Oh wow, have I been tardy with a post lately! Honestly... I've been busy. Okay, maybe I haven't been busy enough to warrant the kind of procrastination that yields wonderful rambling posts, but I really have been swamped with various nifty jobs and gigs.
The biggest of the bunch has been the first of my weekly contributions to the Broadway.com website. This first piece found me awake for 26 hours straight. Check out a wee video accounting of the day here...
Today found me wandering around Hell's Kitchen, SoHo, the Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, and up 40 blocks of Seventh Avenue. Along the way, I gathered lunch, dinner, a couple beers, one of the most amazing donuts I've ever had, art supplies, new ear buds for my iPhone, and tons of photos. And I saw a really amazing movie... Micmacs (by the same team that brought us City of Lost Children and Amelie). What a day!
Tomorrow will find me water-taxiing to Governor's Island with my good friend Lisa for the aforementioned Brewfest. Beer tastings from 100 different craft brewers. Food and live music and an amazingly interesting setting. Should be a great afternoon.
Life is full here in NYC. There's a lot of fun to be had and thankfully the fun includes my work. I'm here to get the art out there. 'Nuff said. And I'm happy to say that the plan is working out. And the plan rolls on!
Best wishes to you all in all that's next. Peace and love.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Dropping in for a quick post...
I haven't been the best at updating this thing lately. Whoops. But I'm still finding that balance between working on all the project in the works AND gallivanting around the city, meeting up with friends and sitting in Broadway theatres. (I'm making progress, though.)
Today, I took some "me" time after updating the websites to wander the neighborhood. I found a decent little sushi place and located where I'll be buying my next burger... and grabbed some groceries. Part of this excursion was during a lovely little summer rainfall. The pavement smelled like that freshly rained-on smell.
This past weekend found my friend Ralph in the city. He spent his time in the city gathering friends to see shows and share meals. It was so nice to see him and connect with others that are part of his gang o' pals. There he is at O'Flaherty's with a NYer by way of San Diego, Spencer. And there's me at dinner with Ralph and Moriah at Joe Allen. The wall decor is mostly posters from flop shows which is incredibly fun. I'm posing in front of a couple of my favorite flops' window cards.
Speaking of window cards, I don't think you've made it as a poster illustrator in this big city until someone has defaced your work. Here's my (gap-toothed) Danny Kaye (well... Brian who plays him) on 46th Street.
Life is full here in NYC. I'm diggin' the new adventure. And of course now I'm fading. Sleep! Tomorrow will bring more sketch work and then a bite with my pal Greg. June is here. Can you believe it?? Well, I gotta catch some winks. Take care. Peace and love.
Today, I took some "me" time after updating the websites to wander the neighborhood. I found a decent little sushi place and located where I'll be buying my next burger... and grabbed some groceries. Part of this excursion was during a lovely little summer rainfall. The pavement smelled like that freshly rained-on smell.
This past weekend found my friend Ralph in the city. He spent his time in the city gathering friends to see shows and share meals. It was so nice to see him and connect with others that are part of his gang o' pals. There he is at O'Flaherty's with a NYer by way of San Diego, Spencer. And there's me at dinner with Ralph and Moriah at Joe Allen. The wall decor is mostly posters from flop shows which is incredibly fun. I'm posing in front of a couple of my favorite flops' window cards.
Speaking of window cards, I don't think you've made it as a poster illustrator in this big city until someone has defaced your work. Here's my (gap-toothed) Danny Kaye (well... Brian who plays him) on 46th Street.
Life is full here in NYC. I'm diggin' the new adventure. And of course now I'm fading. Sleep! Tomorrow will bring more sketch work and then a bite with my pal Greg. June is here. Can you believe it?? Well, I gotta catch some winks. Take care. Peace and love.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Dinner at Sardi's.
So few words these days can sum up such an old school Theatre District experience. Sardi's has been an institution since the 1920s and has distinguished itself throughout the years as THE place to see and be seen pre-show and post-show. And in my little world, I'm especially drawn to the place because it represents the place where theatre and caricature meet. Traditions live on here, and the history is palpable.
