A Sign of the Times

Several months ago I returned to my hometown located in the central valley of California.  Something I noticed was the use of sign spinners to promote local businesses.  These folks stand on the corner with small signboards aimed at passing motorists.  Methods of varying degrees of involvement are engaged in attempts to attract attention.  They range from simply standing or pacing holding the sign to the more acrobatic.  Some dance with the sign while flipping and spinning it a la throwing a pizza dough in the air.  Some wear costumes and some border on performance art.  Some are even sign acrobats.  Take the guy at left for example.  Here he is doing a head stand holding the sign between his feet.  He also jumps and flips off the nearby wall all in the name of getting you to buy a six dollar pizza.

I'm interested in these folks for a few reasons.  Primarily how the circumstances for their presence seems to contrast the cultural climate of my former home of Seattle.  Cultural offerings here lean heavily toward the center of the bell curve of diversity. Blockbusters, big box stores, and strip malls reign supreme. Hit hard by the housing bust unemployment is almost twice the national average.  Life just seems more difficult here.  But I see these guys as little oases of performance art in an otherwise drab artistic landscape.  I admire their tenacity and ability to turn what might be a potentially boring job into something decorative and energetic.

I've photographed several sign spinners already and will continue as I see more creative, attention-grabbing displays so look for more as the weeks go by.