George Wilson: Home (more-or-less)

George Wilson: Home (more-or-less)
2003, restored 2015
10’6 W x 7’6 H x 3’ D. Materials: Grocery carts, steel, plastic labels, decals, iPad with 14 audio tracks. Partially funded by an Individual Artist Grant from the City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division in 2002.  Originally installed at Outdoor Sculpture Installational at the Armory Center Northwest, Pasadena, CA.

George Wilson: HOME (more-or-less) explores the subject of homelessness in the City of Pasadena. The sculpture is composed of steel shopping carts that have been cut apart and welded into a map representing the City of Pasadena. The grocery cart has become an archetypal symbol of homelessness.  It efficiently provides storage and transportation of personal possessions  (a mobile closet), as well as functions as a recycling collection container.

The map, which has been painted gold to signify greater value, is labeled with the locations of the various services provided to Pasadena’s homeless population by local churches and non-profit agencies: shelters, meals, showers, groceries, recycling centers,
clothing, healthcare and counseling services. In addition, text logging the actual daily mileage of George Wilson, a Pasadena homeless man who often walks up to 10 miles per day, follows along the perimeter of the map-- Pasadena city limits.

The audio component of the sculpture consists of excerpts from a recorded interview I conducted with George Wilson in 2002.  In the interview, Mr. Wilson discusses his fascinating history, his means of survival, and his philosophy of living on Pasadena’s streets.  This articulate and thoughtful man raises awareness about homelessness and often breaks down the myths attached to the homeless lifestyle.

Below are excerpts from a recorded interview I conducted with George Wilson  at Union Station Homeless Services, Pasadena, CA in 2002.