Subway Stories

Two weeks back, my Studio class took a field trip together out to Van Cortland up in Queens. To get up there, you need to take the 2 or 3 train up to the 96th Street station and then transfer to the 1 and take it allllll the way to the last stop. While on the 1 train, the class divided up into roughly groups of two people per car and had to write an observational narrative about two people we saw in our car.

Here's my first one:

       A woman sits directly across from me with her young boy. He looks to be about 4 or 5 years old. On his light umber curls is a yellow crown with the face of a smiling duck on the front. The mother - let's call her Tanya (she looks like a Tanya) - has the same light umber hair. Her most distinct features are her hazel eyes, a beauty mark right below her right eye, and most importantly, her protruding belly carrying another child. Perhaps it's another boy? Perhaps a girl? It's impossible to tell. What I can tell is that she is tired. Tanya wears a bright red knit jacket, comfortable blue jeans, and brown moccasins. In her right hand, she holds her son's Angry Birds backpack. In her left hand, she holds onto the hand of her little boy. She momentarily takes off her left moccasin to reveal her toe nails painted a creamy beige. Again, Tanya is tired - her eyes are glazed and she focuses on the speckled black flooring of the subway car. She must have just picked up her young one from school. It's about that time where kids get off school. After a few stops of being lost in her own thoughts, Tanya quickly shuffles her child off the car and mentally plans out tonight's dinner during the walk home.

Now for my second one.

       As I take a last glimpse at this man, he continues to munch on his bacon and cheese sandwich. He wears a black cap, a red sweatshirt, and red Nike sneakers. He sits comfortably. There is no one left to disturb the space he has claimed as his throne. The car is empty save for around twelve or thirteen people all engulfed in their own bubbles. While the subway pulls into the next station, he swiftly picks up his bags, adjusts his thick-rimmed glasses, and saunters out the car. The whole time I sit here and write about him, he continues to jubilantly much on his sandwich. It must have been a nice afternoon treat considering he left the car with a smile. Now that is someone who really knows how to appreciate his food. 

Cross Strait Relations Exhibit

A piece that really caught my eye in the current exhibit being housed in the Stephen Kellen Gallery, titled Cross Straight Relations, is the piece titled Bloom (Blob) by Heman Chong. 

Sometimes it amazes me how something as simple as the repeated use of self-adhesive stickers can result in something that can be perceived as art. There can be such a complexity behind the process behind the pieces. As noted in the accompanying text, "something as banal as a colored sticker is transformed metaphorically from a singular, unlinked cell into a larger collective mass." While the bright vibrant flashes of blue, yellow, green, orange, and red make this piece a really intriguing piece to look at (I thought it was like a color blind test piece), the text notes the suggestion of something more malignant like "invasive or violent gathering masses". Another thing to take note on is the fact that its composition is done on-site of the location. Each sticker placed is done so in relation to the actions of the artist's own choosing so that each time this piece is presented it varies. How cool that a banal act of placing stickers can be such a reflection of an artist?

Let's sit back, observe, and ponder. 

Where You Reside?

Ritual Wine Container (hu)

Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC), 

Warring States period (475-221 BC), 5th century BC

Bronze inlaid with Copper

29.100.545

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As it turns out, my mother's surname, Song, originated somewhere between the Shang and Zhou Dynasty after the previous dynasty had been overthrown and the folk there decided to take on Song as their surname to honor their period of rule over China. 

Who knows, I may have had a relative use this for pouring rice wine during a ritual way, way back in the day. 

Natalage Davis Book Foreword by Nathaniel Wu

Natalage Davis was born in New Jersey but has been living in Brooklyn since the age of just three months old. Coming from a home of two brothers and two sisters, the proudly self-proclaimed introvert finds herself harboring an insatiable thirst for travel. Equal to her love for travel, however, is her talent in the art of the written word. While the experience of making a book is foreign land for the Brooklyn native, Natalage is no stranger to the literary practices. Ever since the age of fourteen, Natalage has been a part of the Urban Word NYC program and, since graduating, has participated in shows all over New York City.

