Artist transforms potholes into stunning works of art
Digital Reporter
Sunday, May 24, 2015, 5:54 PM - Even the most detested nuisance for drivers can become a thing of beauty.
In a city plagued with potholes, artist Jim Bachor has become well known for creating stunning mosaics in the streets of his native Chicago.
Each spring, Bachor's canvas is unveiled as the snow melts, revealing the craterous landscapes of local roads carved out by the ravages of winter.
The artist and stay-at-home dad has filled dozens of potholes with colourful mosaics using marble tiles.
The idea behind his artwork was originally inspired by his first visit to Europe in the 1990s. "Ancient mosaic art -- it's durability astounded me," Bachor told The Weather Network. "2000-year old mosaics look exactly like the artist intended today."
This appreciation translated to real life when he transformed a nasty pothole outside of his home into a work of art. "I just love the permanence of the artform. Potholes are a neverending, annual problem," explained Bachor. "I thought maybe I could try and fix this..."
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His latest series, entitled 'Treats in the Streets' looks like it could be a trail for the ice cream truck, and serves as a perfect reminder that summer is on the horizon.
The images are certainly a welcome change from the troublesome ruts in the road, and so far, Bachor has received no official word from city officials asking him to stop.
"As far as...working on the streets -- I wear an orange vest and have industrial traffic cones, so folks think I'm a city work," said Bachor.
Samples from his many collections can be viewed on Bachor's website. His work is identifiable thanks to a signature tile piece that he installs in each of his original pieces, some of which can now also be found as far away as Finland. Bachor recently returned from an end of winter festival there, where he completed six custom art installations.
Source: Chicago Tribune
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