I decided to indulge a short-attention span fit by checking out some gallery openings in Chelsea tonight. I had heard that Patti Smith was having an opening tonight. I've never seen her artwork, so that was my other inspiration to get out there. (The prospect of free wine doesn't hurt, either.)
Not only do you get to see great art in Chelsea (if you pick a good Thursday) but there is also great people watching. In the Robert Miller Gallery which was displaying Patti Smith's and Jem Cohen's work I saw a cute and arty couple. They were a man and woman, probably in their 60s, both wearing glasses. The woman had a very wide bob hairstyle that was dyed cartoon-pink and the man had one of those fancy mustaches that curls up on the ends. Another man was wearing what appeared to be a latex helmet/hat that was form fitted to his head. Most of the back of his skull was covered but there were cut-out areas for his ears, which were pierced with large discs, although not the largest ear discs I've seen, mind you.
But, back to the art... I enjoyed Patti's work very much! There were some captivating vignette sepia photos in one room and in another room, provocative imagery of religious sculptures shrouded in clear plastic, taken inside of a church that was being renovated. Another piece that held my attention was a drawing made of tiny, illegible words forming a silhouette shape that was unmistakably of wreckage from the World Trade Center 9/11 disaster.
Back out on the street I had a nice interaction with a fellow who thought I was French! If only! We were both trying to cross the street in the middle of the block, as one does when gallery hopping, and he asked me something in French, then when I did not respond, said "Are you French?" This reminds me of another "Frenchie on the Street" incident. It was a warm spring day, I was walking to meet some friends at a tapas bar off of 6th Ave. with my head in the clouds. As I passed a man walking in the opposite direction he said "Oui, ma Fille!" (he pronounced "oui" informally: "way.") This literally translates to "Yeah, my Woman/Lady!" and ten steps later I realized he was saying "Yeah, Baby!" in French. I was sad that I hadn't had time to react because that was one of the best compliments I've heard!
Anyhoo... back to Chelsea. Another show I enjoyed was Izima Kaoru, a Japanese fashion photographer whose subjects are famous models and actresses from Japan, dressed in couture fashions. The are posed in images/scenes based on their death fantasies. There is no gore or blood and the photography is super-sharp and beautiful. In his other life, Kaoru is a fashion photographer. That was at the Von Lintel gallery.
Of course there were a few other places that I wasn't so moved by or just didn't grab any info so now I can't remember who the artist was. An example of one of those was a show of sculpture that looked mighty familiar, wish I could remember. The medium was metal rods and thick construction wire shaped into twisting, enlarged-dna-like shapes. I also missed out on a group photography show which included work by Nan Goldin and Larry Clark. I went inside, along with some other art lovers, but most of the lights were turned off, I got the hint that the staff wanted us to leave! I should also add, if you like boob art, check out the Rogue Gallery, with watercolors by Theresa Byrnes!
So, I'm glad I went. The little French incident makes me think I need to keep on working on Adelé and brainstorming some stories for her. Goodnight!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Fearless & Thrifty for 2009
If anyone out there is reading this... I'm ba-aack! It has been so long since I have posted anything here, I apologize to my blog-starved fans. There were many times over the months when I noticed things going on around me that were inspiring, perfect for my blog. So, in addition to my main idea for this post, I'll try to do a quick review of everything I should have been writing about!
One of the events that always inspires me to tears is the Olympics. It impresses me that the athletes spend so much time focused on training and competing in their sports for years on end. Seeing Michael Phelps reach his goal by winning all of those gold medals in one year was really amazing, but so were so many of the other Olympians.
As a life-long Democrat, I had many inspiring moments during the election season. I'm still not used to the idea that we actually had a woman and a black man in heated competition for the office of President. It has been too long coming if you ask me, so I'm glad we have finally broken that barrier in this country.
Once Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination and the playing field was narrowed, I was ready to get in there and do what I could to help get him elected. I've never been one to send money to politicians or become directly involved with a campaign, but I have believed for a long time in making one's voice heard and playing my part in the government and my community as a citizen and voter. After all, that is an important part of how this country is supposed to work; of the People, by the People, and for the People.
