I'm exhausted! I have blisters from an unwise shoe choice and walking all over Manhattan. And I'm still glowing from a really spiffy trip to the Big Apple. I know I mentioned in the last post that I would post from the City, but when I did get a chance to get online with the ol' computer, I just had time to wrap up some quick business... and to post my weekly sketch (see below).
The weather was actually a glimpse of summer in the city... a couple days of 80s with more humidity I'm used to. But the plus side was that I never wore a jacket the entire trip. That was fun and convenient. I had the chance to meet up with lots of friends. First off, many thanks must go out to pallies Eric and Jess for the hospitality for the first couple days of my stay. It made me so happy to see them doing so great. And throughout the days, I was so happy to see ol' friends Roller, Pakler, Betsy, KBW, Leslie, Steve, Aaron, Michael, Leslie, Anne, Ed, Heidi, Kevin, Alice, Shannon, Bobby, Larry, Frankie, Heather, Colby, Garrett, Kilty, Annie, Christian, Bryce, Merwin... And I got to meet some folks I've drawn and/or just chatted with online – Tom, Brian, Jennifer, Adam, Aaron, Clarke, Lucia, Victoria... I didn't get to meet up with everyone I had hoped to. It just gives me incentive to head back again soon.
As far as adventures I embarked upon... I saw seven shows (
Next to Normal, Billy Elliot, Hair, Mary Stuart, Waiting for Godot, The Toxic Avenger, and Reasons To Be Pretty). They were all great, and I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity and the amazing storytelling. I really enjoyed seeing the Letterman taping with my buddy Ed. Amy Sedaris was my favorite guest at the show. I hit a couple exhibits – The Folk Art Museum and the Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship show (wow). And I was able to witness my art adorning an Off-Broadway theatre. (It's a bit shady how it all ended up on ol' 46th Street, but I've learned my lesson. It's still some nice publicity.)
I spent quite a bit of time in Central Park listening to amazing busking and experiencing the vast activity of a city experiencing great weather. Sheep Meadow is absolutely CRAZY on a holiday!! I ate well and drank well but lived on four or five hours of sleep a night. So much to see and do... and friends to catch up with. And I did have to spend a couple late nights finishing up the Monday sketch (see below).
Yes, one of the craziest Monday sketches of the year fell during my stay. I had hoped to finish it up before I flew out, but I had to finish sketching at E and Jess' place where I was fortunate to get to use their scanner. Here's the piece... a tribute to the Tony Award nominees in the play categories. Next week will feature the musical nominees.
Well, that's just a quick overview of the last week. I could write paragraphs on each experience. (Side note: Brenda, Next to Normal was really amazing and Bobby was fantastic. If you want more of an update, drop me a line.) But brevity is the soul of... oh, heck, I don't know that phrase, but you get my point. Take care, all! I hope you're heading into your summer with lots of fun stuff lined up. Peace and love, ya'll!
