The Old Mint - San Francisco

Old Mint SF (diptych)
60" x 72". Acrylic and Oil on wood panel.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to explore the Old Mint building on Mission Street in San Francisco. I had enough time to take photos and do some quick sketches. From this information I did a painting which was intended to be the first of many exploring the old empty spaces as they went through the changes proposed by the current restoration plan.

Unfortunately I found it impossible to gain  further access to the building (apart from a wonderful late-night dance performance a couple of years ago). I submitted a proposal to the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society suggesting that they nominate several artists to record the changes to the building as the construction works were in progress - the Tate Modern did this so why not the most important historical building in San Francisco? But my pleas went unheard and this painting remains alone at the beginning of an idea.

It has been hanging on a wall in my studio for years now, attracting interest but never a buyer. And this week, as I am starting to clear out my studio for my impending move (more later), it has suddenly sold and will be shipped to its new home in San Diego.

Perhaps the idea still has life and this sale will galvanize me to resubmit my proposal!