            As someone who is unafraid of rocking to the beat of her own drum, Natalage takes inspiration from the environment around her and adds her own twist. Her first book ties back to a church in East Village with its clever incorporation of stain glass. She is not afraid to push the boundaries; the primary topic of the book is questioning religion. All is not as it sounds, though. This is not denouncing religion; it will, however, delve into the feelings associated with religion. Natalage cites Just Kids by Patti Smith,John Sans, and Salinger as the inspiring sources for her writing style. The unconventional, dry wit, and quirky are some of the key features of writing that resonate in Natalage’s written voice. With a leather-bound cover, pages of stain glass, and poetry throughout, Natalage Davis’s first book is sure to be a real work of art!

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Born in New Jersey, raised in Brooklyn.

Two brothers and two sisters.

Desire to travel – Natalage Davis.

Urban Word NYC since age fourteen.

Graduated; has done countless shows.

Voice of poetry – Natalage Davis.

Salinger, John Sans, Patti Smith’s Just Kids

Love of unconventional and dry wit.

Inspired by quirks – Natalage Davis.

New to book making, out of her comfort zone.  

Derived from a church in East Village.

Leather bound cover and stain-glass pages.

Vocalized opinions on religion.

Not direct, more on the feeling.

Seven poems by Natalage Davis. 

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*I started out with the first foreword but it felt so formulaic and forced that I wrote a second one that I thought might be a little more in tune with Natalage's artist book which had seven pages of poetry in it. I definitely cringe at the first one, but at this point, I don't know if I have enough energy to go back and rework it...it'd be better to start from scratch (and that is why we have a second one in poetry form).

Artist Book: East Village Barbie

The first major assignment of my Integrative Studio class was to create an artist book inspired by a block we were assigned out in East Village. My approach to this, after some consulting with my professor, was to create a book by using the packaging from a Barbie doll and writing about my experiences on the block - the catch is that the narrative is told through Barbie's perspective.

So here's the text on the front "cover" of my book: East Village Barbie. My professor pitched that maybe this could become a series...if I ever get to collaborate with Mattel as a designer or anything of the like, that just might happen.

Here is my book in all it's outer glory. My first big project at Parsons. Oooooooh. It felt so much more like one of my side craft projects I would have done in high school (meaning it was really nice to finally be able to do something like this because I never really had the time back in high school). 

Here is the back of the box with a less flashy presence but still with a bit of attitude (note the "graffiti" lips located on the bottom right of the forward written by my classmate Solo).

Here is the lovely inside content of the box! To your left, you have the eleven paged narrative of "Barbie's" on 7th Street. To your right, the room to actually hold a Barbie doll. Had I had more time and skill in sewing, there would have totally been an actual Barbie doll in there. At this stage, I'm still learning to sew with a hand needle (I sewed my first Barbie dress Monday night though yay!).

Now for the text of the narrative. It has that overzealous Barbie tone to it but also a bit of attitude. Enjoy!

August 28^th, 2013

“Hey, it’s Barbie!

While I have decided that my fabulous three-storied dream house (now fully equipped with two elevators – love you Ken!) in Malibu will always be home, I can’t help but think back to when I was searching for an apartment out in Manhattan…”

August 29^th, 2013

“Guess what? I did something a bit out of the ordinary and cancelled all my plans for the next couple of weeks – and believe me, that’s a HUGE deal because my next big film and filming for the next season of Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse are now on hiatus – but I’ve decided to take a vacation out in New York City. Not only because fashion week is right around the corner, but just because there are some really cool places in the city that I want to check out. No, I’m not talking about the Statue of Liberty or The Met or even Fifth Avenue. My two weeks in New York is going to be all about East Village. Just call me ‘East Village Barbie’!”

September 2^nd, 2013

“Ok, I lied a bit. I did some typical tourist-y stuff and ended up stopping by at Times Square. Can you believe that in all my travels, I’ve never actually had the chance to check this place out? It’s simply a-mazing! After spending an hour (or four) there, I headed to Fifth Avenue and…let’s just say my credit card had an intense workout today. Heck, I think I wore out my third pair of pink pumps all in the same day!”

