Have artists found creative ways of mending immediate environment challenges in Chicago?

For my second interview I virtually met with fellow Chicagoan and gifted mosaic muralist Jim Bachor. Who found a creative way to “juxtapose a universal hate with subject matter that everyone pretty much loves”. He not only creates beautiful/witty mosaics but also uses his art to repair potholes in regular under-maintained streets. Some of these wonderful pieces of pothole art can be seen in Chicago, as well as in many other cities around the country as well as internationally. The first of which he decided to create out of pure necessity. A pothole in front of his house just would not stay fixed, so he set out in the middle of the night. Hidden by the darkness, he put his art to the test in hopes that he could create a definite solution to this nuisance. Never had he imagined this niche of art would explode and go well beyond his initial intent of fixing a pothole and creating some traction for his line art.

From a life of graphic design to a full-time job of creating mosaics out of his studio. He has worked hard to make a name for himself so that he might “Leave a mark” on this world. Through his passion for mosaic making, with the ancient technique, he learned and holds to, from Ravenna, Italy. He only works with beautifully vibrant small tea glass, marble, and mortar/concrete. He has meticulously created mosaics of animals, flowers, junk food, grocery items, and some political art pieces.

His art as he describes it is like a little microphone. Whether he's there or not the art remains and it's given him an unexpected voice. One that alone may not gain any traction but given public support could create real change. Just as it did for his mosaic career allowing him to venture out internationally and reach all kinds of people. He has left a piece of his character around the world for us to smile or take a second longer to take in the environment around us.