On the occasion of our 25th anniversary, the Scene asked 25 of our favorite local artists, painters, designers and printmakers to art up our newspaper boxes and turn them into something uniquely Nashville. Every Monday and Wednesday on Country Life, we'll be highlighting a specific artbox and give you a little insight into each artist's creative practice.
Today's artist is Arthur Kirkby, whose artbox is dispensing papers at its new location at the Music City roundabout. Look through some other examples of Kirkby's work after the jump.
• What was the inspiration behind your box design?
I wanted to do a tribute to women in country music. I chose a Her box to repurpose. I kept some of the original pink color as a background, complete with scratches and dings. Since I like to use reclaimed wood in my artwork it almost felt the same. I chose old-school Tammy Wynette and Minnie Pearl, with Hayden Panettiere's character Juliet from the television show Nashville. I included Miley Cyrus on the door with her tongue sticking out because I thought it would make opening the door to get a copy of the Scene even more fun, and I crowned it with Dolly Parton on the top because she is one of the reigning queens of all time!
• What materials did you use?
I used spray paint and handmade stencils.
• When you're not making Nashville Scene newspaper boxes, what kind of art do you make?
I am also a hairstylist at Shay's Studio in Berryhill and show at Veinerfest Restaurant off West End, Fanny's House of Music in East Nashville, Garden Delights in Franklin, and at Canvas Lounge on Church Street. And I have reclaimed items for sell on my Etsy page as well!
