A few years ago, we discovered Boom in SOHO one late afternoon before our flight out. Yum! Mediterranean/Italian fare that never disappoints!
We try to snag a table on the threshold of the street -you can see two gents sitting on a bench down in front on the sidewalk- so that we can enjoy the city nightlife and people watch. It was a perfect night. The weather both days were nice.
After years of being on their mailing list, I finally got the chance to use their birthday special (2 for 1)! Yee-haw! So, I picked up the Halibut with mango salsa and Andrew chose the Ahi Tuna (the plate was not photogenic) with the best mashed potatoes! I kept snagging them they were so darn delish!
Later, they brought out a complimentary dessert -warm molten chocolate lava cake with vanilla gelato -you can see that it was almost devoured before we took its cameo. Man! It was fabulous!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
It's My Birthday: Boom
Licensing Show
We gave ourselves 2 hours to walk the Fine Art section of the Licensing Show to determine if this was a right fit for our work. We noticed that most of the conglomerates were the same as Surtex, but pulled out character driven illustrations to license -something we don't have... yet.
The Branding section was interesting, much like wild Las Vegas in only 10,000 sqfeet. I would akin an experience walking this show to getting into an amusement park and not being able to enjoy any of the rides or entertainment. All the big guys (WB, Mattell, Seasame Street, American Greetings) had gated areas where their clients came to eat, drink, and be entertained by celebrity music. Someone had a Bad Emily bag and it was on my list to go see, but we forgot because we were getting hungry and Andrew was waiting for Claire's call. Plus, we generally can't get anything from those booths -can't even take photos to show you what is going to hit the market this next year. Drat.
It's My Birthday: At The Hudson
So, we get a call from Andrew's former colleague, Claire, who now resides in London and has so for the past 5 years. She's got 4 days in the city and we met her at The Hudson. It's the cool boutique hotel we used to stay at and has great lounges thru-out. Dark halls with funky wood panelling in each elevator and alien lighting dimly lights each car.
Because Claire was residing at the Hudson during her stay, she chose the area where I've always wanted to hang: the terrace. Personally, I think you need a crowd to enjoy the ambiance -on beds!! It's hilarious, but true. One can cop-a-squat on a corner of a bed and chat for hours. There were a few couples on our bed and there were several beds thru-out the terrace. I did have to smooze with the waitstaff (they call themselves 'the design team'- stuuuupid!) to get Andrew a chair -had to explain the little incident with the doctor, the knife, and his spine. Ostensibly, we're not allowed to move furniture around while we're spending $$$ at their bar!!! She (dressed in a bikini & indian tunic -no kidding!) finally acquiesced and brought an extra chair over.
Anyhow, we talked about everything from her impending wedding in September (to a fiance whose passport looks like a... well, let's say that he's getting his Ph.D in War Studies and the stamps thru-out his pages are from questionable countries) to enjoying Christmas Eve/Day celebrations in London with she and her new husband! How fun will that be?
Looks like London for Christmas!
The Waldorf: Because it's my birthday!
Majestic and impressive...
The Waldorf didn't fail to exceed in opulence. It's a great place to stay if you're keen to remain composed and upright. For those of us who are draggin' our arses, sweaty, and not sporting a Louis Vuitton Bag, well... it was nice. Obviously out of my element, or an afficiando of fine craftsmanship as I like to think, I didn't really care if I appeared as an obvious tourist.
Photo 1 is a clock tower in the center lobby. Just above it, on the ceiling, there are squares of gold-leafed imagery set in through-out.
Photo 2 is a massive image set in mosaic on the floor -just gorgeous.
On to the good stuff: The Suite! We paid only $13 bucks for the night (that was for high-speed internet connection to check biz email) since Andrew opted to eat several thousand Hilton points to get us in. Thanks, Darlin! Several times at fine hotels, the clerk will ask if we need a second keycard for the room. When we answer yes, they ask if they can have a name -my name. I look at Andrew and say to him aloud, "Mrs. Hayden, right? Don't tell your wife!" "But you are my wife!" "No I'm not! You left that bat at home!"
The clerk just laughs and replies, "My lips are sealed!"
We arrive to a double door entrance that leads to our suite.
Two huge rooms filled with sofas, armoires, and lots of right angles (tough to photo those!) and mirrors behind every door. I'm guessing there were 7 doors (+ an escape route back out to the hall! Kinda cool).
Upon entering the receving room, there was a tray with goodies and formal note written to Andrew, but we won't tell you what it said... his wife might read it!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Why? Because It's My Birthday!
Today... it was different. Andrew decided to treat me to one night at the Waldorf. Why? Because it's my birthday!
Our flight was smooth and uneventful and we arrived at the Waldorf only to be told that they upgraded us to a suite. Sweet! Yes, I tried to control my widening eyes as I listened carefully to the clerk reviewing our itinerary, not sure I heard correctly. The room was not ready yet, so we decided to head out for some lunch.
A Celebrity Siting... My Own?
It was funny, because as I enjoyed my smoked turkey & apple, I thought of other notable artisans and their local hangouts; folks like Hemingway or Picasso being documented in some way... It's funny because I feel like I've been documented in a similar fashion. Even if I never hear from the photographer who took the medium format shots (I asked to purchase one of us together) and even if those photos never get posted within the cafe, I still have this neat vintage-like polaroid.
Upcoming Shorts:
The Waldorf
Walking the Licensing Show
We Meet w/a Londoner & get invited to Christmas Dinner
Birthday Dinner at Boom
Nightly Flyer
Our Flying Squirrel made her cameo appearance as she does nightly.
Tonight, she tolerated us as we enjoyed the bug-free deck and our wine. She hung out for about 10 minutes, not moving an inch, allowing Andrew to make noise and take a few photos.
Man, can they make a racket when you add more food to the feeders!
Studio Report: Strokes of Genius!!
Weeks prior to it's original release date, Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing is now on bookshelves!!
Last year at Surtex, the publisher came by my booth and we talked for some time about the initial submission process. Evidently, there were over 3000 submissions world wide and only ~100 artists got admitted. Most of them got 1 or 2 at best. Nine out of my eleven submissions were accepted!! Holy smokes! Nine!!
I still can't believe it.
Tonight, I received an email from the publisher asking me to write a book or two on my work. I'll probably wait a few years before I consider such an endeavor -need to make some money first!! Who said authors were rich, anyway?
Meanwhile, I'm searching out ways to purchase books at bulk so that I can pass the savings on to friends and family.
Who wants an autograph?
Woo-hoo! Nine!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Back on the Drawing Board: A Museum of the Forgotten
I remember when... using metal eraser sheilds, french curves, and setting type with furniture & slugs! Coming home with ink on the hands that remained a permanent tattoo on my hands as part of the creative life.
Forgotten art supplies can be found here where folks are posting photos of their beloved supplies.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Designer Watch: SUVAWear & Natalya
Each time we walk NYC, we have to head back to a favorite shopping spot in NOHO called EDGE*ny. Two years ago, we found within, an innovative designer, Natalya Bagrova of SUVA who provides wearable photography on hip clothing.
When we first met Natalya (complete with Siberian accent), I picked up a zippered-front black jacket donned with a vibrant peacock (looks a bit Star Trekkish) that I absolutely love. Each article is attached with a story of where she and her beau took the photographs from around the world. It's too bad, however, it seems as though she's phasing out the jackets -they're so comfy!!
Last week, I had to continue the peacock line (New Zealand) with a tank and a new image of sterling charms on red background (India). I should have picked up the sexy v-neck shown below, but you can still see from the photo above, I was laiden with that damn head cold. My head not work.
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Friday, May 25, 2007
Surtex: Day 3
Final Day
While cyclical, the last day [at Surtex] was good. There were a number of folks who were refreshed looking at my work that was utterly different than others and believed they could use my work to transition out of the 'rest of the crap.' (Yes, we've actually had mfg say this directly to us!) So, it's a matter of nursing the headcold, not do a damn thing over the weekend and then hit them hard over the next 2 weeks to get into their review cycles.