Another distinction here is the long-held tradition of offering a discounted Actor's Menu. Every day, the prices are a bit lower if you show a membership card from an actor's union, but on Wednesdays the prices drop well below that. I made the trip yesterday, and with my iPhone and Hipstamatic photo application I subtly documented the experience. Do you like how artsy fartsy this is?
L to R: Me in front of the brass signs on the sidewalk; the Actor's Menu; me at my table with oodles of caricatures behind me; the latest caricature (Stanley Tucci) to be hung on the walls; and a photo of the place after dark.
I had center cut pork chops and a Bass ale preceded by a side Caesar salad. Vanilla ice cream and coffee for dessert. All of it was amazing... the food, the service. But most of all, it did my soul good to take some time in this magical place. I'll be back.
Another distinction here is the long-held tradition of offering a discounted Actor's Menu. Every day, the prices are a bit lower if you show a membership card from an actor's union, but on Wednesdays the prices drop well below that. I made the trip yesterday, and with my iPhone and Hipstamatic photo application I subtly documented the experience. Do you like how artsy fartsy this is?
L to R: Me in front of the brass signs on the sidewalk; the Actor's Menu; me at my table with oodles of caricatures behind me; the latest caricature (Stanley Tucci) to be hung on the walls; and a photo of the place after dark.
I had center cut pork chops and a Bass ale preceded by a side Caesar salad. Vanilla ice cream and coffee for dessert. All of it was amazing... the food, the service. But most of all, it did my soul good to take some time in this magical place. I'll be back.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
NYC reflections...
As I've been getting settled here in NYC – exploring, revisiting, catching up – I've been remembering some great times here in this city. My first trip to the Big Apple was just in 2004. It was the first time I was considering the move, but I wanted my first trip to be a vacation, so I got a hotel room at the Ameritania near the Ed Sullivan Theatre.
The first Broadway show I saw was the Roundabout revival of Sondheim's Pacific Overtures. Being a Sondheim nut it was a happy thing that I saw one of his shows first, especially since it features probably my favorite SS song, "Someone In A Tree." The intro to that song began and my face was suddenly a waterfall.
This trip was also incredibly significant because I visited the Margo Feiden Galleries, Al Hirschfeld's dealer. I hadn't planned on it previously, but I ended up dropping a significant amount of cash on Hirschfeld litho. (Read the story behind my purchase HERE.)
I discovered magical Central Park and marveled at how a huge, bustling, city with multitudes of busy folks has this huge green spot right smack dab in the middle of it. Here's the great Hans Christian Anderson statue next to Conservatory Water.
I love this city. I'm so happy to be here, and I'm proud of myself for taking a big step out of my box and shaking up the routine. I know it will pay off with something wonderful. To be honest, it already has. Just the act of making the jump has been a big reward.
I also want to acknowledge the constant evolution of a big city. Things go away. Sometimes this is really sad. A few visits ago (February 2007), my friend Meloney and I had an absolutely wonderful adventurous day. The main reason for the day was the Martin Sexton concert at Joe's Pub. But we dropped into an old bar called Chumley's in Greenwich Village. It has a long history as speakeasy and watering hole for multitudes (including famously many renowned authors). One of the many stories about how the term "86 it" came from originated here. When the bar owners were tipped off about a raid during Prohibition, they would call out "86 it!" which meant that the patrons were to leave out the front entrance which is 86 Bedford Street. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald had their wedding reception here. Edna St. Vincent Millay occasionally subbed in behind the bar. It was a cozy, dingy old place lined with book dust jackets and graffiti-carved tables and benches. As Mel and I wrote poetry after the amazing Marty concert, the little fireplace took the chill off the place on the very cold day. I'm so glad that we had this magical experience.
Just two months after our visit, the pub management was digging in the basement to clear more space to chill beer kegs. They hadn't sought the correct inspections or permits, and they ended up compromising the foundation of the historic building. Although they're attempting a rebuild, Chumley's as generations have known it is gone. So sad. Here's a shot through the construction fencing.
I don't mean to leave this post on a sad note. Life goes on, and fortunately for this one amazing little nook, there are thousands more in this amazing city. Well, that's all for now. Take care! Peace and love.
The first Broadway show I saw was the Roundabout revival of Sondheim's Pacific Overtures. Being a Sondheim nut it was a happy thing that I saw one of his shows first, especially since it features probably my favorite SS song, "Someone In A Tree." The intro to that song began and my face was suddenly a waterfall.