With all of this in mind, I started making calls to the battleground states via MoveOn.org's phone bank system. I volunteered some time doing this during the 2006 elections. (Right now, I am drinking some tea out of the mug I received as a thank you for my efforts!) Basically, MoveOn set up a call script and a phone list online. I would log in to their website to gain access to the system and helped to spread the word about who MoveOn was supporting in certain states, and remind people to vote. In the case of the '08 election, I was often calling to ask people if they would be willing to volunteer at their local Obama campaign office.
Many of the calls I made were to wrong numbers, no answer, people who were Democrats but didn't have time to volunteer, etc. But the folks I was able to have some positive interaction with were great. They were fired up and ready to go, as the saying goes, and whether or not they could volunteer, I had some good conversations. I really enjoyed speaking with the people who wanted to do something but didn't know how to help out until they spoke with me and got the information. I also had fun attending one of MoveOn's "calling parties" where you gather at a neighbor's place, have some snacks and everyone gets on their cell phones to make calls. It was fun to meet like-minded people and see how our collaborative efforts made a difference in the number of volunteers we got to sign up. I remember feeling tired from my usual Sunday chores when I arrived at the party but I was very energetic and charged up by the time I went home a few hours later.
Obviously, this all led up to another inspiring moment: ELECTION NIGHT 2008!!! (I know, this is a loooong post! You may take a bathroom or snack break now, if you like.) By November 4, I felt quite confident that Obama would win, although many of my friends were skeptical early in the evening. I went to a bar/music venue to watch the results with a few friends. The place was quite packed as more states returned results, so my friends decided to leave! I stayed because I really wanted to be out and about when the final decision was announced, and it was glorious when that happened! Everyone started dancing and hugging each other. I was a little sad that I had no one to hug, the people near me didn't seem like they wanted to hug a stranger! But I stayed and danced for a while and decided I wanted to be home to make sure I heard every bit of THE 44TH PRESIDENT'S acceptance speech. I waved to and cheered with other happy Brooklynites on the streets as I walked home.
As you probably remember, there was all kinds of celebration in the streets in the cities here in the U.S., but also, ALL OVER THE WORLD! This made me very happy. I remember falling asleep some time after midnight to the sound of illegal fireworks and people chanting "O-BA-MA! O-BA-MA!"
Then, of course, the inauguration. It is thrilling to be alive to see all of this history unfolding, even as we are dealing with one of the worst, wide-spread financial crises most of us have ever seen. Which again, is fodder for more inspiration. I have found it easier to feel worried about my higher bills and lower pay, and about how many people are out of work and struggling worse than I am right now. Amongst my friends, I have noticed that it seems to be a time to change paths or forge ahead with new ideas, and that is really rubbing off on me. I know that I want to take my artwork and ideas to the next level, only I am not so sure how to do it. I also need to get a design portfolio going to show people that I can do more than illustration and magazine production, so that I may have an additional source of income.
I think these hard times are causing many people to rethink what they really want out of life. (I really want an overseas vacation but I think it is going to be a while before that happens.) It is one of those times when I have to ignore the obstacles and just go ahead with what I want, or find out what I want, and stay inspired all the way along. Some friends of mine decided on two words for 2009: Fearless and Thrifty. These words resonate with me, too, so that has become my mantra for when I become overwhelmed with "what to do?" I should also keep on bloggin'! But that's enough for now.
One of the events that always inspires me to tears is the Olympics. It impresses me that the athletes spend so much time focused on training and competing in their sports for years on end. Seeing Michael Phelps reach his goal by winning all of those gold medals in one year was really amazing, but so were so many of the other Olympians.
As a life-long Democrat, I had many inspiring moments during the election season. I'm still not used to the idea that we actually had a woman and a black man in heated competition for the office of President. It has been too long coming if you ask me, so I'm glad we have finally broken that barrier in this country.
Once Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination and the playing field was narrowed, I was ready to get in there and do what I could to help get him elected. I've never been one to send money to politicians or become directly involved with a campaign, but I have believed for a long time in making one's voice heard and playing my part in the government and my community as a citizen and voter. After all, that is an important part of how this country is supposed to work; of the People, by the People, and for the People.
With all of this in mind, I started making calls to the battleground states via MoveOn.org's phone bank system. I volunteered some time doing this during the 2006 elections. (Right now, I am drinking some tea out of the mug I received as a thank you for my efforts!) Basically, MoveOn set up a call script and a phone list online. I would log in to their website to gain access to the system and helped to spread the word about who MoveOn was supporting in certain states, and remind people to vote. In the case of the '08 election, I was often calling to ask people if they would be willing to volunteer at their local Obama campaign office.
Many of the calls I made were to wrong numbers, no answer, people who were Democrats but didn't have time to volunteer, etc. But the folks I was able to have some positive interaction with were great. They were fired up and ready to go, as the saying goes, and whether or not they could volunteer, I had some good conversations. I really enjoyed speaking with the people who wanted to do something but didn't know how to help out until they spoke with me and got the information. I also had fun attending one of MoveOn's "calling parties" where you gather at a neighbor's place, have some snacks and everyone gets on their cell phones to make calls. It was fun to meet like-minded people and see how our collaborative efforts made a difference in the number of volunteers we got to sign up. I remember feeling tired from my usual Sunday chores when I arrived at the party but I was very energetic and charged up by the time I went home a few hours later.
Obviously, this all led up to another inspiring moment: ELECTION NIGHT 2008!!! (I know, this is a loooong post! You may take a bathroom or snack break now, if you like.) By November 4, I felt quite confident that Obama would win, although many of my friends were skeptical early in the evening. I went to a bar/music venue to watch the results with a few friends. The place was quite packed as more states returned results, so my friends decided to leave! I stayed because I really wanted to be out and about when the final decision was announced, and it was glorious when that happened! Everyone started dancing and hugging each other. I was a little sad that I had no one to hug, the people near me didn't seem like they wanted to hug a stranger! But I stayed and danced for a while and decided I wanted to be home to make sure I heard every bit of THE 44TH PRESIDENT'S acceptance speech. I waved to and cheered with other happy Brooklynites on the streets as I walked home.
As you probably remember, there was all kinds of celebration in the streets in the cities here in the U.S., but also, ALL OVER THE WORLD! This made me very happy. I remember falling asleep some time after midnight to the sound of illegal fireworks and people chanting "O-BA-MA! O-BA-MA!"
Then, of course, the inauguration. It is thrilling to be alive to see all of this history unfolding, even as we are dealing with one of the worst, wide-spread financial crises most of us have ever seen. Which again, is fodder for more inspiration. I have found it easier to feel worried about my higher bills and lower pay, and about how many people are out of work and struggling worse than I am right now. Amongst my friends, I have noticed that it seems to be a time to change paths or forge ahead with new ideas, and that is really rubbing off on me. I know that I want to take my artwork and ideas to the next level, only I am not so sure how to do it. I also need to get a design portfolio going to show people that I can do more than illustration and magazine production, so that I may have an additional source of income.
I think these hard times are causing many people to rethink what they really want out of life. (I really want an overseas vacation but I think it is going to be a while before that happens.) It is one of those times when I have to ignore the obstacles and just go ahead with what I want, or find out what I want, and stay inspired all the way along. Some friends of mine decided on two words for 2009: Fearless and Thrifty. These words resonate with me, too, so that has become my mantra for when I become overwhelmed with "what to do?" I should also keep on bloggin'! But that's enough for now.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Good Advice
I didn't write the following paragraph, it is from my horoscope today on DailyOm.com. I thought it deserved to be here as it is a good thing to keep in mind every day.
When we approach our objectives with the notion that success is in our future, we naturally feel more confident and are more apt to stride unhesitantly into those circumstances that will facilitate our eventual victory. Optimism can serve as a wonderful source of motivation and inspiration, whether we are focused on mundane goals or our most beloved dreams, because it compels us to visualize the future in a positive light. We tend to think about all the goodness that is waiting for us rather than the potential pitfalls that can keep us from achieving our purpose. Consequently, we spend much of our time making sure we are doing all we can to realize the beautiful future we have seen in our mind's eye. Your positive visions of the future will help you come closer than ever to reaching your goals today.
When we approach our objectives with the notion that success is in our future, we naturally feel more confident and are more apt to stride unhesitantly into those circumstances that will facilitate our eventual victory. Optimism can serve as a wonderful source of motivation and inspiration, whether we are focused on mundane goals or our most beloved dreams, because it compels us to visualize the future in a positive light. We tend to think about all the goodness that is waiting for us rather than the potential pitfalls that can keep us from achieving our purpose. Consequently, we spend much of our time making sure we are doing all we can to realize the beautiful future we have seen in our mind's eye. Your positive visions of the future will help you come closer than ever to reaching your goals today.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
In Search of Inspiration
Today I was feeling the need for some external inspiration; even though I have some friendly coworkers around to chat with, just being here at my desk at the office just wasn't cutting it. I have with me today part of one of my illustration / digital collages on an SD card to work on, which is OK as long as there isn't work for the magazine that I need to do, but I just didn't feel like getting that going. I was feeling as if my brain was tuned to a TV channel with "snow" or static. Or maybe a "blue" channel. (since digital cable, there are no "snowy" stations)
I didn't want to go shopping during my lunch time outside but I remembered that the main NYC Library has a photography exhibit up, so off I went. The photographs and photographers were chosen based on the idea that many areas of the city are currently in danger of being developed with Eminent Domain rather than by including the community in the development and re-vitilization process. I wasn't able to stay long since my lunch "hour" is usually only a half hour, but I looked at one photographer's portion. Most of the photos in this section were of signage and very old store fronts that are still in operation. One of my favorites was a tiny, pink shack with a walk-up window and a hand painted sign on the side that said "ARTIST." It was not occupied at the time the photo was taken, and it had a padlock on a door that was on the side. The funny part was that it was built out of scrap wood; lots of uneven pieces so it looked like it was just barely standing. I enjoyed the exhibit because it made me feel like I was back in time and in a very different neighborhood instead of mid-town Manhattan.
Link to a New York Times article about the exhibit: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/library-looks-at-photography-and-the-city/
I also really enjoyed the library itself. I wasn't in the stacks at all, mostly in the main lobby where they have their art galleries and exhibits. But still! Just the memories from spending so much of my childhood summers visiting the library—I swear I could smell that nice, comforting book smell. After I left the library, I stopped at the craft'wich ice cream stand and tried their pineapple & mint sorbet as a treat because I felt like I needed one today. It was very fresh-tasting and pineapplely! So it was a nice lunch time. It wasn't life changing but it was, at least, thought changing and gave me something to blog about.
Here's some old news, to me anyway, but since my theme is inspiration and I haven't blogged for a while, I'll include it. Once again I attended another Eddie Izzard Show: "Stripped" at Radio City Music Hall, 6/27/08. This time Liz was able to come with since she was in town. Luce & Justin also had tickets but they were in the orchestra section and our tickets were for the second mezzanine. (It was too bad Janet or Ambrose could be there this time.) I really can't say enough good things about him or the show. As I've posted before, he's inventive with the subject matter and also challenges the audience's intelligence rather than using put-down humor, but is still playful and silly while also communicating his concern or ideas about the state of the world today, all with a sense of humor. Again, I laughed so much my face started feeling numb! Youtube him! Maybe I'll post some of my favorite Eddie Youtube clips in another post.
In his words, he was in "boy-mode" (as far as the audience could see!) but I think he looks great either way. Another inspiring thing is that he is one of those types that just goes out there and does what he wants to do and makes me want to do the same. Not exactly the same, but I just appreciate the attitude since I've never endorsed doing or being a certain way just to fit in. "If you have an idea, just try it," is what this attitude makes me think!
I didn't want to go shopping during my lunch time outside but I remembered that the main NYC Library has a photography exhibit up, so off I went. The photographs and photographers were chosen based on the idea that many areas of the city are currently in danger of being developed with Eminent Domain rather than by including the community in the development and re-vitilization process. I wasn't able to stay long since my lunch "hour" is usually only a half hour, but I looked at one photographer's portion. Most of the photos in this section were of signage and very old store fronts that are still in operation. One of my favorites was a tiny, pink shack with a walk-up window and a hand painted sign on the side that said "ARTIST." It was not occupied at the time the photo was taken, and it had a padlock on a door that was on the side. The funny part was that it was built out of scrap wood; lots of uneven pieces so it looked like it was just barely standing. I enjoyed the exhibit because it made me feel like I was back in time and in a very different neighborhood instead of mid-town Manhattan.
