MetamorFridges
For the summer of 2012, ComEd worked with Leo Burnett commissioned local artists to take old refrigerators and morph them into functional pieces of art, all in an effort to promote their Fridge and Freezer Recycle Rewards program. Out of 100 requests for proposals, Steven Lockwood was chosen to be one of twelve artists to create a refrigerator piece. Lockwood's piece is at 700 N. Michigan Avenue.
ComEd advertisement:
Regeneration Capsule
“Planting Green Ideas”
Commissioned for ComEd and Leo Burnett | 2012 | 7' x 4' x 5'
The concept:
Regeneration Capsule is about passing on green ideas and wishes for the next generations that will literally be planted in the piece, and eventually grow in the interior; while the exterior represents a deteriorating cityscape. By utilizing locally hand made paper embedded with seeds, the public will be invited to write their ideas or wishes for the next generation and slide them through the plexiglass and into the refrigerator creating a “time capsule” for the future that will germinate with time. However, the outside evokes a different sentiment. The piece showcases a beautiful environment being created within while it is surrounded by decay and corrosion, but at the end of this showing, the city landscape is overgrown with vegetation from within.
How It’s Done:
This ComEd refrigerator is lying down on its back with the door side facing up. Its doors will be taken off and replaced with a thick plexi-glass cover, which is laying flat on top. The plexi-glass has holes for rainwater to fall in as well as 3 slots for letters from the public to be placed inside. The paper used by the public to write down their sentiments will have seeds embedded in its fibers. The public will be invited to participate in the growth of their ideas. Their letters will eventually germinate with the combination of soil and water and the seeds will grow into plants within the refrigerator.
MetamorFridges
"Regeneration Capsule"
Commissioned by ComEd & Leo Burnett.
On parade on 700 N. Michigan Avenue for the summer of 2012.
Permanent location now at Wonder Works Children's Museum, Oak Park.
-Video: "The Making of Regeneration Capsule" by Jim Kirkhoff & Samantha Marquette.