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The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
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Local Artist Scrawls Colorful Chalk Messages on UES Sidewalks

By Shaye Weaver | July 30, 2015 3:41pm

UPPER EAST SIDE — An artist with a penchant for chalk has been brightening the neighborhood's sidewalks with colorful words of wisdom this summer.

Although the artist, Hans Honschar, typically keeps to the west side where he lives, he wandered east this week with messages reminding passersby to fill their destinies. 

"I first pick the spot and make sure it's in the center and well-traveled by pedestrians and try to write something affirming and encouraging," Honschar told DNAinfo. "City life is hard. If I can make somebody's heart smile, it's worth it."

He signs his work with "Honschar" or "#Honschar," which is easily searchable online.

Honschar's messages range from punchy or thoughtful lines of encouragement, like "Follow your bliss," and "You got this," to quotes from books or authors.

And many of his quotes are actually verses from his own poetry, he said.

His goal is to bring art to the common person who may not have time to stop in at a museum or read a good book, he added.

Honschar, 42, is a full-time artist who likes to use regular Crayola sidewalk chalk to complete his art installations. Sometimes he wets the chalk to make the colors more vibrant or deep, he said.

 

He started drawing his sidewalk designs in May of 2000 in Florida, Canada and in New York City, but roughly a year ago he moved to the city full time.

As a poet and a writer, he's usually found working at Westsider Books on Broadway, he said.

Sometimes Honschar advertises for companies outside their shops and writes messages for anniversaries or birthdays, too.

 

Got some chalk art done outside of #standupny comedy. #imgonnabefamous #honschar #chalkartnyc #nyc

 

A photo posted by Judy (@judes55) on

His creations wash away when it rains, but Honschar said he finds peace in that.

"Part of its beauty is that it does wash away and it's not there all the time. It's ephemeral," he said. "People can enjoy it and then something fresh can go there."

 

#honschar 12:45 NYC · On the street

A photo posted by @jessssie_z on