From Metal Dogs to Psychedelic Frogs: Outside Art, Sculpture Edition

sculpture of wooden man sitting on retaining wall — You’d be happy too if you had love in your heart and paint in your hair. Outside art on Mt. Oliver

Relaxing in the sun is a curious figure. Large enough to be an elementary-aged child, the wooden man has a goofy grin, bespectacled eyes, and a red nose. “Dressed” in a patchwork of crazy patterns and colors, he’s very much in tune with the paint-splattered retaining wall he rests upon.

As decoration or mascot for Johno’s Art Studio, Mt. Oliver, the little fellow could be considered anything from advertising shill (if you’re that cynical) to neighborhood character—at least, hopefully people look forward to seeing the little guy as they crest the hilltop. Regardless, he’s an objet d’art that Johno put out for all to see and enjoy.

hanging sculpture of painted messages on wood scraps left in alley — Life advice from P. Miller, Strip District

The art is public, but it’s not public art. It’s on private property—presumably sponsored by the land-owner—but very purposefully there for everyone to see. While the placement is external to a private residence (or business, like Johno’s), this isn’t what people mean when they talk about outsider art.

Outside Art, the term coined by The Portland Orbit, exists in the liminal space between these worlds as a sort-of aesthetic alternative to flag-waving and yard sign messaging. Sure, you could have a perfect green blanket with a killer array of azaleas, but what if you own a six-foot abstract statue with a human head and hand holding a golden bird? Put it out front, man—let the world enjoy that marvelous creation!