September 4^th, 2013

“It’s another day and, this time, I’m serious about checking out some of the hidden treasures of East Village – I swear on all 130 or so jobs I’ve had! Something about 7^th Street really stuck out to me. East Village is huge, but something about the block on 7^th Street and 2^nd Ave really beckoned to me. Maybe I was just hungry at the time? When walking by, the first thing you see on the block is this restaurant called Virage. It’s some pretty wicked Mediterranean style cuisine. You have the option of sitting either inside or outside. I chose to sit inside. If you go on the hours of their brunch hours it’s a pretty sweet deal! Your brunch comes with a coffee or tea AND a mimosa or orange juice (that doesn’t include the glass of water you get right when you are seated). I’m just getting started cause you also get a breadbasket with the cutest little corn muffins! Yum. I heard the lobster and eggs was an absolute to-die-for so I just had to try it! My mouth just waters just thinking about it. This dish has lobster with over easy eggs, potato hash, bacon, toasted brioche, and a spicy hollandaise. For only nineteen bucks, this meal was well worth my money! I am dragging Teresa and Nikki and everyone else here the next time I get a chance. I believe I may have found my fave brunch spot in New York. ”

September 5^th, 2013

“I was feeling so stuffed from my lobster and eggs yesterday, I just couldn’t explore anymore. I think I’ve come up with a plan. I get to check out one shop on the block as I go. The down side is that I don’t get to really see more of East Village but this block really calls to me!

So today I saw a really pretty sign down the block with the words Jula Sitkando on it but the place looks like it’s been shut down. L After leaving a five star review for Virage on Yelp, I walked my block via Google Earth and there’s supposed to be a really awesome little thrift place right where this sign is. The pics other people uploaded showed the cutest little dresses and belts and heels and rings and…just thinking about this makes me sad.

Since Jula was shut down, I moved down and checked out the place next door. It’s called Smooth Skin Factory. Care to guess what it’s about? J It’s a place for ladies to get a little business done. Catching on yet? It’s a place for waxing. Eek! I definitely wasn’t prepared to receive a waxing but even if I wanted to I can’t because the place is actually pretty popular! You have to make an appointment two weeks in advance. I guess Kasia is just that good! It’s more on the pricier side, but I’m getting a really positive vibe from this place. She also has the two cutest dogs there! They were a nice way to brighten up my day after finding out Jula was no longer around.”

September 6^th, 2013

“My hair was getting sort of long (yep, that’s right – no extensions!) and just my luck there’s a salon on this block. It’s called Redge Salon. The prices are definitely pretty fair here considering what I had to pay back in Malibu (I’m not sharing that info!). A haircut here can range from $50 to $70. They say walk-ins are welcome but it seems pretty much like this place runs pretty busily based on even just their appointments. They actually opened up another Redge called Redge Annex on 10^th Street. Ok, so even though I just found out about the place, I’m glad they’re doing well enough to have a second location! All the stylists here are so nice and SO talented at what they do. When they chat with you, they really want to know everything you want out of your haircut there. Also, you get your hair shampooed and conditioned and you also get a bit of a massage while there. I left feeling I could take on ten grueling business meetings and another few months of filming! Even so, I’m not exactly ready to go back yet…I bet my producer is fuming right now. Eek!”

September 7^th, 2013

“So I got a call from my producer last night and he’s pretty mad at me (that’s a huge understatement). I made a plan though and I am not leaving until I at least have this block checked out. And besides, NY Fashion Week is still going on! Technically, I’m working!

Work trouble aside, I believe I have found my retail haven in East Village! There are plenty of awesome little thrift shops around, but Tokio7 is just…designer heaven.  It’s a consignment shop that takes in all these high-end brands like Dior and YSL actually made a list of some of the stuff I found there. I usually reserve a smaller amount of money for when it comes to thrifting, but hey the prices you get here for designer are well worth it! So here’s the list: Miu Miu $40, DVF $160, 3.1 Phillip Lim $150, Helmet Lang $112, Balenciaga $112, Michael Kors $40, Proenza Schouler $120, rag and bone $100, D&G $22.50, Armani $64, Marni $150, Prada $160, Nina Ricci $120, Jill Stuart $40, CK $72, Thakoon $100, Prabal Gurung $192, Versace $100, Alexander Wang $72, Ralph Lauren $48, Burberry $??, Givency $200, Gucci $150, YSL $300, Dior for $140…

Before I pass out again from the prices, let me also note that there’s this insanely cool statue up in front made of motorcycle parts and scrap metal! That alone is enough to just head down towards Tokio7.

September 8^th, 2013

There are two shoe stores on this block! Nothing to get too excited about though cause they don’t carry stilettos or wedges or anything of the like. Nope, both are more the sneaker-based kind of shops. Hm.

One of them is called Village Kids and it’s essentially a sneaker place for kid’s shoes. I think Stacie and Chelsea(especially Chelsea) probably would have loved to be there. Maybe even Skipper? Nah, not Skipper.

