We’ve been so busy with our new book, The Art of the Party, and our Paper Tales collection for Bergdorf Goodman, that we’ve fallen behind in our continued look at our Team within the world of David Stark Design and Production. Our next guest blogger is our talented Project Manager, Michaella Holden. When not tirelessly leading projects to success, she enjoys the abundance of awe-inspiring art of New York City.
Thanks, Michaella!
D.
Photo by Gustavo Campos
One of the great things about living in New York City is that whimsical, human creativity pops up everywhere. I love happening upon art in unexpected places whether it's street art, rotating park sculptures, or just someone sharing personal creative expression. Walk through nearly any neighborhood with your eyes wide open or you might miss it!
Here are a few of my favorite finds from the past couple of years:
Echo by Juame Plensa, in Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park has a fantastic program that brings great pieces to their lawn on a regular, rotating basis. The sheer scale of this beautiful piece by Juame Plensa made for an unexpected experience as its massive visage appeared to rise from the treetops. Notice a father chasing his little girl around the base of the sculpture, while a woman nearby snaps a photo. It’s always fun to watch people interact with art in public places.
This poster/painting is from last summer’s HOWL! Festival in Tompkins Square Park. I wasn’t aware of this East Village event, but one sunny Saturday I stumbled across large blank canvases lining the entire the perimeter of the park for artists to create paintings right there on the spot. While a wide variety of painting styles evolved, this interactive piece stood out to me. The artist posed a question, then handed out Sharpies to passers-by, who were invited to fill in the blanks with their own answers. What fun to come up with your own while viewing other participants’ ideas and doodles!
Here is a graffiti piece in Nolita by street artist, Hanksy, who began making an impression by creating pieces that “satirized British street art legend, Banksy, by mashing up his most famous works with references from Tom Hanks films,” according to the Krause Gallery. Hanksy’s clever remixes delighted New Yorkers, turning him into a social media phenomenon and quickly earning him a place in the competitive New York street art world.” I happened upon this piece a couple of years ago, as he was getting started and fell in love with the whimsy of it.
Buskers are everywhere under the streets of New York and with the talent that gravitates to this city, the musicians are amazingly talented. There’s nothing more lovely than happening upon some particularly good music amidst the hustle and bustle of one’s daily commute. This guy is a one-man-band playing both guitar and pan pipes.
Photos by Michaella Holden
Lastly, one of my all-time favorites is this little hand-made wooden fence around a tree pit in front of a Brooklyn brownstone. This fantastic, crafty rendition of the Brooklyn Bridge illustrates how proud New Yorkers and Brooklynites are.
While this city is boasts a plethora of amazing museums, with endless works of fine art, you don’t have to visit one of these institutions to see extraordinary creations. If it’s a sunny day, take a walk around – you never know what you might find!
xo, Michaella
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