Link to a New York Times article about the exhibit: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/library-looks-at-photography-and-the-city/
I also really enjoyed the library itself. I wasn't in the stacks at all, mostly in the main lobby where they have their art galleries and exhibits. But still! Just the memories from spending so much of my childhood summers visiting the library—I swear I could smell that nice, comforting book smell. After I left the library, I stopped at the craft'wich ice cream stand and tried their pineapple & mint sorbet as a treat because I felt like I needed one today. It was very fresh-tasting and pineapplely! So it was a nice lunch time. It wasn't life changing but it was, at least, thought changing and gave me something to blog about.
Here's some old news, to me anyway, but since my theme is inspiration and I haven't blogged for a while, I'll include it. Once again I attended another Eddie Izzard Show: "Stripped" at Radio City Music Hall, 6/27/08. This time Liz was able to come with since she was in town. Luce & Justin also had tickets but they were in the orchestra section and our tickets were for the second mezzanine. (It was too bad Janet or Ambrose could be there this time.) I really can't say enough good things about him or the show. As I've posted before, he's inventive with the subject matter and also challenges the audience's intelligence rather than using put-down humor, but is still playful and silly while also communicating his concern or ideas about the state of the world today, all with a sense of humor. Again, I laughed so much my face started feeling numb! Youtube him! Maybe I'll post some of my favorite Eddie Youtube clips in another post.
In his words, he was in "boy-mode" (as far as the audience could see!) but I think he looks great either way. Another inspiring thing is that he is one of those types that just goes out there and does what he wants to do and makes me want to do the same. Not exactly the same, but I just appreciate the attitude since I've never endorsed doing or being a certain way just to fit in. "If you have an idea, just try it," is what this attitude makes me think!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
All Art, All the Time
I recently had a very busy artsy and fun weekend, which started on a Thursday earlier this month with a gallery opening in Long Island City. My friend Laura Bell had a large painting in a flower-themed show at the Art-o-Mat gallery on Vernon Blvd. I always love going to these events when I have a friend who is part of the show, it just makes it even more exciting.
Coincidentally there was a man there who had been in my voice over class. I saw him come into the room and recognized him, but didn't know why! Later, he reminded me where we had met before. He and his wife live nearby in Greenpoint, so they decided to stop by the gallery opening after work.
On Friday, Laura along with Mary Lyn and Betty joined me for an art event of my own; I had two framed illustrations in a one-night show at the YMCA in Park Slope. I really appreciated having them along for support and companionship. The turn out was low because of the heavy rain falling that night and not many of my friends were available that night. Kurt and Elaine were there, though. Kurt also had some Girl Monsters art in the show, and the kids really loved the coloring books he brought for everyone to take home. I am a member of the Y, but it was Elaine and Kurt that let me know about submitting my work. Sandy, a woman who lives in their building, organized it. Now I bump into her all the time when I'm there to work out!
Coincidentally there was a man there who had been in my voice over class. I saw him come into the room and recognized him, but didn't know why! Later, he reminded me where we had met before. He and his wife live nearby in Greenpoint, so they decided to stop by the gallery opening after work.
On Friday, Laura along with Mary Lyn and Betty joined me for an art event of my own; I had two framed illustrations in a one-night show at the YMCA in Park Slope. I really appreciated having them along for support and companionship. The turn out was low because of the heavy rain falling that night and not many of my friends were available that night. Kurt and Elaine were there, though. Kurt also had some Girl Monsters art in the show, and the kids really loved the coloring books he brought for everyone to take home. I am a member of the Y, but it was Elaine and Kurt that let me know about submitting my work. Sandy, a woman who lives in their building, organized it. Now I bump into her all the time when I'm there to work out!
Two of my illustrations in the show at the YMCA.
Kurt's Girl Monsters!
The next art event was on Saturday at 11am. I met Tara, Paul, and their adorable kids Abby and Griffin at the studio of Alex Beard. He is very generous with his time and space by having it available to any families who want to stop by on Saturday morning and paint or draw. Both of the kids enjoy drawing and coloring, but this was up Abby's alley in particular and I was really amazed at how well she composed her drawings. He gave her a large piece of watercolor paper and she really seemed to have a plan for the whole page, she didn't keep her drawing in one area, but really used the whole surface.