One series in particular that I created per the need of one mfg was really impressed with the amount of information I amassed during my research over the past year. They wanted me to sign a contract right there at the show and I told them because I wasn't really thinking well because my head was swimming, that I'd have to consider their proposal when I started feeling well. Andrew kicked in with this business savvy and helped to massage the conversation. Yeah, Andrew! I just love that man of mine! There were several mfg who loved the same series I created and it was a hot ticket this year.
Upon our return to the room, I checked my email and received an invitation for another submission after talking with a mfg on Monday. Yee-haw!!!!
Had dinner with good friends of ours who live outside NYC and who are going to be new parents. Looks like the aspect of parenthood and twins is settling in. Yikes!
Surtex: Day 2
This morning, upon arrival to Javits, my stomach was giving me issues -thought I had the flu. Now it's just a freakin miserable cold. Nasty sore throat ALL day, I just wanted to crawl under the table. The only thing that kept me going were the potential clients coming into the booth and collaborating on their projects -very exciting. Then I'd sit down and conserve my energy and send Andrew off to fetch more hot tea.
Despite my misery, we made several great leads that I need to follow-up with their immediate projects!
Enjoyed dinner at our favorite Malaysian restaurant: Penang with Amy & Phil and my exhausted body turned in early.
Surtex: Day 1
Surtex: Day 1
The showroom was very warm (they finally turned on the air!), but we saw a few folks wander in aimlessly from the ICFF not completely knowing what they were walking into. Let me just say (without jinxing myself) that this was a pleasantly good day. The show opened at 9am and by noon, I was extremely pleased. Many of the conglomerates were talking of how this day was so slow for them -me, it was one right after another. Yee-haw! One Brit that we've become friends with over the past 4 years (he reps a very large print firm in the UK) took a look at my stuff and said, "Hey! We might be interested in some of that! Stop by tomorrow!" Yee-haw!
Tonight, we were scheduled for a cruise around Manhattan and it was a blast!! The weather was perfect, top deck was warm and breezy; got lots of photos of the skyline and each other plus some of my good artists friends -even while dancing- what a hoot!
Self portraits of Andrew & Moi -one of those must photos one takes with the arm stretched out on every trip. [We take many to make sure I don't get the Jay Leno chin! :) ]
NYC: Saturday - ICFF Party at the MOMA
After completing our booth installation, we walked ICFF and I made a few good contacts with mfg who do really cool stuff. I mean, out of this world stuff that's only found in designer magazines. Hard to believe that I can be among them... collaborating.
Not knowing how big the show was, my first reaction was to walk it fast, ascertain the size and return to some of the neat showrooms that we made note of. We became decidedly jealous when we happened across this fabulous space within the show (imagine ribbons hanging from the ceiling made of car seat belt material) that were taught from ceiling to floor enclosing a wet bar -we were jealous that they had a wet bar -making this the hippest show to be scene at. Walking past, the ribbons of seat belts with channels of ghostly lighting being emitted from tiny channels in the floor made the folks sitting on benches inside appear as though they were in a hellish jail. The folks were calm, hanging out, texting their friends and sipping beers and martinis.
So exhausted, we found a little french bistro that we discovered a year ago across the hotel (we usually head to Greenwich Village -much cheaper, much more delish!) due to the nasty rain and the fact that we didn't want to head out very far and expend any more energy than we had to.
The exhaustion forced us to skip one party for which I had registered and move on to the next -our first real NYC party at the MOMA (one block down from the hotel). It's everything you imagine from the movies. Requisite black blazers for straight guys and velvet jackets for the gays. Women wore mostly black, I was the only one in a blue sexy sweater. Lifting hor d'oeurves from waiter's trays and snagging wine from the bar -it was an experience. Seriously, it was a fun party (lots of rude, tall, "I live the bulemic lifestyle, so screw you" types) as we traversed the schools of wannabes and made it to some of the fascinating exhibits.