The other place is called Foot Gear Plus. It’s a nice mom and pop shop but again, it’s more of a sneaker place than anything. There were some sale items there but honestly those prices kind of scared me away…my hair cut at Redge was so much more worth it. They did have a nice little mural advertisement on the side of their wall for Village Kids though with a cartoon tree and all.

September 9^th, 2013

I very much look forward to the days I get to check out the restaurants here on the block. Dok Suni doesn’t seem to be open until 4:30 though so I guess it’s a dinner type of place. I heard it’s a favorite of Quintin Tarintino’s? Ooooh.

Luckily, the restaurant just a bit further down called The Organic Grill was open and thank goodness they were! It’s another great place located here on this block. I love that everything here is suitable for vegetarians and vegans but it’s still really good food. Simple a-mazing! I ordered the OG Burger Sliders for $12.99 because I seriously could not decide on what to get. The dish comes with three “little” sliders: Roasted Mushroom with Shallot Slider, Black-Eyed Sweet Potato Slider, and the Pineapple Jerk Slider. The Roasted Mushroom with Shallot Burger has a veggie patty toped with Dijon relish roasted mushroom, lettuce, and tomato. The Pineapple Jerk Slider has the patty jerk spiced and comes with pineapple and cucumber chutney. The Black-Eyed Sweet Potato Slider I only took a bite out of because I was so stuffed, but it had a patty filled with sunflower seeds and various veggies. Each of them are pretty unique in their own right but all of them come with yummy Ezekiel buns.  I also ordered a Ginger Punch drink. I’m not sure if it was the best decision I made today. It sounded alright – ginger ale, orange juice, apple juice, and fresh ginger. The waiter warned me that it had a kick though…BOY, was he right! I actually liked it in the beginning but it got to be too much in the end! It was four dollars though so I sucked it up and pretended I was drinking a nice cola.

September 10^th, 2013

It’s not the restaurant’s fault but I totally wasn’t feeling well after last night’s Ginger Punch drink. L I don’t know if I’m up for dining at the other places on the block (which is a real bummer because there’s still some great places around).

I couldn’t even really check out the store I was going to see today. Lulu’s Nails is a nail salon just right next to Foot Gear Plus. It seems pretty cheap, but I’m not so sure about the quality of their work. It didn’t look at all busy when I passed by and the reviews on Yelp leave less to be desired. There was a lot of mention about the workers trying to coerce you into these really expensive (and excessive) upgrades. Eek! I guess I got lucky with my upset tummy then.          

September 11^th, 2013

I realize that there are actually quite a few bars on this block but I’ll write about them later since they’re not really my thing. The Exhibition of the American Gangster isn’t really my thing either. It feels like the other side of the block had much more to offer me. I mean, I guess I wouldn’t mind browsing through the exhibition but it’s more of Ken’s thing. Oh, how I wish he were here! Admission still would have been $26 each person but at least I could have enjoyed it more since I’d have Ken to talk to and all.      

September 12^th, 2013

I feel like I’ve hit a slump. I’m feeling very low-energy these days. I’m hoping I didn’t get myself sick! I’m not even navigating this block in order anymore. There are two theaters located on this block. The 80 St Marks Theater currently has a play running called Bayside the Musical. According to all the banners and flyers, it’s supposed to be a parody of Saved by the Bell. Curioser and curioser I am…a ticket is just twenty-five dollars so maybe I’ll come back when I finish up all my Fashion Week business and get out of this slumpy feeling.

Oh, I almost forgot about The Orpheum! So over here they host a show called Stomp! which is all about creating music by using everyday items such as trash can lids for rhythm and the like. I think I saw something about this kind of performance back when Stacie used to watch those shows on PBS. The tickets are pretty pricey at $126 per ticket but this could be a chance for better bonding time with Stacie.

September 13^th, 2013

Ok I’m feeling very bummed now cause I really did come down with a sore throat and a minor fever. I’m so glad Fashion Week wrapped up yesterday because I don’t think I could have handled running around a bit more. Even walking around the block wasn’t such a good idea…but I just can’t leave this project unfinished! No way – that’s just not the Barbie way.

