Categories: Local
      Date: Apr 15, 2009
     Title: Take that sign down!
Local signwriter/artist falls afoul of the law by putting up an inspirational sign without permission

Saul's story:

My name is Saul Goodman and I am a local Signwriter/artist from West End and have been a resident here for 10 years.

Recently I attended an uplifting seminar by Rael that encouraged us to dream and to inspire and uplift people during these times of crisis etc.

Hence I decided that I can do something with my particular skills to spread some positivity in a sometimes negative world.

So I searched & located about seven very old and unused signs around West End and South Brisbane Region to apply some uplifting messages and beautiful flowers to.

I choose beautiful quotes by Rael (the Spiritual Leader of the Raelian Movement) that are appropriate.

So on the Easter break I decided to begin my dream to inspire people and started my first project above a Coffee Shop in Boundary Street - West End, as I have witnessed this old sign empty and looking boring for several years.

I did investigate the sign and  I discovered that the sign did not belong to any business in particular so it would not interfere with any business owners advertising.

The result looked immediatelyy uplifting (see photo) and I hoped it will help people to make them feel good and positive and to have good hope for the future.

Unfortunately I received a phone call this morning from the real estate stating that the owner (of the entire building block) wants the sign removed before 5pm today or he will call the police.

I admit that perhaps I could have seen the owner first to ask his permission however that was not thought of, as the sign did not belong to any business in particular and so no one was being interrupted.

So it seems sadly enough that I must remove the signage otherwise I will have the police pressure me to remove it.

The point I would like to make is "Where is the Hope" when artists are being restricted to spread positivity around us that does no harm to anyone.

I point out that I am proudly a Raelian (www.rael.org) and also wonder if I would get such a swift negative reaction to my positive message if the author of the quote was signed off by the Dali Lama or the Catholic Pope.

I take full responsibility for my error now, and hence I take this opportunity to extend my sincere apologies to the owner of the building block for putting the beautiful text and flowers on the old sign.

I do not intend to be disappointed about this as I still have another six old signs that I can spread some positivity so I hope the owners of those buildings will be more cheerful.

For anyone wanting to come along to a positive uplifting gathering and learn more about the Raelian "Hope for a Beautiful Future" then the South Brisbane Raelians will be having a Meetup Group this Saturday at the Brisbane City Library at 5pm. All welcome FREE!  Go to the Brisbane section www.meetup.com or call me on 0417744299