Currently, there is an exhibit by Dan Perjovschi, a Romanian -I call 'the wall of scribbles'- that was almost 40 feet high -can't wait to upload photos- remarking the absurdity of US life.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Annual Tradeshow: Surtex
Surtex: Install Day
I know I should be more talkative about the annual tradeshow we participate in (SURTEX), but I get so darn busy from February to Mid-May that I don't give myself time to think - much less work out at the gym that my body craves.
It's Friday Night and my husband, Andrew has accompanied me to NYC for the said tradeshow as he has always done the past 4 years. We drove up from Raleigh yesterday, arrived ~10pm last evening exhausted. We unloaded the Element with most of our important IP collateral (imagery + prototypes) and brought them up to the room -I even asked the Bellman to allow me to accompany him up the back elevators due to my over protective nature. After all, I did spend hours upon hours creating and developing them. ;)
This morning, we transported the collateral back down to the Element and drove them to Javits; most of the booth is now installed with minor inconveniences. Mainly, we destroyed our brand new soft cork flooring with a cool new trolley we borrowed -the feet continuously poked holes thru-out the edge as we thoughtfully moved it from one panel to another, climbing up, installing, climbing down. Damn. We were both excited to have this foam core flooring to stand on (esp Andrew since he's recently had his infamous back surgery). Andrew tried to encourage me with statements like, "It'll pop back up." "It doesn't look that bad."
Pftsth!
Later, when Andrew was installing the nightly wall coverings (one must do this to prevent easy image theft) I asked him if we were going to remove the floor each time -especially when our calendar is booked to bolt out of the doors to the parties and dinners we have planned -he acquiesced. Too bad, the floor would have been dynamite to use and we're out over $100 due to our negligence.
We missed lunch today and we were starved, so for dinner, we headed to our favorite Italian Restaurant: Focacceria (Greenwich Village) for Chicken Ravioli & Chocolate moltan lava cake. Tomorrow, we must rise early (O Wicked Sun, You Bring Bags to my Eyes), get back to the booth to eagerly complete it so that we can walked ICFF and attend a few parties at night.
Wish us luck!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Want and Want Not
Remember when I confessed that I wanted to move North because of the lack of support artists aren't receving here in Raleigh? Well, it's unfortunate to report that there are enthusiasts sites -galleries and blogs alike- that are closing their doors [within Raleigh] due to deficient patronage and it's artlessly uninspiring.
ArtsRamble, a beleaguered local blog that exists to promote galleries and artists is closing her doors and is aggrieved by the very notion. Andrea's heart was in the right place, but couldn't secure earmarks to keep the calendar running. Unfortunately, I believe blogs are for geeks, and I am one. I'm also a fine artist who appreciates juggling several irons in the marketing fire to continue the flame and couple that with geekdom, well, that's a unique combination.
My response to Andrea's final act can be read here:
http://www.artsramble.com/wordpress/?p=176#comment-1999
Currently, the shell of Dorothy Dix is being fought over by rampant developers and has no one thought of utilizing that space for artists? Artist studios, classrooms, dorms (Penland anyone?) and a co-op gallery for the resident artists... plus! there's a mandate that a portion of the grounds be kept natural- how fabulous would that be? Sculpture stations, picnic grounds, music and theatre performances... Kirk of Askew-Taylor Paints is looking to expand... put him on the grounds to provide supplies to the artists with demostrations to curious onlookers, perhaps a cafe...
Raleigh simply lacks a strong underpinning that would allow artists to thrive like any art mecca (Asheville, anyone?) most of which depend on a champion who has no time on her hands and deep pockets. Unfortunately, folks like Ann (of Ann & Jim Goodnight) is a strong advocate of the arts, however, she doesn't spread her funds like the wind, her loyalty lies with foundations like NCMuseum of Art. Don't get me wrong, NCMuseum of Art is a great place -we held our 2 part wedding reception in their Egyptian chamber & MuseumCafe -fabulous food!
In talking with a few local artisians, I'm still bemused at the 'artist's community' they believe to exist. When I ask them to compare it to Asheville, their enthusiasm deflates before my very eyes. I don't mean to dampen their creative spirits, but instead ask hard questions so that we -as perceived artist community- can create a strategy that will leave a legacy to budding artists.
