As part of Turku, Finland’s 2011 European Capital of Culture events, Candy was commissioned to create a public art project near the University of Turku. There is a pedestrian/bike path nicknamed Uraputki, or “Career Path”, because it is a popular route that students take from their residences to the university, to get a degree to get a job. To remind students of the larger picture, Candy turned the path into an interactive space with fill-in-the-blank sentences stenciled on the pavement that say “When I was little I wanted to be ____. Today I want to be ____.” in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Passersby can use colored chalk to write directly on the pavement and reflect upon their larger life choices. Sun and rain erase the responses and the installation starts again. The project is created with temporary spray chalk and will fade with weather and foot traffic.

This project is about comparing yourself today and when you were young, reflecting on how you’ve changed or stayed the same, and thinking about the desires you had as a child. What made you come alive as a kid and why? How can this help inform the decisions you make today? Some favorites: “When I was little I wanted to be a princess. Today I want to be an electrician.” “When I was little I wanted to be a bird. Today I want to be a speech therapist.” “When I was little I wanted to be a grown-up. Today I want to be a kid.” This project is also about learning from the people around us and humanizing our neglected spaces. This industrial path was a drab place for people to pass through as quickly as possible. Now it’s a space to pause, reflect, and share with others.

2011, Stencils and temporary spray chalk, Underpass, 250′ x 8′. Turku, Finland, Commissioned by Turku European Capital of Culture. Lighting design by Anni Hapuoja. Installation assistance by Pete Koivunen, Anni Hapuoja. Studio assistance by Kristina Kassem. Project coordination by Tonja Goldblatt of Flux Aura and Suvi Aarnio of Artist as Neighbor with support from Turku European Capital of Culture.

“When I was little I wanted to be a minister. Today I want to be a rock god.”

“When I was little I wanted to be a paleontologist. Today I want to be happy.” “When I was little I wanted to be kind. Today I want to be an air hostess.” “When I was little I wanted to be a truck driver. Today I want to be ??”

“”When I was little I wanted to be a cowboy. Today I want to be a designer.” “When I was little I wanted to be a secret agent. Today I want to be a psychologist.” “When I was little I wanted to be a teacher. Today I want to be a teacher.”

Photos of the installation process: