakers for a new job or even a college class. It wasn’t too far out of the ordinary or out of the box, but still rather interesting to see people portraying themselves as how they’d like to be seen, as opposed to how they are. The collection titled “The Car My Father Gave Me” nearly made me cry. The video portrays his father going through images of the car, and it touches on the very sentimental family feelings. I loved it, and watched the video three times. It was sweet and clear that his father cared a lot about him and about the car. It was the most personal of the collections, and the most well done. It would have been nice to see his father in the video, but it was well done. “Literally and Physically” is the next collection, and it’s an array of sculptures. “Please Don’t Climb On the Sculpture” is a fun perspective piece, and the ROFL carpet is interesting and it’s fun to see what everyone would look like if they did roll on the floor laughing every time they typed it. “It’s Simple, But Complicated” is an interesting look on the tasks that many people take as being simple but have deeper cultural meanings. They are worth the watch, but don’t go as deep into the implications as they could. “Printed Participation” is kind of meh to be honest, but still worth looking through. It wasn’t anything I hadn’t seen or expected to see before. “Paul Shortt Shocks Chicago” is where he tricks people with those hand shockers that have his name on it and gives them to the people who he shocked. Also, kind of meh, but I hope it went well, as there wasn’t much information beyond the concept on the website. “Three Hour Tour” was a wall of text but worth the read. I don’t want to spoil it, but I think readers would like it. This is followed by “Modern Greetings” which is the inverse of “Contemporary Farewells” the pictures were kind of silly and people looked like they were having fun, but it wasn’t really deep, meaningful or emotional. “Nimby’s” was a collection of images that were a little interesting, but mostly kind of fell into the ‘it’s been done’ category. It wasn’t bad, and it was kind of fun, but it wasn’t really fresh or new or personal. It was rather thought evoking though. The next collection was the “Paul Short Invitational”. The images were fun, but it would have been nice if there were videos instead of just still photographs. “Seeking Good Conversation” had several good videos. It was a thought provoking section. It reminded me of how hard it is to get to know people and make friends as an adult and really have interesting conversations, instead of mindless drabble. “Missed Connections” was interesting. He read and placed ads from the Missed Connections sections of Craigslist in the places they happened to create new connections. I put this in the same paragraph as “seeking good conversation” because I think they could go together as a collection. The artist is trying to help people have good conversations with their own missed connections, and it evoked a lot of the same feelings. “The Business of Selling Yourself” is a cynical look on dating and even getting hired. It’s silly and interesting and definitely worth the read/watch. “Collaborations” is the last collection. The images are kind of funny, the video was awesome, and it’s really great to look through. In conclusion, Paul Shortt is an artist with a lot of potential who doesn’t often stray into the emotional, but when he does it’s a fantastic site. He can and will do a lot with his future and he’s definitely worth checking out.

Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #42

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 42nd review I've received.

"Amazing, thought provoking and real! When viewing the webpage I wasn't sure what to expect and didn't have the highest of expectations but after reviewing the photos, looking through them, feeling them, and going back to do it again just for the fun of it I can honestly say I have a wonderful new artist to add to my list of favorites! The art that has been created ranges from hearty nostalgia to a modern day take on city living and the laws that govern it! Looking through the projects it becomes clear that the level of imagination and wisdom put into these works of art are not just a fleeting thing for Paul Shortt. Some of the works took literal approaches at finding new ways of how we live life, from handshakes to manners that are dictated by day to day etiquette there is a whole new look on them after perusing these projects. The simplicity in the projects while still making you think extremely complex was absolutely mesmerizing; Every piece of art is clearly thought out and executed with perfection. I truly value the once in a life time experience that so many of these projects offered as well as the general ambiance that comes from viewing this art. Each collection is just as powerful and thought provoking as the last while always maintaing a clear air of humor, fun and wit. To understand the journey that four separate people could possibly take while randomly touring a hospital through pictures and caption is phenomenal. Very rarely these days does original art make you still feel as though it belongs in galleries. I am truly anxious and excited to be able to see where the art continues to go. The inventive use of everyday objects to convey messages are captivating. Simple things that so many take for granted, or don't ever give a second thought to like missed connections and photo signs have been morphed into this great 'live' art of sorts to truly make you think. I'm envious of the performance nights, and audience participation that is so clearly documented and seen in so many of the photos; however living through captions brings you there as well which is quite a feat for artistry these days. Variations of nearly every art form are repeated on a near daily basis and yet Paul Shortts work is completely new and enlightening to see. Projects full of brash unbiased honesty and an overwhelming sense of self confidence even when not being about self or confidence lead me to believe that this work will continue to prove wonderful.  Viewing this art will remind of you of the simple treasure of everyday life, you may be compelled to look back frequently and should not be ashamed if perhaps you cry while viewing some of these projects. My emotions personally ran the gambit while going over all the clever and intoxicating videos and art provided.  I am eager to see more of this art, and can't wait to share with those I know who need perhaps a second glance at how beautiful this life is and can be."

Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #41

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 41st review I've received.

The first two words that came to mind after casually viewing Paul Shortt’s website were urban and unique. After viewing each category which includes a set of photos, I found an intricate storyline for each subject heading that the photos were displayed under. For example Shortt’s earlier works; photos that were taken between 2006-2009, display task and actions. The set of photos shows two subjects going through what appear to be everyday ordinary routines in a rather comical manner. Their normal routines are being tested with a new routine which breaks their normal habits. This is a perfect example of subjective art because as I’m viewing it, I’m not finding myself thinking more about daily routines that I go through rather than actually appreciating the series. This set certainly evokes the thinking process on a personal level for me. I feel like the Strap-on Ballsacks could be quite controversial and I’m wondering if it did indeed cause any controversy. I do however, love the genius shot of the girl standing on the edge of a water fountain wearing a gold strap-on ballsack as a jet of water blasts past her leg. I think the effect could have looked more real if she would have changed her angle slightly. The background architecture in the shot gives the photo a European feel. Both of these early set of photos confirm my first thought process of urban and unique. It seems Shortt does indeed like pushing the subject material as seen in his series of No Photos Please. This collection of photos was taken in NYC according to the description. I was at first confused while looking at the photos because I was under the impression that no photography was supposed to be taking in these locations. However, after a closer look I see that a statement and a point is being applied. Regardless I thought the shot of the two police officers was quite ballsy. I love the interaction between the actual photo and the individuals. I think the statement would have been much more powerful if the photos were actually taken at locations that blatantly say photos restricted. How to be Narcissistic is my favorite set. As with almost all the works on Shortt’s website, this set of photos evokes the thought process and in this case I found it to be quite powerful on a personal level. I found myself thinking about my own level of narcissism as well as wondering about the people in the photos. I think the message of How to be Narcissistic is subtly brilliant. Narcissism is never a good thing but in this case I found the photos to show a different story. It’s alright to appreciate yourself and your best qualities. We might need to step aside from time to time and reflect on some of the awesome traits that we have as individuals. I’ve never actually considered making an award for myself and while that might make me feel good about myself I can totally see how an outsider might totally get the narcissistic vibe about me. I think the message of this set besides appreciating yourself is boldly declaring your appreciation to the world, regardless of what someone else might think. There are quite a few other set of works that Paul Shortt has on his website. I found the ones that I wrote about to be the most interesting. On an end note, I love the city of Chicago. I was delighted to see a title with the word Chicago in it. Shortt’s first art gallery in Chicago added a twist by using a hand buzzer gag when he shook hands with someone and passing it along from person to person. First of all that sounds like a joke I would pull off. It’s also a great way to break the ice and the crowd at the gallery already probably appreciates art so it would have been interesting to see their initial reactions through photos.

Please No Photos

Here is video of my Please No Photos performance as part of Art In Odd Places.

UIUC Open Studios This Fall.

Ai Weiwei at the Hirshorn

A really well put together show at the Hirshorn in D.C. of the work of Ai Weiwei.

Outside of the great works on view they also had a magazine version of the show catalog that only cost $5, and you were allowed to take photos.

Houses made of tea leaves.

Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #40

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 40th review I've received, and the first to directly address the project: Please note this review is actually almost 1000 words.