I've just been reminded that Moore Square is opening the second season of the Farmer's Market that includes local food, wineries, live musical performances, and a weekly chef series. I wonder if this little nugget can be turned into a Providence Open Market that I've been dreaming about? They're opening at 10:30am... I wonder who curates this potential gem?
Albeit, not every city can be Asheville and not every government city is doomed, it's just that my confidence is growing dim from the sparse art shows Raleigh does entertain.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Better Business Savvy for Artisians
Dear Fellow Artisians-
I'm going to lead you to the key of good business sense -and hopefully success will soon follow. Remember the cash and sex job I referred to months ago? (Cash is your day job supporting your sexy job you love to get home to) Well, Niche Magazine talks about Donald Clark's Book, "Making a Living in Crafts" by combining business and beauty to assist artists understand the value of recognizing trends. Simply, one just cannot continue the prima donna attitude of forcing others to adhere to one's artistic world, unless that's the sexy counterpart of cash.
Back in design school, we understood from the starting gate that there would be parameters -budget being a big one, if not the biggest. Budget also opens the door to creativity with parameters and with parameters, limitations are understood. Knowing one's limitations help to quell anxieties and my suggestion? Go shopping -for yourself and for your customer.
Budgets, no matter how big or small, have restrictions. In this example, I'd equate small with that of a couple shopping in a gallery for a new piece in their home vs a corporate client looking to fill the office buildings within their business park. Clark talks about "wanting craftspeople to shift their attitudes, to see themselves not just as artists, but more as business people who produce art. Artists "have to price correctly, market correctly, break down all facets of the business," he says. "The competition is huge. We're competing with the mug made in any number of places on this planet."
Clark continues by indicating that "retailers can help by demanding of craft artists both professional business practices and competitively priced work. "Artists need to go shopping and discover the range that people are paying for items-shawls, bowls, mugs, earrings. Customers are doing that; they know what things cost." Further, "Artists may not want to compete with the low end, but they need to know where the low end is." Clark's new book, Making a Living in Crafts, includes charts to help artists keep track of materials and time in order to develop a product line they can make at a price that competes in the marketplace.
It's imperative that artisians make a conscious decision to participate in the system [of understanding SWOT: Strengths, Weakneses, Opportunities, & Threats] in order to thrive as business professionals. Wanting to jump on the bandwagon with the next big craze is fun, but be sure you aren't selling what all the hobbyists are selling. Getting serious about your art will transform your afternoon hobby into a business that profits and you you have to ask yourself just how far will it [your art] get you in terms of authenticity and uniqueness? It's just not enough to use a different color.
When you do begin to see a consistent profit from your work, then take a moment and do some experimental work -and this becomes sexy side of your job enriching your self-made 'day job.'
Niche: Combining Business & Beauty
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Bring Out Your... Snot
I've just discovered that Kleenex has created a personal design opportunity for you. If you're anything like me, you dicker over daisies versus butterflies versus 'there-must-be-something-else-on-the-shelf-that-I-can buy' on a tissue box. Your toes stretch to help your hands reach the back of the shelf as you toss one box aside for another and your armpit scrapes against the metal shelf.
"Nuts, maybe I'll just go for color and not worry about the motif, I shouldn't be so picky over a tissue box, anyway! Must be my neuroses kicking in again," you mutter to yourself as you finally toss in one or two into the cart.
Kleenex
Friday, March 09, 2007
Design Spotter: Richard Salley
RSalley.com
I Wanna Move North!
This is cool...
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
How to Draw Graffiti + Make Georgian Dumplings
Ever wanted to draw graffiti raucously on a wall? How about making dumplings from the Republic of Georgia? This neat site that promotes a step-by-step collaboration community from users like you, to post or search interesting (to some, mundane) topics.
The neat site I've been wanting to tell you about? Instructables.com
You may just see footage of how to properly cut a mango by my beloved, Andrew of Chez Hayden, or perhaps make picture frames for CalligraphyPets out of raw lumber!
Stumble It!
