March 7 2010

The memory is vague, but the last time I visited Sunset Junction to see Elliott Smith’s iconic “Figure 8” album cover location, I was with Manny. I do remember thinking how special it was that fan’s notes to the late songwriter were visible for everyone to read. The location, like many murals around Los Angeles, became a tribute to the artist.

I mentioned to my visiting coworkers if they wanted to see it and they jumped at the chance. It was around midnight, but we had all the elements involved to create a small adventure. Visitors were heading back to New York City, we were all Elliott Smith fans and we were giddy. We took Alvardo from Wilshire to Sunset, made a left and drove. I saw the McDonald’s near the site from a few blocks away, and there it was, except it wasn’t.

The notes are now covered by giant slabs of paint brushed incoherently and rudimentary. The iconic navy and blue swirls can be seen, but they’ve been submerged. Maybe this is the natural course of a public space, but really it’s a reminder that everyone is erased sooner or later. I think today was the first day I ever cursed graffiti.