I don’t know a lot about Paul Shortt or his work as an artist. In-fact I don’t know much about art either. I do know the masters somewhat and I listen to few classical pieces, know a little Shakespeare but not even, I guess, a fraction of what is required to actually write about art. I just stumbled across Paul as one often does on the internet, those threads intersect, and when requested to review his works, I agreed despite the fact that I know next to nothing about performance art which I think what his niche is. Since I was specifically asked to review the work on his website, I might as well do this by numbers. First up is “Please No Photos”, a series of photographs that pokes gentle fun at overzealous surveillance and how photography is being discouraged in public places. The way it’s shown at the first page on the website, it’s seemingly supposed to be a big thing, some sort of a big work but it’s the blandest of Paul’s works. The photos are lackluster, the message is just lost in lame fun really. But further down the page, the series continues with photos taken in Illinois, and I think these photos are nice, more suited to the theme. The lack of people actually moves the satire center stage and I liked them. Impressive photographs. Contemporary Farewells, New ways of saying goodbye. Meh. How To Be Narcissistic is a drab look at irony and people's perception of themselves and how they want to be perceived. It’s tame and it’s a social exercise but I hate these fucking things where you collaborate for fuck’s sake. As you may very well know, we’re all snowflakes here, unique in our personal bubbles. We are entitled to praise for thinking, we deserve praise for taking out the trash, we deserve praise for saving a fucking baby. But I did like the second video where people are presenting each other with certificates. 

The Car My Father Gave me is the most effective and personal work. Deeply touching. I loved the videos where his father shows off his cars photo by photo, hypnotic. He has a good, honest voice. I would have loved to see his father in the gear shift video though instead of just the voiceover. Literally and Physically is impressive. I love the "Please Do Not Climb On The Sculpture" piece. Reminds of a lot of art and projects today that you’re supposed to get in that perfect skew that the artist intended. I think Paul’s kinda reaching with ROFL CON and his internet allegory. Corner Piece is disturbing. I conformity disturbing in general so… It's Simple, But Complicated. The breakdown video is kinda dumb but "Fly the Flag" is awesome, trying to rescue something he loves that just wants to sink to the bottom of the mud. Printed Participations. I loved "resist", find such work or statement profound. Also "Art Certificates", playful, yes, but also something the viewer can connect with. Paul Shortt Shocks Chicago. More pffftzzz than bzzzzz. Three-Hour Tour. Another of my favorites. I love how the participants interact with such a horridly living place and how that space affects their perception of each other and their experience. Nice. This gives us a glimpse into Paul’s true genius here, when he succeeds in bringing out what he wants in his subjects. Modern Greetings. A look at how detached we have become from each other and our humanity that we do invent these social norms to add spice to our interaction. I guess it’s alright. Nimby's. Commentary on spaces. I really don’t see the point. PSI Paul Shortt Invitational. Now there should’ve been a video here. But the people seem to be having fun in the photos so it must’ve been. But I do like the idea of unique performances daily. 

Seeking Good Conversation. Interesting observation here. Random conversations with strangers, utter social isolation. Second video...awesome… I've lived in the same small town and known the same people for so long, I've forgotten how to make friends. Missed Connections. Best of the bunch. The video makes you so sad for the people depicted and for yourself. There is nothing worse than the thought of a missed opportunity because for most us, it’s not who you could have fucked, it’s who you didn’t love. True, the grass is always greener but it’s gotta be better than the pile of crap you ended up in. Right? And the video conveys that feeling perfectly. The Business of Selling Yourself. Hilarious first photo, made me LOL. But he’s, again, kinda reaching. Does sell himself short sometimes. Collaborations. The thanks notes are nice in a regular way. The double projector video is absolute crap. I mean what the fuck? Probably ruined some perfectly good projectors, it's just art for art's sake. Art should have a tangible meaning, first to the artist and then to the viewer and that's where they make the connection. Second video is crap as well. Art should make you think about the subject or what the artist draws your attention to, it shouldn't puzzle you about its own meaning. But then, fuck do I know. So what else can I say about Paul… He seems humble, has an honest, likeable face and a great personality, you can’t help but like him. And I guess the same can be said about his work. When it’s good, it’s very good and even the crappy pieces look like gold from a distance. 

Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #39

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 39th review I've received, and the first to directly address the project:

Some people believe that art is a passive pursuit; painters create artwork and people simply view and admire it as it hangs in a gallery. Others believe that art is an active experience and involves the community in its very creation. Paul Shortt is one of the latter. This manifests itself even in the fact that I am writing this review. You see, to Paul even his reviews are part of innovative artwork. Let me explain. The reviews that Paul is currently receiving are solicited. Traditionally, artists held an exhibition, invited reviewers and then held their breath hoping that they would receive favorable press. They had little or no control. Paul Shortt is specifically requesting reviews in as part of a project (yes, an art project) to question and discuss how technology has changed the way artists see themselves. Are artists, businesses, indeed even members of the public, affected by the fact that anyone can now write website reviews that can be seen worldwide? Let's take a restaurant as an example. If you've had a great meal, or a disappointing experience when dining out, you can tell the world via the many websites that specialize in restaurant reviews. You can lie; you can be honest; you are free to say exactly what you want. But can these reviews make or break a business? Can they make or break an artist? What are these reviews saying to the general public? Is this giving us an unnatural power or is it for the common good? Are we defined by the number of Facebook friends we have? Does our number of Twitter followers really reflect our popularity? How relevant are our Pinterest boards? Looking at Paul's website and his previous works, it seems that every aspect of life can come under his creative scrutiny. This being said, when Paul embarked on the review project he purposely removed some of his works from his website in order to manipulate - to some extent - the opinions that would-be reviewers would have. Paul’s project began as a reaction to recent press reports that question online reviews on major websites. Who are these people? Exactly why are they motivated to write reviews? What rewards do they receive for their efforts? Paul’s experiment involves soliciting reviews from the general public, not from professional art reviewers. This gives them much the same validity as an average diner reviewing a restaurant as opposed to a professional food critic. Paul has collated the reviews he has received to date into a book and this will become the starting point of his project, opening up the subject of online reviews for debate. When Paul has requested reviews, he has asked the writers to go to his website and ‘write 500 words about the art you see’. I am one of the reviewers attracted to this project. Yet, you might argue, I am not in fact writing about Paul’s artwork. Am I or not? Isn’t Paul’s review project as valid a piece of artwork as his 'Modern Greetings' project where people greet each other not with a handshake but new and unconventional greetings? I believe so.

Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #38

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Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #37

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 37th review I've received:


P.S. is an artist who isn't afraid of defining himself but at the same time isn't afraid of change. In one phrase I would describe his art as "the lie that comes from truth." In his artistic venture of shocking Chicago we learn that people may need a shock to gather attention. Yet is it something one would want if it took a 'shock' to gather it? I was impressed and taken by P.S. artwork especially it's contrast. Between 'The Business of Selling Yourself' and 'How to be Narcissistic' we can truly see his intentions. Art is art and one can interpret it as we wish, perhaps I'm defining myself rather than his art...but then again that's his power. When he sells himself he sells his baggage but once it was public it no longer belonged to him...he changed. Concerning narcissism we witnessed a few people praising themselves in self-awarded certificates. Would promoting yourself in such a positive way take away from your persona until you don't belong to yourself and must reinvent? To become an individual and not a brand. This is what P.S. is and what he is not. What we are is what he represents, the moment you know is...is when we slip away. It may seem a bit funny or irrational to believe that our personality dies once it touches the mouths of others but it does. Our soul dies when it interpreted by others, we do not know how to make others live but ourselves. Is it our society? Is it this American Capitalist system that has the audacity to preach 'sharing is caring' but when we grow up it praises competition. We no longer know how to care for one another but rather hurt. We know this, that is why we can never be what others believe we are...even if it is 'we' who insinuated their perceptions of us. P.S. is in search for the core of people, the experience evident in such works as 'Seeking Good Conversations' or his 'Invitational' pieces. I would imagine that people only are who they are at that present moment and no other time because time transforms. An experience with a person can only happen once as his art suggests...it is what makes it important, precious. I would wager that none of us know how to make a friend anymore. It used to be easy as children...we had to have a pair of sneakers or a scooter and we had a friend. What happened to that ease of childhood? How did we loose it? P.S. goes to show us the extent we must go to to find a friend. Can a conversation be sparked? A friendship be discussed? Can strangers become friends? Is it a gimmick now, has it lost its honesty? The kinds of question that aroused in my mind due to P.S. boldness. To embrace P.S. is to embrace the truth that lingers in all of us but to understand him is to realize that no one knows who we are...not even ourselves.

Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #36

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 36th review I've received:

Paul Shortt is an eclectic visual artist and his work has much pizzazz and flair. Take for example his “No Photos Collection”. This interesting array of images shows individuals in various setups and different backgrounds, with an ominous “no photography” sign. What immediately stands out is the clarity of the pictures, followed by the interesting backdrops of where the photos were taken. The photos snapped on 14th street in New York City were very striking, particularly a photo of Paul Shortt leaving a store with a “no photo” sign leaning up against a structure. It is the colors and the staging that jumps out at you. The other image that is compelling is the “no photo” sign right underneath a statue in front of a building. There are layers of depth and the black and red colors pop out up against the dull shade of the building. The images speak for themselves and play on the notion as Paul Shortt states the “no photos” symbol implies a prohibition on photography and questions the constant surveillance of public spaces.” Additional photos such as the symbol in front of the Champaign County Courthouse and manufacturing plant invoke a subtle social message as well. Contemporary Farewells is an intriguing collection of abstract and humorous images on the Paul Shortt website. The idea behind the photos is to push the envelope of non-conventional ways people can say goodbye. An example of an outrageous and funny way to say goodbye is The Backwards Clasp. This technique has two individuals facing backwards and moving towards each other until their hands meet. Although not practical, it is definitely witty and clever. The other method of saying goodbye that pokes fun at the culture of today is The Cell Phone Bow. You have two individuals, staring at their cell phones, then look up at each other and back down on their cell phones. The images are in the form of silhouettes and done in black in white, which make the visuals very gripping. 

The Car My Father Gave Me is a more introspective look into the father son relationship that Paul Shortt has with his own father. His father’s account of owning Mustangs and other cars is simply amazing. Conversely, the second video shows the cars that Paul Shortt has owned. In addition, there is another video of Paul Shortt’s father giving a tutorial on how to drive a stick shift to Paul at the age of 30. How To Be Narcissistic highlights images indicative of a very common characteristic, vanity. The first image tells the story, as we see 2 young ladies holding a cell phone in a coffee shop. It sounds ordinary until you look closely at the level of focus and pure joy they have tapping on their phones. There is some cultural irony here as we live in a day and age where cell phones are a necessity. The next images are of handwritten messages on paper that blatantly embrace the meaning of self-arrogance and high-mindedness. Paul Shortt’s photos do several things; they tell a story and have a message. His work embodies a combination of everyday people, inanimate objects and more importantly the message he wants to get across.

Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #35

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 35th review I've received:

I think that at first look, this "art" might not be appreciated by a lot of people. I think that it would be quickly dismissed as "out there" or "off the wall." But I think that it is more like an opinion. When you peel back the layers you find a very creative and talented individual. He may not be using his talents in the best manner for all to see, however. Art interpretation is very personal of course and many times all in the eye of the beholder. I would encourage people to look deeper and not be dismissive. That said, my favorite works of art were: The 7 second award. This is a classic for those who have ever spent the afternoon or even days sitting at an art show hoping for someone to appreciate your work, only to have them give it a quick glance and move on. I love this award! The three hour tour. This hospital tour probably was very profound for those who took it. As a hospital volunteer, I would hope that the next tour could include some interaction. The patients would love to have someone just to listen for a little while to their stories. This would mean so much--perhaps the next tour. The free poster. People love this kind of stuff. How could this not be a success? And in any color that you want! I also liked Paul shocks Chicago. This puts an interesting and interactive spin on an art show. Other pieces that I really liked were the Literally and physically things. I loved the corner piece and the Please Do Not Climb on Sculpture. That piece alone, I thought was brilliant! I also liked the Collaborations. 

