Roy McMakin, "Favorite Color," 7596 Eads Avenue, La Jolla, CA, Acrylic on cinderblock, December 2010

“The idea was very simple. I have always, since a child, been intrigued at both my own emotions around color preference, and also others. It has been important, and part of my identity to know what my favorite color is. I often recall times that I discussed color with my friends as a child and the talk always centered around preference. And I have found as an adult that most people still enjoy sharing what their favorite color is.


My proposal for the wall in La Jolla was to create a visual document of what a somewhat arbitrary group of people, of various ages, etc., choose as their favorite color. I began the process by asking people their favorite color, and then I presented them with a selection of 4 to 6 colors, of which they choose the one that was closest to the color they liked best. For example, if someone said “blue”, then I showed them blue swatches and they chose one. One square was painted that color. I like the idea that this takes place at a certain time, and that the ultimate form of the mural was dictated by the number of folks that showed up.”


Roy McMakin is a designer, architect and furniture maker, and his art, which draws on his knowledge of and experience in these disciplines, demonstrates a deep engagement with the artistic potential of domestic objects and environments. McMakin received his BA and MFA at UCSD in the Department of Visual Arts.