Conversations with CLs

Today we’d like to introduce you to CLs.

Hi CLs, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started in Chicago on New Year’s Eve 2006. Late that evening, I found myself in a jail cell with two of my friends because the three of us had been accused of painting graffiti. As our conversation, that night was interesting and full of street knowledge for myself. It also brought a beautiful idea to me. I decided that I was no longer going to paint walls but add wooden shapes to them. And these walls would be site specific because they too would be made out of wood. The idea stemmed from escaping the buff of the city or people painting over your work. If they did, you would still be able to see what I have created. It now has been 16 years of adding wooden shapes to site-specific walls around the world. The art has shifted from unique sculptures to relief installations and back. And 98% of the time, I do not ask for permission. I do get to intact with many people of this world and I get to feel like part of each and every community I leave a piece of myself in.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finding my unique voice on the street that evening in jail has made the road not so bumpy for me. My challenge is to myself. To continue to walk my own path. To continue to go out and create on the streets.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My process of installing bauhaus art is unique on the street. It starts with getting to know my canvas. Walking the streets, talking to the people of the community. Finding those site-specific spots to leave a piece of myself. Then finding the material. The wood finds its way to me from garbage, friends and construction sites. Next is the fun part of picking a day and showing up to the spot to create on site. The installation is finished when all the shapes I bring are used. Leaving a piece of myself there to create its own unique relationships with its environment warms my soul.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In my option, without risk there is no reward. Each and every time I go out into the canvas to create an installation I’m taking a risk. And the balance to that is there is no greater feeling then leaving a piece of myself and creating in view of the public eye without permission.

Contact Info:

• Website: iknowcls.com
• Instagram: cls_schriver