Bend’s Googly Eye Art: More Than Just a Laugh
Table of Contents
- 1. Bend’s Googly Eye Art: More Than Just a Laugh
- 2. What is Jeff Keith’s connection to Guardian Group adn how dose his work with them influence his art?
- 3. An Interview with Jeff Keith: Behind the Bend Googly Eye Art Phenomenon
- 4. Archyde News: Jeff, your googly eye installations have captured national attention. What inspired this unique artistic expression?
- 5. Archyde News: Your work as the founder of Guardian Group must be incredibly challenging. How do the googly eyes serve as a coping mechanism?
- 6. Archyde news: You haven’t limited yourself to just googly eyes. We’ve seen hula skirts and leis adorning some sculptures too!
- 7. Archyde News: The city initially expressed concern about the potential damage adhesives might cause. How have you addressed their concerns?
- 8. Archyde News: These googly eyes sparked a lively debate on social media – some loved them,some felt they were inappropriate. What’s your take on that?
- 9. Archyde News: Looking forward, what message do you hope your artwork conveys?
Bend, Oregon, became an unlikely center of viral fame recently thanks to a series of whimsical googly eyes appearing on public sculptures.While initially shrouded in mystery,the mastermind behind these playful additions has come forward,revealing a heartwarming story behind the seemingly simple prank.
Jeff Keith, founder of the Bend-based nonprofit Guardian Group dedicated to combating human trafficking, confessed to attaching the googly eyes using duct tape. Keith, who has lived in Bend for nearly two decades, explained that these acts of artistic expression serve as a coping mechanism for the emotional weight of his work.”It is a place for me to cope with some pretty heavy stuff,” he shared with The associated Press,acknowledging the unimaginable trauma endured by many trafficking victims he’s encountered.
Keith’s playful spirit extends beyond googly eyes. He’s adorned other sculptures with hula skirts and leis, adding a touch of whimsy to the city’s landscape. His goal? To inject humor and joy into everyday life. “I think the biggest thing is, for me, just to get a laugh,” he said. “When I come up on these roundabouts and I see families laughing, like hysterically laughing at these, it makes for a good time.”
when the city shared photos of the googly eye installations on social media, highlighting the potential damage adhesives can cause to the artwork, the posts sparked a lively debate.Many online users expressed their fondness for the whimsical additions, arguing against the expense of removal. The conversation even reached national attention, featuring on CBS’s “The Late show with Stephen Colbert.”
While Keith acknowledges the unexpected attention, he emphasizes his intention to rectify any damage caused. He reached out to city officials, offering to cover the costs of removal. Bend’s communications director, Rene Mitchell, clarified that the city’s initial posts were intended to raise awareness about the potential harm adhesives can inflict on the diverse collection of metal sculptures, emphasizing that there was no intention to be heavy-handed.
Keith’s story highlights the power of art to spark conversation, evoke laughter, and connect communities. His playful interventions, born from personal experiences, have transformed ordinary sculptures into unexpected sources of joy and reflection.
What is Jeff Keith’s connection to Guardian Group adn how dose his work with them influence his art?
An Interview with Jeff Keith: Behind the Bend Googly Eye Art Phenomenon
Bend, Oregon’s public art scene recently took an unexpected turn with the whimsical appearance of googly eyes on sculptures throughout the city. Archyde News sat down with Jeff Keith,the artist behind this playful phenomenon,to explore the story behind the googly eyes and their surprisingly impactful reach.
Archyde News: Jeff, your googly eye installations have captured national attention. What inspired this unique artistic expression?
Jeff Keith: well, I think it’s a combination of things. Firstly, I love a good laugh, and I hope these installations bring a smile to people’s faces. Secondly, for me, art is a form of self-expression and a way to cope with the tough realities of my work combating human trafficking.It’s a lighter way to process some pretty heavy stuff
.
Archyde News: Your work as the founder of Guardian Group must be incredibly challenging. How do the googly eyes serve as a coping mechanism?
Jeff keith: It’s a release,a way to inject some humor and joy into everyday life. When I see families laughing hysterically at these silly additions, it reminds me of the importance of finding lightness, even in difficult times.
Archyde news: You haven’t limited yourself to just googly eyes. We’ve seen hula skirts and leis adorning some sculptures too!
Jeff Keith: I do like to keep things fun and whimsical. I just try to add a spark of joy wherever I can.
Archyde News: The city initially expressed concern about the potential damage adhesives might cause. How have you addressed their concerns?
Jeff Keith: I completely understand their worry about the sculptures. I value art and our city’s public spaces. I reached out to the city officials and offered to cover the cost of any removal needs.
Jeff Keith: I’m glad they sparked a conversation! Art is meant to provoke thought and emotions. Ultimately, it’s about bringing a little bit of light and laughter into the world
Archyde News: Looking forward, what message do you hope your artwork conveys?
Jeff Keith: I hope it encourages people to embrace the unexpected, to find joy in the everyday, and to remember the importance of community and connection. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest things can bring us together. And most importantly, keep laughing!
