Target | Sullivan Center Door

Past Work

Jun 12

The Sullivan Center, infamously known as the Goth Target, stands out as a prominent destination for appreciating the magnificent architecture of Chicago. While it's tempting to admire the building in its entirety, a closer examination uncovers a wealth of captivating details worthy of admiration.

Research

Renowned architect Louis Sullivan was celebrated for his incorporation of organic motifs into his designs, drawing inspiration from the native plants of the Midwestern prairie. Even in the case of Target, he infused the structure with intricate organic elements.

To intimately explore Sullivan's craftsmanship, I went to the Target store on State Street, capturing photographs from various angles. Among the numerous captivating features, it was the inconspicuous corner of the door, adorned with Sullivan's subtly hidden initials, that struck a chord within me. This specific area was the inspiration behind my small series, "Seek the Unnoticeable."

The Design

For this piece, I took a simplified approach and did not focus on making it a realistic embroidery. Instead, I used line work to showcase hidden initials in a unique composition. To introduce a three-dimensional element, I crafted bendable wire leaves, seamlessly integrating them into the final artwork.

Target's door appears black from afar, but is actually dark green, much like the building. To achieve a similar effect, I chose a similar color for the piece.

Finished Piece

I'm pleased with how the lines are straight, and there is enough variety in line weight to give the piece depth as a line work piece. Although the design remains simple, the composition manages to encapsulate the subject matter in a truly distinctive manner, revealing the often overlooked intricacies of the door.