t.h.a.n.k.s. (tiny. humble. ardent. now. knock. soul.)
Host / Curator: Mike Reandeau
Artist: Markuz Wernli Saito
Daily, short projection loops between Mike Reandeau, Markuz Wernli Saito and the Reed neighborhood in San Jose. For daily updates and to view the project from the web, visit t.h.a.n.k.s.
Markuz included a detailed description of a proposed project revolving around projected images and neighborhood involvement in the materials that he sent in for the hosts’ consideration. This idea appealed to Mike Reandeau and his partner, Norman. They invited Markuz to work with them in their picturesque Queen Anne Victorian. The elements that most excited Markuz in his original proposal actively involved the neighborhood in the creation of the piece. The element that spoke most strongly to Mike was a vision of a daily routine of projecting a slide-show onto an outwardly facing window. When Markuz, Mike, and Noman met, they realized that the specific requirements of the space would not accommodate both visions.
Although Markuz could conceive of ways to satisfy his host’s expectations, those solutions were not very exciting to Markuz himself. Markuz decided to back away from the initial idea altogether and take a fresh look at the situation. As a consultant and restorer of Victorian houses, Norman flies all over the country to pursue his calling. The house that Norman and Mike share has been considered down to the smallest detail from top to bottom, inside and out. The interiors are completed with hand painted wallpaper and carefully chosen furnishings. Behind the house, a Roman style garden complements the exterior. Mike and Norman work hard to maintain this backyard space as “an oasis” from their busy block. All of these details, including the obvious care that the couple have applied in creating and maintaining their personal residence speak volumes to Markuz, and guide his response to the space.