Discovering the Joy in Sidewalk Art During the Pandemic
In the quiet, tree-lined streets of northwest Fort Worth, Texas, a nightly transformation takes place. Armed with pastels and a vivid imagination, Jan Riggins and her 13-year-old daughter Olivia turn ordinary sidewalks into vibrant masterpieces. Their lifelike drawings of animals, nature, and iconic characters from Star Wars have become a source of wonder for passersby.
The duo, passionate about sidewalk art competitions, found their creative outlet disrupted by the pandemic. Undeterred, they decided to bring their art to the sidewalks of their own neighborhood. “I thought — I have a driveway and I’ve got a sidewalk and I’ve got the pastels,” Jan remarked, reflecting on their artistic journey.
Their first creation, a stunning portrayal of Koi fish, ignited a spark in their neighborhood. Encouraged by the positive response, the mother-daughter team continued their nightly art sessions. From orcas to jellyfish, each piece reflects their dedication and meticulous attention to detail.
Their work even caught the attention of online media outlets, shining a spotlight on their exceptional talent. Jan and Olivia’s dedication to their craft is evident, with callused hands bearing testament to their hard work. As the sun sets, families now make it a ritual to visit and admire the latest masterpiece.
Beyond the art itself, this nightly tradition has become a means of bonding for Jan and Olivia. It’s a testament to the enduring power of creativity to connect generations. “Not bad that a 13-year-old still is out there doing something with her mom,” Jan chuckles. Their story serves as an inspiration to others seeking ways to connect and find solace during challenging times.
Jan’s journey into chalk art is a testament to the unpredictable paths creativity can take. Initially, she stumbled upon chalk art during a local festival, and over the years, it has grown into a deeply cherished passion. Her transition from amateur to professional artist was marked by determination, practice, and learning from others in the field.
As Jan delved deeper into the world of chalk art, she decided to explore the realm of anamorphic art, a technique involving intricate manipulation of perspective. This journey led her to master the art of creating true 3D pieces, a significant milestone in her artistic career.
In a world where the future often seems uncertain, Jan’s story is a reminder that true passion and dedication can lead to unexpected opportunities. Her art, though temporary, leaves an indelible mark on those who encounter it. As she aptly puts it, “There is simply NOTHING that feels better than the process of creating art and seeing how others react to it.”
Jan Riggins and Olivia’s sidewalk art is more than just drawings on concrete. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of creativity, and the joy that can be found even in the most challenging times. Their colorful canvases light up the neighborhood, reminding everyone who passes by that beauty and inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/PHqrJfXwTDw
- https://www.wfaa.com/article/features/mother-daughter-chalk-artists-dazzle-fort-worth-neighborhood-with-sidewalk-drawings/287-ea10c8e3-5e2f-4c3a-bce1-6f85841228a0
- https://canvasrebel.com/meet-jan-riggins-chalk-artist/
- https://dfwchild.com/fort-worth-mom-jan-riggins-chalk-art/
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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