This trip was also incredibly significant because I visited the Margo Feiden Galleries, Al Hirschfeld's dealer. I hadn't planned on it previously, but I ended up dropping a significant amount of cash on Hirschfeld litho. (Read the story behind my purchase HERE.)
I discovered magical Central Park and marveled at how a huge, bustling, city with multitudes of busy folks has this huge green spot right smack dab in the middle of it. Here's the great Hans Christian Anderson statue next to Conservatory Water.
I love this city. I'm so happy to be here, and I'm proud of myself for taking a big step out of my box and shaking up the routine. I know it will pay off with something wonderful. To be honest, it already has. Just the act of making the jump has been a big reward.
I also want to acknowledge the constant evolution of a big city. Things go away. Sometimes this is really sad. A few visits ago (February 2007), my friend Meloney and I had an absolutely wonderful adventurous day. The main reason for the day was the Martin Sexton concert at Joe's Pub. But we dropped into an old bar called Chumley's in Greenwich Village. It has a long history as speakeasy and watering hole for multitudes (including famously many renowned authors). One of the many stories about how the term "86 it" came from originated here. When the bar owners were tipped off about a raid during Prohibition, they would call out "86 it!" which meant that the patrons were to leave out the front entrance which is 86 Bedford Street. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald had their wedding reception here. Edna St. Vincent Millay occasionally subbed in behind the bar. It was a cozy, dingy old place lined with book dust jackets and graffiti-carved tables and benches. As Mel and I wrote poetry after the amazing Marty concert, the little fireplace took the chill off the place on the very cold day. I'm so glad that we had this magical experience.
Just two months after our visit, the pub management was digging in the basement to clear more space to chill beer kegs. They hadn't sought the correct inspections or permits, and they ended up compromising the foundation of the historic building. Although they're attempting a rebuild, Chumley's as generations have known it is gone. So sad. Here's a shot through the construction fencing.
I don't mean to leave this post on a sad note. Life goes on, and fortunately for this one amazing little nook, there are thousands more in this amazing city. Well, that's all for now. Take care! Peace and love.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
More theatre and a doctor visit...
I've been going going going. I've got to say that I'm SO grateful for the Theatre Development Fund. A membership has meant getting some dandy prices on tickets... which means I can afford to see more shows. Monday found me at Rock of Ages. So much fun! I joined Roller and mom Deb as they both got drawn for ticket lottery. On Tuesday, I saw the play Red...
Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne are just brilliant! The play (by John Logan with direction by Michael Grandage) is about abstract impressionist Mark Rothko and his assistant during a specific commission. Art. Relevance. Timing. Passion. Perception. Seeing. Really amazing stuff. I also was a bit mesmerized by the post-show milling about on the sidewalk in front of the Golden Theatre. The lights on the sidewalk are red and folks were standing around, chatting about the play. The cop was shuffling cabs along on their way. Really magical in an everyday sort of way.
Last night, I caught South Pacific at Lincoln Center. I had seen it close to the beginning of the run, but this time I was getting to see my pally E (Eric Anderson) in the show that marks his Broadway debut. I'm so proud of him. And the show is still breathtaking and tight and sharp and amazing.
As I said, I'm constantly on the go, and I think it might be getting to me a bit. A sinusy/throaty thing that I've been fighting on and off for a while has once again taken up shop. I made an appointment to see Dr. Irene Shapiro on Central Park West. Bless her, she's pretty ancient. Let's just say, I think her examination table is an antique. The permanent stirrups were a nice touch. She propped my arm on one when she took my blood pressure. It was all good, though. She got me a prescription for a z-pack and I'm on my way to recovery. Fun adventure.
Now, I'm taking the day to draw and update the websites (and of course procrastinate on Facebook and the blog). The next few nights I'll be seeing a few more shows. Such a wealth of stuff to see! Once again, I'm thankful to TDF for helping me avoid bankruptcy. That's it for now. Take care, all! Peace and love.
Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne are just brilliant! The play (by John Logan with direction by Michael Grandage) is about abstract impressionist Mark Rothko and his assistant during a specific commission. Art. Relevance. Timing. Passion. Perception. Seeing. Really amazing stuff. I also was a bit mesmerized by the post-show milling about on the sidewalk in front of the Golden Theatre. The lights on the sidewalk are red and folks were standing around, chatting about the play. The cop was shuffling cabs along on their way. Really magical in an everyday sort of way.
Last night, I caught South Pacific at Lincoln Center. I had seen it close to the beginning of the run, but this time I was getting to see my pally E (Eric Anderson) in the show that marks his Broadway debut. I'm so proud of him. And the show is still breathtaking and tight and sharp and amazing.
As I said, I'm constantly on the go, and I think it might be getting to me a bit. A sinusy/throaty thing that I've been fighting on and off for a while has once again taken up shop. I made an appointment to see Dr. Irene Shapiro on Central Park West. Bless her, she's pretty ancient. Let's just say, I think her examination table is an antique. The permanent stirrups were a nice touch. She propped my arm on one when she took my blood pressure. It was all good, though. She got me a prescription for a z-pack and I'm on my way to recovery. Fun adventure.
Now, I'm taking the day to draw and update the websites (and of course procrastinate on Facebook and the blog). The next few nights I'll be seeing a few more shows. Such a wealth of stuff to see! Once again, I'm thankful to TDF for helping me avoid bankruptcy. That's it for now. Take care, all! Peace and love.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
First big outdoorsy day...
Wiped. Out. [This post will be written in fragmented sentences laboriously typed as if I walked all day on my fingers.]
Up late drawing. Slept in. Drew more. Got ready. Boarded train to West 14th Street. The Highline... old freight train line up the west side. Now beautiful walking paths. Met up with Roller and mom, Deb. Chelsea Markets. Yum. Walked across town. Union Square farmers market. More yum. People outdoors. Lots. Community. Colorful. Joyous (mostly). [There's a photo of the start of the Highline in the Meatpacking District. And then, looking back south, there's the Statue of Liberty shot through the building that houses Chelsea Markets.]
Wandered Hell's Kitchen. Street fair on 9th Avenue. Smelled fried goodness. (Too full from smoked salmon at Chelsea Market.) Met up with Jeffry and Erin for chat and nosh. Gooz joined. Hit the train with Gooz to Brooklyn. DUMBO. NY Photo Festival. Huge potluck and slide show under Brooklyn Bridge. [Must be the day for photographing the sights through other sights. Here's the Empire State Building through the Manhattan Bridge... from DUMBO.]
Gotta sleep. More work to do. But. Must. Wait. Until tomorrow. Unless I get a second wind of inspiration... * Nope. See you tomorrow. Peace. Love.
Up late drawing. Slept in. Drew more. Got ready. Boarded train to West 14th Street. The Highline... old freight train line up the west side. Now beautiful walking paths. Met up with Roller and mom, Deb. Chelsea Markets. Yum. Walked across town. Union Square farmers market. More yum. People outdoors. Lots. Community. Colorful. Joyous (mostly). [There's a photo of the start of the Highline in the Meatpacking District. And then, looking back south, there's the Statue of Liberty shot through the building that houses Chelsea Markets.]
Wandered Hell's Kitchen. Street fair on 9th Avenue. Smelled fried goodness. (Too full from smoked salmon at Chelsea Market.) Met up with Jeffry and Erin for chat and nosh. Gooz joined. Hit the train with Gooz to Brooklyn. DUMBO. NY Photo Festival. Huge potluck and slide show under Brooklyn Bridge. [Must be the day for photographing the sights through other sights. Here's the Empire State Building through the Manhattan Bridge... from DUMBO.]
Gotta sleep. More work to do. But. Must. Wait. Until tomorrow. Unless I get a second wind of inspiration... * Nope. See you tomorrow. Peace. Love.
Boxes and art...
This post might be a little extensive... First off, I finished the majority of my unpacking on Thursday, getting things relatively stowed and settled. The art equipment is ready and rarin' (which I took advantage of this past morning). Here are a couple views of the room. Most of the decor is my roommate Rudy's and the room has a travel theme. I have free reign to change it up, but for now I dig it.
