(h/t Gigi)
A ‘Birthday Gift’ to America
New York artist’s hot idea mixes Paint and Patriotism!
By AMANDA CASANOVA
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
July 4, 2010,
Artist Scott LoBaido’s depiction of a giant flag takes shape on the roof of the Lamons Gasket Co., near Hobby Airport. He began painting June 14 and set July 4th as his deadline.
Picture this: Biggest flag in World? ‘YES!’
N.Y. artist braves heat and rain for Patriotic Roof artwork in Houston.
Scott LoBaido eyed the weather Friday, pointing to the rainfall with hands dotted in dried white paint. The New York City artist bounced anxiously inside Lamons Gasket Co. near Hobby Airport.
“Ask me how I’m feeling,” he said, referring to the weather that has stalled his plans to paint the largest American flag on the company’s roof.
“Three days of rain,” he said. “I’m like a bird with clipped wings. This weather is not letting up, but it’s OK. It’s hustle time, and I like the challenge.”
LoBaido said he hopes the weather will let him finish the 150,000-square-foot painting of a waving flag by Independence Day.
“Most people just put a flag in their yard,” he said, laughing.
“I want people to fall back in love with America,” the artist said. “I just saw our nation start to become divided and knew I had to do something.”
Work on the nearly 3.5-acre painting started on Flag Day, June 14. Lamons assembled a handful of temporary employees to help LoBaido with the project, and even the company’s president, Kurt Allen, got up on the roof to wield a paint roller.
“America is the best place to live, and I’ve been to over 40 countries,” said Allen, who’s from the United Kingdom. “When I heard about this, I told Scott that whatever it takes, we would help. I’ll be up there on Sunday, too, helping him finish this.”
The project cost nearly $50,000, with sponsors including Lamons helping shoulder the cost, Allen said.
While LoBaido considered several locations for the painting, he said Lamons’ was best because of its diverse work force, which includes people from more than 23 countries, and because of its building’s close proximity to the airport.
“A woman e-mailed me to tell me that her son was flying in this weekend,” LoBaido said. “He’s going to see this gift for him and all the other troops, and that’s why I’m doing this.”
Using only 9-inch rollers and an estimated 900 gallons of paint, LoBaido called the project his “gigantic birthday gift” to America.
“I’m out of my mind to be on a metal roof in Houston, Texas, in June,” he said. “The last thing I’m going to do, though, is cower. There’s just No Comparison to what those soldiers do.”
In 2006, LoBaido traveled nationwide to paint Old Glory on roofs in all 50 states. The flag he did then for Texas is in Fort Worth. LoBaido said he is looking forward to muscling his way to a front-row seat to Houston’s fireworks display tonight.
“I want to feel the thunder inside me,” he said. “I’ll have my iPod and The Battle Hymn of the Republic playing. Tears streaming and everything. You can’t explain it.
“Wait. No. This is how I explain it,” he said, pointing above him to the roof.
awesome. Happy 4th of July
That is awesome!
This is awesome! The flag of the United States of America is the most beautiful flag out there! I get goose bumps and tears every time I see it waving in the breeze. It stands for so much that is noble and good. I wish EVERY American felt the awe and reverence I feel for this flag and this country. We have such a rich heritage and history — that ISN’T being taught to our youth! Thank you for reminding us of it.
THANK YOU, Scott LoBaido!! Your OLD GLORY is BEAUTIFUL AND AWESOME! You are a Treasure and a Hero to all AMERICANS!