Artist Statement: Inspired by my sketch book, the Commuter Piano is meant to capture the energy of the NYC Subway. The detailed textures of the platform and train become calm in contrast to the congestion and vibrance of the people en route. On the subway, when somebody performs, for a few moments the train becomes a stage, and whether reluctant participants or excited patrons, the passengers become the audience. These active “disruptions” call people to look up from themselves. There is no guarantee that they will stay engaged, but for a brief moment there is an opportunity to experience something unexpected and different. The parallels of the subway performance with the SFH Pianos is striking. One of the most beautiful aspects of this project is that the pianos remind us that we are in this space together. They give us the opportunity to indulge in each other’s creative potential, and we get at least a glimpse of what’s possible when we make ourselves available to our communities.
Rob Baird is a visual artist based in Brooklyn, NY. Rob is very proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this project as this will be his 7th contribution to the SFH Pianos. He has gained a reputation for intricate detail in his stirring imagery. While preferring to leave most work open to interpretation, the artist develops concepts around personal life experiences as well as social commentary. Among other influences, artists Ralph Steadman and Tomi Ungerer are cited as sources of inspiration for his work. His portfolio continues to grow and spans a wide variety of material including illustrations, cartoons and graphic designs.
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