Welcome to Charlotte's Web-journal! My name is Charlotte and I am a spider. I have been asked to take you through the adventures of Wilbur the stupendous pig, and his transition into a project by artist Sarah Dillon entitled Swine Eclectic. The artist is graciously sponsored by Sur la Table and The Market Foundation.
Project Proposal
A sense of rustic adventure drove settlers west. That fearless grasp of individuality, imagination and pride continues to shape Northwest culture. In the spring of 1889, Seattle burned to the ground. Instead of relocating, businesses demonstrated ambitious resilience by rebuilding right atop the devastation. Just as in the era of pioneers and trading posts, the dawn of the Jet Age and the 1962 World’s Fair, the region continues to draw adventure seeking wanders.
Seattle celebrates its individuality, diversity, and pride while boasting a unique mix of flavors from “Greeners” Birks and socks, seafaring survival, grunge culture to suit adorned workers in downtown firms. Seattle is a home to alternative musical experimentation braving new frontiers in every way imaginable.
My work will explore visual reminders of the diversity within Seattle neighborhoods to play off the notion of Pike Place as the “Soul of Seattle” where all people and ideas gather. There is humor in the way various known neighborhood elements blend and make Seattle culture unique. The work will juxtapose elements such as pattern, music and apparel to establish a narrative about the history of regional diversity. Elements added to the skeleton form of the pig will accentuate the painting and mosaic adornment.
March 22, 2007
Today Wilbur the Pig left the Pike Place Market Pig Pen to seek his fortune. Above: images of Wilbur saying goodbye to his cousins and meeting his artist!
Above: Wilbur makes the trek across town in the rain.
Celebrating Wilbur at the Pig 'n Whistle. Please don't tell him what bacon burgers are made out of!
March 23, 2007
Above: Wilbur arrived in the studio today! He is busy unpacking and settling into his new pen.
March 26, 2007
Piggy gets a bath and a new coat.
Wilbur has a visitor!
March 31, 2007
Finally the weekend. Wilbur went on a fishing trip! So far, he's enjoying all that the Northwest has to offer.
April 9, 2007
Ah, Wilbur...what a sexy pig you are!
April 10, 2007
Keep a weather eye on the horizon! Wilbur has been captured by pirates!! Arh be dahrr!!
April 10, 2007
Don't worry everyone, Wilbur was rescued from the pirates by a jazz quartet happening by just in time. (Pirates like ham sandwiches.) Thankfully, Wilbur knows how to tickle those ivories and they had the crowd up and dancing the rest of the night.
April 11, 2007
Wilbur the adventure seeker...
...in Birks!! (And socks of course.)
April 13, 2007
Getting dressed for a day at the office...and an evening rock concert. Oh, but what shirt to wear?
April 14, 2007
Suited up for a picnic lunch at the market with friends. (Wilbur brought the fish.)
4/16/2007
...Tuning up the guitar...
4/17/2007
4/18/2007
Varnishing the pig - time for weather/uv protection and shine!
Looking sharp, Wilbur celebrates his last night in the studio before the big move.
5/6/2007
Moving day! Wilbur, I think you've gained a little weight... you managed to get into the studio, now we have to get you out! Family comes down for the big event.
Farewell home...hello big world. This little piggy goes to market.
Buckle down Wilbur, you're in for a ride!
A visit to the Seattle Space Needle. A Must see for any touring pig.
Pig in the city!!!
And finally, our destination. Pike Place Market.
Wilbur makes new friends. A few passing tourists request pictures with the star.
This little piggy goes "wee wee wee" all the way home. Back in the Pig Pen again! Look at Wilbur's family! Everyone is dressed up. What a reunion.
UP AND COMING:
Installation - Wilbur is having a fantastic summer! Come on by to visit! Wilbur's Seattle location from June through October 12, 2007 is in the courtyard in front of the Inn at the Market, just up from Post Alley between Pine and Stewart. You may download a map and audio guide from the Pigs on Parade website. Don't forget to vote for Wilbur!
If you have any questions, contact the Pike Place Market Foundation: (206) 774-5249.
