“Daily Grind” is a project by Annabelle Popa. It illustrates a funky ‘alternate reality’ of the commuters in Jackson Heights. Annabelle drew inspiration from locals to create the characters seen, as well as took a survey where she received information about their commutes, favorite foods, and visual style. Daily rituals and commutes can become mundane no matter how wonderful the neighborhood- this project wants to show everyone that with a bit of creative thinking and fun, life can take a new form within their own imagination. As a child growing up in Jackson Heights, Annabelle would mix up her daily routine by walking through different streets or trying new foods to made the ‘Daily Grind’ feel less monotonous.
A Message from the artist:
“This project was an interesting journey as it was funded by the Queens Council of the Arts before COVID, and due to the ‘New Work Grant’ perimeters the theme needed to stay the same. I had to reflect on how many people’s daily commutes changed- and how taking trains and busses turned into waking from one room to the next. This inspired a new mini-series within the project that showed the residents’ home base. Each painting holds their own unique story so please continue reading and I hope they bring a little light into these ‘grinding’ days!”
I had a little online survey where residents could submit their commutes, jobs, 'go to' snacks, and 'fantastical identities'. This piece is based off of Joseph, a Dog Walker, who loves “Seba Seba” chicken and wanted to be a Jolly Satyr! The main dog is based off of a Pitbull named ‘Pancakes’, and the middle brown dog is inspired by my own- Milo!
Another resident, Cecilia, had brought up an intriguing idea of being a plant creature based off of “Lambsquarter. Hearty wild green that thrives in disturbed ground in urban and rural areas alike. Both leaf and seed edible.” While her favorite snacks included “Pan de bono, a Colombian bread, and samosas” I decided to have her steaming Momo (one of my favorite snacks).
“Catching Water”, Acrylic on Wood, 2020
Elias, a local teen, had expressed to me that he loves seaweed snacks, wolves, and the ocean. He is an avid Skateboarder which inspired me to use a skateboard as the canvas.
One house in particular inspired this piece. Every holiday their decorations are so over the top and exciting!
In my fantasy rendition of their house I wanted to bring their garden indoors and swapped the garage for a greenhouse. Their little bug car got super-charged into a fantastical machine and their dog planter- into a real life steed! I personally went on a bit of a houseplant kick during the past year and projected that idea onto the residents of this little paradise.
This piece is inspired by the head of the 82nd st Partnership, Leslie Ramos. While the house is not hers, I chose to use is as a backdrop for her little caricature and pets! I was particularly inspired by her passion for the people of Jackson Heights. She is personable and facilitates so many relationships within the community. She empowers small businesses and does everything she can to ensure their success. I included her pets and imagined how (if she could) I bet she would use “Frida”, her dog, as a little noble steed to run all the neighborhood errands!
This piece is inspired by this particularly beautiful cherry blossom tree deep in the neighborhood. I like to think that the eagles protect its beautiful blooms. One day last year I was painting in the neighborhood and this local expressed how he would be honored to be included in the series- I snapped a photo and gave him the role of caretaker to the little world inside the painting.
Growing up I was greatly inspired by “Dinotopia” where it was a modern day version of what could be if Dinosaurs never went extinct. I used this inspiration and drew a parallel using fantastical birds. Transportation methods can change and evolve so quickly, while others stay reliable (for the most part) despite how aged they can become. I included a little nod to the subway system as it makes Jackson Heights a huge part of what it is today. Instead of a traditional subway pulled by an engine- it is pulled by a Tardigrade. This was inspired by a survey submission from Juliana and how she shared that her daughter “has a bright orange mini MTa workers vest (from the transit museum) and a white helmet.” The way that she controls the Tardigrade is by using little snacks tied to a fishing pole.
Live Events and Viewing Location:
The paintings will be at the Queensboro until January 2021, please reserve a table and support local restaurants!
Endless thanks to the Queens Council on the Arts and the Jackson Heights Beautification Group for their support in making this series possible!
This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Queens Council on the Arts.