Earth Day 2014 - A Few Things Worth Protecting

Fresh Flowers, Rhode Island - 2012

Beekeeping Apprenticeship, City Island, New York - 2012

Little Compton, Rhode Island - 2013

Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania - 2012

Monterey, California - 2014

Anchovies, Monterey Aquarium - 2014

 Farm Stand Flowers, Rhode Island - 2013

 Seaweed, Rhode Island - 2012

New Jersey, 2010

Virginia Beach, Virginia - 2013

 Little Compton, Rhode Island - 2013

 Lancaster, Pennsylvania - 2012

Spring Hiatus and Metamorphosis

Heading in a New Direction

You might have noticed that I've been on a little bit of a spring hiatus. Here's my excuse - not only have I been working on my taxes, but I recently started a new day job, and have been working on two large art projects. I have to keep mum about those for now.

Making Some Transformations

Please stay tuned while I also make some changes around here. I am working behind-the-scenes on making some improvements to my existing Etsy shop while adding a new shop. I'll be sure to make an announcement when I am up and running. In the coming months, I will also be creating new wearable items and lifestyle pieces for the home....not to mention a few changes to this blog. Everything is very much under construction so I hope you’ll stop back again before too long!

Not gone and not resting, just busy making it all happen…..

From the Store Windows Archives...

The side windows at Bergdorf's from 2011

Origami Cranes Around Brooklyn

As I was leaving for work last week, I saw this beautiful strand of origami cranes floating in a tree. I pass McGolrick Park in Greenpoint daily, but this bright morning was different. The sun was streaming through the colorful strands, and a gentle breeze gave them movement. Luckily, I had my camera in my coat pocket (as I sometimes do) and took advantage of this special moment. I thought for sure that by day's end, the Parks Department or the elements would have ruined this impromptu work of art but they remain. I glanced downward and saw a cluster of votive candles was left directly under it. I assumed it was some local group's response to the tragedy in Japan. After doing a little sleuthing on the internet, I was somewhat right and found that there's more to the story....

The project was created by local musician and songstress, Niabi. It started as a way to keep idle hands busy and combat the endless winter. An ancient Japanese legend states that the person who folds a thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish by the mystical creature. Following the legend, the simple act of folding paper has evolved into something more for the artist in light of Japan's crisis:

"I want to give my wish away to someone who needs it more than I do.

 In short, it is my prayer for peace."

In the same week, I was walking through another section of Greenpoint and found this tiny red crane above.  I also found a stash of origami paper in my own art studio. The crane's symblic imagery even appears as a motif on the paper. I don't know how to make anything from it, but I admire its patterns and colors - and all of the little paper animals that seem to be cropping up around my section of Brooklyn lately too.

Smitten in the City - A Venetian Affair in Brooklyn

There's a conversation that's going on in the streets of Brooklyn. I pass this certain wall on my way home and have noticed that it changes every few days. Earlier this summer, it was painted solid black and begging for some enhancement. You may recall this cute little lady piglet from an earlier post, but she now appears to be taking part in a playful public communication and visual love letter between artists. The gesture of this elaborate accumulation reminds me of a book I read many years ago entitled, A Venetian Affair, about a clandestine love affair in 18th century Venice during its Golden Age of nobles and the splendor of the Grand Canal. The forbidden lovers exchanged secret letters back and forth through people who knowingly and unknowingly helped them. They also communicated publicly "through an elaborate code of nods and gestures".  

(from the synopsis on Amazon)

A prancing fleet of foxes surrounds the piglet, signed with a little note "♥ The Fox".

She replies with a Venetian lion, "Who is this fabulous Mr. Fox? ♥ Elle".

He replies, "Dirty paws and unwashed hair, just a little pup in the big city." 

The "letter" in its entirety.

...And This Little Piggie Went to Greenpoint

Yesterday, I took in a movie and some ice cream to beat the heat, then strolled leisurely toward home. After getting to my apartment, and reflected on all the things I had seen during the day, I noticed that a theme was emerging: animals had played a predominant role in the things that caught my eye.

The menagerie started on the Lower East Side....

Two picture-perfect pigeons posing on the Lower East Side.

A grid of skulls in SoHo.

Aqua kitty on Crosby Street

A sparrow in flight in Williamsburg (by Yote)

A small bunny sitting on an electrical box in Williamsburg (by Yote)

And this little piggie went to Greenpoint (by Elle)