Griffin having fun with the markers
Abby tries out watercolors
Believe it or not, there's still more art to talk about.... once Tara & Co. were on their way home to NJ, (around 2?) I stopped into Pearl Paint to buy some new pencils because the ones I had at home were getting smaller and smaller. It was a peaceful part of the day, not many people seemed to be shopping for art supplies, so I took my time and tested out stuff I had no intention of buying just for the fun of it.
Then on to Long Island City, again! (3:30pm) My friend Jean has a studio out there in a large building with many other artist studios and it was L.I.C.'s Open Studio Weekend. I love open studios more than going to the galleries. For one thing, it is a very relaxed atmosphere, you can also talk to the artists and sometimes see them working, all while taking advantage of the free wine and snacks they leave out for visitors! (Artist tip: much less competition for the wine and snacks compared to an opening at a gallery.)
Then, again, up pops Laura. She and Jean both had work at an opening in a restaurant near Jean's studio, La Vuella Bistro. (5pm) We marched onward to celebrate with mojitos and met up with Dirk (Jean's husband) and Bob (Laura's husband).
Laura and Jean lead the way to La Vuella Bistro.
Laura, Jean, and I, with Jean's art on the wall next to us!
Kurt's Girl Monsters!The next art event was on Saturday at 11am. I met Tara, Paul, and their adorable kids Abby and Griffin at the studio of Alex Beard. He is very generous with his time and space by having it available to any families who want to stop by on Saturday morning and paint or draw. Both of the kids enjoy drawing and coloring, but this was up Abby's alley in particular and I was really amazed at how well she composed her drawings. He gave her a large piece of watercolor paper and she really seemed to have a plan for the whole page, she didn't keep her drawing in one area, but really used the whole surface.
Griffin having fun with the markers
Abby tries out watercolorsBelieve it or not, there's still more art to talk about.... once Tara & Co. were on their way home to NJ, (around 2?) I stopped into Pearl Paint to buy some new pencils because the ones I had at home were getting smaller and smaller. It was a peaceful part of the day, not many people seemed to be shopping for art supplies, so I took my time and tested out stuff I had no intention of buying just for the fun of it.
Then on to Long Island City, again! (3:30pm) My friend Jean has a studio out there in a large building with many other artist studios and it was L.I.C.'s Open Studio Weekend. I love open studios more than going to the galleries. For one thing, it is a very relaxed atmosphere, you can also talk to the artists and sometimes see them working, all while taking advantage of the free wine and snacks they leave out for visitors! (Artist tip: much less competition for the wine and snacks compared to an opening at a gallery.)
Then, again, up pops Laura. She and Jean both had work at an opening in a restaurant near Jean's studio, La Vuella Bistro. (5pm) We marched onward to celebrate with mojitos and met up with Dirk (Jean's husband) and Bob (Laura's husband).
Laura, Jean, and I, with Jean's art on the wall next to us!At about 7pm, Jean and Dirk announce that they need to make an appearance at a performance art opening at a gallery nearby, so the rest of us decide to tag along and grab dinner some place else afterwards. I know I wasn't the only one sad to leave the delicious sights and smells coming from the other tables at La Vuella, right Bob? I recommend the empanadas, if you ever have a chance to stop by.
The performance was a quick stop, I think the guy's name was Larry something. He was making fun of the big art auctions at places like Sotheby's. I must have been getting tired around this time because some of the finer details are escaping me! We trudged on back to Vernon Blvd., and ate dinner at a Thai restaurant where Laura narrowly escaped death, thanks to me having Benadryl handy.
I sleepily hopped onto the 7 train to begin my ride back to Brooklyn and got home at 11pm. I thought about how days like this one are the reason I live in NYC! I really love being able to saturate my schedule with the kinds of things I talked about here. It doesn't often happen that I have so much art packed into 3 days, but I'm really glad that it worked out so well and that I just have the opportunity to do this kind of stuff. Yep, that's what I truly love about New York—all of the options and varieties of artistic expression and exhibition, all happening simultaneously, all the time!
The performance was a quick stop, I think the guy's name was Larry something. He was making fun of the big art auctions at places like Sotheby's. I must have been getting tired around this time because some of the finer details are escaping me! We trudged on back to Vernon Blvd., and ate dinner at a Thai restaurant where Laura narrowly escaped death, thanks to me having Benadryl handy.
