ART | Fourth Floor Walk Up

Life in New York City

last updated 06.03.2011

Today I was thinking about my life since I have moved to New York and how it has been in comparison to how I had imaged it would be. I moved to the NYC when Sex & The City was still a show and I hate to admit it, but I was one of those girls who thought I would have a Carey kind of lifestyle. I left my life in small town Connecticut and my boring UCONN education to “make it in New York”. At the time, I only had my parents and my boyfriend behind me. Everyone else, meaning my siblings and friends thought I was nuts for leaving during my third year of college to take a year off, and move into a loft apartment with 3 (at the time) roommates in what was still the mostly ghetto of Bushwick. I had a clear vision of what I would do, but I guess so many people have dreams and hopes that they themselves can never fulfill, I can understand why I had a few opposers.

When I moved in October of 2005 I realized that New York would be nothing of what I expected. The first two days after I moved in, I didn’t leave the apartment. The third, I ventured to the local health food store – Bushwick was still ‘up and coming’. While in the checkout line I read a posting that described an obscene crime to woman that occurred within two blocks of my apartment. With that information, I took my $6.00 tomato sauce and pasta and walked home as quickly as I possibly could without looking like a total fool. On the fourth day, one of my roommates took pity on me and offered to take me to Bedford, the avenue in the most gentrified part of Williamsburg. I had only ridden the subway one time in my life – never before in Brooklyn, and honestly, I was scared sh*tless! Luckily, my subway experience was fine, we got a seat, road the 5 stops down the line and ended up in Hipster Haven. The next day, I finally forced myself to ride the subway alone. I can still vividly remember my thoughts of telling myself to “only look at shoes, don’t stare at anyone.”

Somewhere in Williamsburg – 2007 by Lauren Gries

Categories:ART

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DIFFA’s Dining By Design 2011

last updated 03.23.2011

David Beahm

I know I’m a little late on posting these, but on Saturday I ventured to Pier 94 to visit the Architectural Digest Home Show, DIFFA‘s 2011 Dining By Design Event, and The Artist Project New York. As usual it was a pleasure seeing friends and acquaintances through the DIFFA organization as well as visiting the lovely vendors and booths at the other two corresponding events. This year seemed to have a new vibe and feeling about it as the event was honoring Margaret Russel, the new Editor in Chief of Architectural Digest.

DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is an amazing organization that’s main supporters come from all fields of fine design and the visual arts. It is one of the country’s largest supporters of direct care for people living with HIV/AIDS and preventative education for those at risk. Since being founded in 1984 by Patricia Green and Larry Pond the organization has granted over $38 million to hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide.

The largest traveling DIFFA event that occurs nationwide is Dining By Design, which brings together the nation’s top designers and talent to create outstanding table-scapes and environments for diners of the annual gala to enjoy as well as visitors like myself to be inspired by.

I have made a point attend DBD every year since my participation in 2008 with the Fashion Institute of Technology. Not only is it is a visually inspiring experience, the members of the organization are all amazing people and inspire me to participate in volunteering as well as submitting donations when the funds are available. Below are a few of my favorite DBD installations. Please enjoy!

David Beahm

Categories:ART / EVENTS / FOOD & DRINK / INTERIORS

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Bill Cunningham New York

last updated 03.17.2011

Bill Cunningham shooting on the street in New York City from the feature-length documentary, "Bill Cunningham New York," ( 2010), directed by Richard Press and produced by Philip Gefter.

Last night was the opening night of the Bill Cunningham New York Documentary. I’ve heard/read mixed reviews, but I don’t care. I really want to see this film. I love this man. I work very close to where he usually photographs in the morning and unfortunately, I’ve never had the chance to meet him because I’m always stuck in the office by the time he’s there. But from my window, I have seen him in his blue parka clicking away at the fashionable individuals.

The Master – Bill Cunningham Photograph by: The Sartorialist

One day, my boyfriend was outside my work and I was on the phone with him from the 8th floor. When I was looking for him on the street I spotted Bill Cunningham, so I told him:

“Get off the phone and say hello to that man in the blue parka! He’s Bill Cunningham! I love him!” and Jack’s response was,

“Who’s Bill Cunningham?”

“He’s the man who photographs for the New York Times in the style section, remember the collages?”

“Oh okay.”

Then, he hung up the phone walked over to Bill, shook his hand and they spoke for about a minute (yes, I watched the whole thing). Later he told me that Bill was extremely nice and that he had mentioned how much I respect his work and appreciate him. Thanks, Jack!

I haven’t seen Bill outside since that day. I hope he comes back soon!

Categories:ART / FASHION

Heavy Hearts

last updated 03.13.2011

Newly painted table & hand made terrarium gifted to me from my brother

I spent several hours of my Saturday working on the apartment and unfortunately it’s difficult to be happy or proud of a day’s hard work when such devastating disasters as the Earthquake and Tsunami have hit Japan. With that said, I will post the days progress another time and speak on Japan.

Steven Beckly – Hug

I have spent much the day thinking about my friends in Japan (who as of now are ok) and of course the millions of other people who have been affected by these disasters. My heart goes out to everyone and I hope that we can all pitch in something, whether it be funds or well wishes. The Elizabeth Avedon blog has a great post to support the relief efforts, The Wall Space Gallery is hosting a show titled Life Support Japan where we can purchase 8″x10″ limited edition, signed prints. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations.