The Process

From a young age, I remember looking out of the window in the back seat of my parents car, as we drove the streets of Los Angeles. I would notice, on the side of the road, cast off objects like chairs, tables, couches. It was hard for me to understand how people could throw away something that once had so much meaning and purpose to them. I felt sorry for those unwanted pieces of furniture.

So for this project, I decided to honor those pieces with the dignity I feel they deserve. In the case of this sofa, I imagined the many ways its previous owners may have used it to sleep, to relax, to rest. This project forced me to look at my relationship with the furniture and objects around me. I know I take my furniture for granted; not everyone has access to clean, comfortable places to rest.

I found this abandoned couch on the side of the road and decided to make it into a place where anyone can rest. I painted it with a sky and clouds because I wanted it to convey a sense of calmness in the middle of the hectic city: a feeling I am lucky enough to enjoy. I dropped it off in a freeway underpass for anyone to use or take. A couple of days later, I went back to visit, and it was gone. I hope the couch and its new owner are enjoying the good rest that everyone deserves to enjoy!