I’ve come to think of the initial project planning process as the “honey bear squeeze.”
We all chase results in varied ways. In public art, the ultimate goal is an impactful piece
that transforms a space. But that relentless focus on the final product often causes us to
rush; specifically, through the front-end planning. That’s a costly mistake, because in
public art, you only get one shot to maximize the potential of a project.
When you pull a half full classic honey bear bottle from your pantry and turn it upside
down, the temptation is to squeeze immediately. If you squeeze too fast, you get a quick
spurt and maybe a teaspoon of honey. But if you're patient, you let gravity and time
work their magic, allowing the honey to build up at the neck. Then, you can get a whole
lot of sticky sweetness out of just one deliberate squeeze of the bear.
In public art development, the process is the same. Rushing the initial phases yields a
fragmented, less impactful result. Being patient and intentional—letting the honey build
up—means investing time in deep listening, building solid partnerships, and perfecting
the project brief, etc..
The truth is, with public art, you only get one squeeze. It's not a process you can easily
pause and/or repeat. That makes the upfront patience and commitment to process
development not just a nice-to-have, but an absolute necessity for maximum impact.
Where in your current projects are you practicing patient waiting to ensure a max yield
from the final effort?
Anton Morton, Kasum Manifold co-founder, is a creative change-agent. Driven by his Native American heritage, he champions inclusive design, leading multicultural teams on global projects. His work—from public art to infrastructure integration—impacts communities worldwide, earning AIA, AGC, and CODAawards, including recognition as a Creative Revolutionary. A Citizen Potawatomi Nation member and disabled Marine Veteran, he continues to transform creative industry through collaboration and equity. Click here to check out Anton's work on CODAworx.
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