The Thank you notes were my very favorite piece. Something so simple and so needed were very moving. I would hope this would inspire others to do the same. Missed connections was another piece that was so poignant. I don't know how anyone couldn't have been moved by those. And how clever to display them in that manner. I didn't care for Calvinball. I think this is a display of a talent wasted. It was humorous for awhile, but the creativity could have been used in another way. From the early works, I liked the interactive signs. I am sure people got enjoyment from those. I liked the exit and mechanical. I didn't like the strap-on balls. I know that was early work, but I think it should be left out. I didn't feel that it served a point. It also might be considered vulgar by some. Business of Selling Yourself was an interesting concept, but (pardon the pun) I think Paul was selling himself short. He is talented and probably not an asshole! I think that Paul is maybe not using his talents in the best way. In order to reach a larger audience, he might want to consider a few more conventional pieces. I know that he may think that this would not suit him. And I would not want him to totally do that. I think that if he could mix in the contemporary theater with a few more conventional pieces, he could "speak" to a wider audience. Finally, in the No Photos Please section, I had a love/hate relationship with this. I loved the pictures from Chicago. I think that they were very cleverly done. But, being a native of downstate Illinois, it broke my heart to see in Allerton Park my beloved Foo Dog Garden with a red circle. The sunsinger with the red circle also was not my favorite! All in all I think that Paul has a lot of talent and creativity. Again, my suggestion would be to try and work in a few more conventional pieces to get people in the door and then he could put out his expressive pieces. There are all kinds of art and all kinds of people. I would think the goal would be to reach a kind of middle ground to share with as many people as possible. Good luck with your endeavors!

Mechanical Turk Review of My Art #34

This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 for 500 words. This is the 34th review I've received:

I love the art on your website. It's very fun, modern and almost like a blog with pictures. A lot of the pictures also have the bonus of coming with a positive message behind it. Make someone’s day better is a great thing. The new ways of saying goodbye under "Contemporary Farewells" are hilarious. I could see those becoming a new trend. I might even have to try some of them out myself sometime. The photos and videos under "The Car My Father Gave Me" are very beautiful. It has great sentiment and also tells a story at the same time, which I really liked. Very Creative and lovely to say the least. The Please NO Photos symbol and pictures are hilarious. It is a very creative symbol and the places it is put make it even better. I wish I could see one of those around somewhere sometime. I bet they do the trick pretty well. How To Be Narcissistic is awesome. I love how the people make their own awards for themselves. The Literally and Physically pictures are cool. I have never seen anything like that, but very much enjoyed it. It's Simple, But Complicated was one of my favorites. The videos remind me so much of something I would do. They were hilarious, and look like something you would see on TV. Printed Participations were really cool. A lot of the pictures look like something that you would see going around Facebook and other popular social networking sites. They were very creative. 

Paul Shorrt Shocks Chicago looks like a ton of fun. I would love to have been there are participated in that. The Three-Hour Tour is probably one of my favorites. That is such a creative and wonderful idea. I hope this one especially gains popularity. Calvin Ball pictures came out wonderful. I love how many of them are motion shots and it almost makes the viewer feel like they are really there playing. Modern Greetings looks like a load of fun, and the people participating in the pictures look like they are very much enjoying themselves as well. I really liked Nimby's pictures too. They would for sure lighten the mood for anyone who saw them. PSI Paul Shortt Invitational pictures turned out great. Just looking at the pictures makes you wish you were there to watch it live in person. The Seeking Good Conversation pictures are wonderful. I love how you spoke to random strangers and left the messages around town. Very cool and I think goes great with the Missed Connections pictures. I would love to see one of those laying somewhere. It would be awesome. The Business of Selling Yourself pictures literally had me laughing out loud. I love the sense of humor in them and love the idea. Collaborations are beautiful pictures. The handwritten messages could really brighten someone’s day. All in all, your art is great. It is creative, funny, and has an awesome message behind it. I would not mind seeing more of it in the future.