After sketching away this morning, I headed into the City to take advantage of some art museums' free admission day. And to find the Manhattan satellite location of an amazing Oregon-based coffee company, Stumptown. It's in the Ace Hotel on 29th near Broadway and located in the same building is a little sub shop called No. 7 Sub. I just sort of stumbled upon it, and I'm so glad I did. I had their ceviche sub which included rice crackers, yuzu, and cucumber. Amazing. (I shall return.) And in the hotel lobby was this fab sign pointing to Stumptown...
Stumptown is an amazing free-trade company that really knows their coffee. I grabbed a pound of coffee that they ground for me to the specifications of my coffee maker. I ordered a latte which they created for me in this happy little mug. The crema of the shot was just amazing, and the latte art was perfect. There was no way I was marring this drink with any additive. So good. The staff all wore hats and most had tattoos. All the fellows had fun moustaches. A friend referred to the look as "very Brooklyny." I will definitely be back. And one of the perks is that my local R train stops just a block away.
After my jaw hit the sidewalk upon seeing the endless line to get into MOMA on their free Target Friday, I pushed on and got my ticket. But I held off entering right away to avoid the bag check line. Instead, I went next door to the (also free for a couple hours on Fridays) American Folk Art Museum. Their free events include live music, which in this case was a lovely folk singer, Jo Williamson. The collection here is really fantastic.
Once I finally made my way into MOMA, I discovered that the temporary exhibit is that of a performance artist named Marina Abramovic. On the main floor, she sat in a chair (in an enormous taped-off square surrounded by lights) and docents prepared guests to sit opposite her and stare into her eyes and share energy as long as desired. It was being filmed as part of a living exhibit. Interesting! And the exhibit continued on the sixth floor with other exhibits she had created. Fascinating!
It was a great afternoon of art. And then I met up with my friend Kilty to catch up and share a glass of wine. It is so wonderful to meet up with friends! Tomorrow I've got to get some more sketching done, but since it's supposed to be so pretty, I may just have to go experience some of NYC's amazing outdoor spaces... Central Park and something I've just learned about called The Highline, a reclaimed industrial path re-envisioned as an urban park. Sounds intriguing, yes? Take care, all! Peace and love.
After sketching away this morning, I headed into the City to take advantage of some art museums' free admission day. And to find the Manhattan satellite location of an amazing Oregon-based coffee company, Stumptown. It's in the Ace Hotel on 29th near Broadway and located in the same building is a little sub shop called No. 7 Sub. I just sort of stumbled upon it, and I'm so glad I did. I had their ceviche sub which included rice crackers, yuzu, and cucumber. Amazing. (I shall return.) And in the hotel lobby was this fab sign pointing to Stumptown...
Stumptown is an amazing free-trade company that really knows their coffee. I grabbed a pound of coffee that they ground for me to the specifications of my coffee maker. I ordered a latte which they created for me in this happy little mug. The crema of the shot was just amazing, and the latte art was perfect. There was no way I was marring this drink with any additive. So good. The staff all wore hats and most had tattoos. All the fellows had fun moustaches. A friend referred to the look as "very Brooklyny." I will definitely be back. And one of the perks is that my local R train stops just a block away.
After my jaw hit the sidewalk upon seeing the endless line to get into MOMA on their free Target Friday, I pushed on and got my ticket. But I held off entering right away to avoid the bag check line. Instead, I went next door to the (also free for a couple hours on Fridays) American Folk Art Museum. Their free events include live music, which in this case was a lovely folk singer, Jo Williamson. The collection here is really fantastic.
Once I finally made my way into MOMA, I discovered that the temporary exhibit is that of a performance artist named Marina Abramovic. On the main floor, she sat in a chair (in an enormous taped-off square surrounded by lights) and docents prepared guests to sit opposite her and stare into her eyes and share energy as long as desired. It was being filmed as part of a living exhibit. Interesting! And the exhibit continued on the sixth floor with other exhibits she had created. Fascinating!
It was a great afternoon of art. And then I met up with my friend Kilty to catch up and share a glass of wine. It is so wonderful to meet up with friends! Tomorrow I've got to get some more sketching done, but since it's supposed to be so pretty, I may just have to go experience some of NYC's amazing outdoor spaces... Central Park and something I've just learned about called The Highline, a reclaimed industrial path re-envisioned as an urban park. Sounds intriguing, yes? Take care, all! Peace and love.
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