A Visit From St. Nick (in New Jersey)

The local fire department in my hometown started a new tradition- spreading some late afternoon Christmas cheer by taking Santa through the streets of Riverton. Little kids and big kids alike wait expectantly on their porches while some of Santa's "helpers" distribute candy canes from door to door. Welcome, Santa!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Christmas Philadelphia Style

Wanamakers Christmas Light Show Finale (photo courtesy of Mom)

Ever since I can remember, my mom and I have been making an annual trip to "center city" or Philadelphia. We would always make the drive part way there from the other side of the Delaware River in New Jersey, park, then take the "el" from the end of the line to the heart of Philly- Market Street and the Gallery Mall. We would make several stops to do some shopping and look at all of the latest, fancy, and unusual things that big cities had to offer. Sometimes, we would meet my dad at his office for lunch or come back home together at the end of his work day. The highlight of these trips was always the light show for kids at the Wanamakers Department Store. These many years later, we stilll make the trip. Now, we do very little shopping and have added a new lunch stop at a pub from the 1800s but the light show (now part of Macy's) remains a destination. Below, is a video snippet of the Rudolph medley. Enjoy! 

First Day of Winter

It may be unseasonably warm, but at least the days will start getting longer from here on out!

I'm A Statistic

Today is an anniversary of sorts. Four months ago, I lost my job. In fact, most people I know aren't working right now. It's no longer something that we just hear about on the evening news, joblessness has become something that has settled in closer and closer to home. 

Large mural by Faile - Williamsburg, Brooklyn (December 17, 2011)

An tongue-in-cheek piece of found objects by Skewville on the streets of Bushwick, Brooklyn (November 4, 2011) - thanks to Plaztikmag for the use of your camera.

While it was a relief to no longer have the mounting responsibility that came with the title at my previous employer, I now spend my days feverishly making phone calls, sending emails, checking for emails (again and again), and above all...WAITING. A few interviews have come and gone, but there always seems to be someone else out there who is slightly more perfect for the position. Rejection and frustration comes with the territory of being an artist, but with today's odds, it's hard to keep your spirits up. I never it would take this long to get back on my feet. While strolling my former neighborhood along streets of Brooklyn that I know so well, I found some comfort in these artworks expressing similar sentiments and in knowing that I'm not the only one.

This tire as a detail from the piece above pretty much sums it all up.

Winter Light