I sleepily hopped onto the 7 train to begin my ride back to Brooklyn and got home at 11pm. I thought about how days like this one are the reason I live in NYC! I really love being able to saturate my schedule with the kinds of things I talked about here. It doesn't often happen that I have so much art packed into 3 days, but I'm really glad that it worked out so well and that I just have the opportunity to do this kind of stuff. Yep, that's what I truly love about New York—all of the options and varieties of artistic expression and exhibition, all happening simultaneously, all the time!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Back to my roots
I went to a Syracuse University sponsored event this week at Lubin House, their NYC headquarters. Every year the Visual Communications (Ad Design, Illustration and Commercial Design) professors bring the graduating seniors' portfolios to New York for a couple of days. Alumni and industry professionals attend, give feedback on the work, and sometimes hire students.
I haven't been to this event in a few years, and I was glad I went this time because being at Lubin House always brings back memories of my early days of being an artist. When I was in high school, I lived in New Jersey and brought my portfolio to Lubin House for my SU admissions portfolio review. I still remember the exact room my appointment was in and what the woman who interviewed me looked like.
Being amongst fellow illustration alumni and professors also makes me nostalgic for the time my portfolio was there. I remember being quite disappointed with the lack of comments and job offers! I made an effort to leave comments, even though I am not in a position to hire anyone, and there was some really great work there. The best part of the evening was having some time to chat with some of the people who were in the program at the same time as me and compare notes about what it's like in the real world. Many of us have gone in different directions and learned new skills to keep the money coming in.
I remember how hard it was, starting out after graduating. It is still hard to keep on track with what I want to do with my art (creating more of it, marketing it, and continuing to learn), while making a living, and having a social life, but at least now I have the wisdom that comes from persevering this long. My attitude is much less dramatic than it was in my mid 20s, but at times that can lead to complacency. Its just a different kind of struggle than it was back then, but better in different ways, too.
I haven't been to this event in a few years, and I was glad I went this time because being at Lubin House always brings back memories of my early days of being an artist. When I was in high school, I lived in New Jersey and brought my portfolio to Lubin House for my SU admissions portfolio review. I still remember the exact room my appointment was in and what the woman who interviewed me looked like.
Being amongst fellow illustration alumni and professors also makes me nostalgic for the time my portfolio was there. I remember being quite disappointed with the lack of comments and job offers! I made an effort to leave comments, even though I am not in a position to hire anyone, and there was some really great work there. The best part of the evening was having some time to chat with some of the people who were in the program at the same time as me and compare notes about what it's like in the real world. Many of us have gone in different directions and learned new skills to keep the money coming in.
I remember how hard it was, starting out after graduating. It is still hard to keep on track with what I want to do with my art (creating more of it, marketing it, and continuing to learn), while making a living, and having a social life, but at least now I have the wisdom that comes from persevering this long. My attitude is much less dramatic than it was in my mid 20s, but at times that can lead to complacency. Its just a different kind of struggle than it was back then, but better in different ways, too.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Group art show in Brooklyn!
Announcement:
I will have 2 illustrations for sale in a one-night only group show at the Prospect Park YMCA on Friday, May 16. The theme of the show is "Friday Family Artist Festival." From what I understand, the artwork is not necessarily themed for kids, but the show is being presented to expose children to local talent. There will also be live music which will probably be geared more towards the kids (The 21st Street Dads are one of the acts) and a local hot dog vendor, Willie's Dawgs, will be on site. I'm very honored to be invited to be in the show, so bring a kid, if you have one, and enjoy the fun. You do not need to be a member of the Y to attend.
Location: Prospect Park YMCA, 357 9th St., Brooklyn. Between 5th & 6th Ave.
I will have 2 illustrations for sale in a one-night only group show at the Prospect Park YMCA on Friday, May 16. The theme of the show is "Friday Family Artist Festival." From what I understand, the artwork is not necessarily themed for kids, but the show is being presented to expose children to local talent. There will also be live music which will probably be geared more towards the kids (The 21st Street Dads are one of the acts) and a local hot dog vendor, Willie's Dawgs, will be on site. I'm very honored to be invited to be in the show, so bring a kid, if you have one, and enjoy the fun. You do not need to be a member of the Y to attend.
Location: Prospect Park YMCA, 357 9th St., Brooklyn. Between 5th & 6th Ave.
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