I wasn’t able to dine at any of the remaining places on the block but I can at least share what I know from glancing outside. Porto Rico Importing Co. looks to be a really great place to stop for some coffee or tea. There was a bit of a line when I walked by. Stage Restaurant seems like an idea place to be getting home-style cooking. Natori doesn’t open until 4:30 pm but if you’re up for some sushi it might be worth taking a look. San Loco has Mexican style cuisine and Twister is just a nice little place to get frozen yogurt after dining at one of the many places here on the block.

Oh my goodness, I almost forgot to name all the bars on this block! So here they are: BigBar, Klimat, Blue Gold 79, Café 81, and William Barnacle Tavern. Like I said, I’m not really into drinking but if you are, you have a lot of options to choose from here.  Alrighty, I’m heading to bed now. I’m feeling a bit out of it…

September 17^th, 2013

Ken’s making me say this but…I work too hard some times. Even when I’m here to relax, I get myself all worked up and carried away and it’s just too much sometimes. I felt like I was really dead for the past few days. When Teresa, Nikki, Midge, Summer, and even Raquelle called me for the past few days they all said I didn’t sound like my usual bubbly self. Like I had lost the energy in my voice. There’s a good reason behind it, too. So that minor fever turned into something pretty serious and I was stuck in bed. I didn’t even have any energy to catch up on all the shows I watch or read a good book. I just slept. For three days.  Ugh, I hate getting sick. Back to bed I go.

September 19th, 2013

“I got a call from the producer and he is, like, seriously mad at me! Like, he’s ready to replace me as the lead role in Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse and have Raquelle in the starring role! Hello, the title of the show is Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse. Eek! It’s not that I have anything against  Raquelle. It’s just that…don’t get me wrong, I love Raquelle (even if she doesn’t exactly like me…I’m not a dumb blonde), but she isn’t ready for a starring role. I know I seem all gum drops and smiles, but Hollywood can be tough! Trust me, Raquelle is not ready!

Anyways, there’s still so much of East Village that I haven’t been able to check out. L That gosh-darn fever! I’m feeling like my usual pink-loving self now, but I can’t believe I spent most of my time here on this one little block in New York City. Insane, right? Too bad New York Fashion Week is over or else I could have used that as an excuse to stay longer. I’ll have to find a way to come back ASAP.

Until next time,

Barbie”

  

The MET: Where You Reside?

For my Integrative Studio class last week, we had to go to the MET and search for an artifact or painting - anything really - that was somehow related back to our family. I went and browsed through the Chinese artifacts the MET had and what I think is pretty interesting is that my mom's surname, Song, originated during around the end of the Shang and start of the Zhou dynasty...or was it the end of the Zhou dynasty and the beginning of the Qin dynasty? Something like that. More of this will be discussed later in this entry.

It was pretty awesome to get to spend what was supposed to be class time at the MET. It totally didn't feel like it was really class time since there wasn't much structure to it. The MET is so huge, though, that you really should be prepared to run a marathon just to see even half of what it has to offer you.
I remember walking down a certain hallway at least six times because I had to get from one gallery to another and they just happened to be at opposite ends. Oh, joy!

I went along with a classmate and we actually ran into quite a few other classmates there. Just a little observation, but it appeared a lot of us came in pairs of two. After getting lost in the Egyptian exhibits, we found our way in the right direction and first stopped by the African exhibits. Those were definitely worth checking out. I absolutely loved seeing all these intricate wood carvings - just the level of detail in them had me gasping in awe. Also, the style - I love the style most pieces had. There's just something so simplistic and raw about them.

As for my personal family connection, I essentially checked out every single piece the MET had from the Bronze Age. I took a photo of anything that was labelled with Zhou dynasty.

Another portion of the assignment was to try and find a gallery where you were the only person in it. You then had to record the gallery until another person walked in. I was in search of a place with my classmate and I came across this little room off to the side with about ten or so paintings. Fearful of when another person might enter, I vigorously snapped photos with my phone. Unfortunately, I didnt' finish until the next person walked in but I have to say I had some pretty good results considering the adjoining rooms had a fair amount of people in them. 

For my Integrative Studio class last week, we had to go to the MET and search for an artifact or painting - anything really - that was somehow related back to our family. I went and browsed through the Chinese artifacts the MET had and what I think is pretty interesting is that my mom's surname, Song, originated during around the end of the Shang and start of the Zhou dynasty...or was it the end of the Zhou dynasty and the beginning of the Qin dynasty? Something like that. More of this will be discussed later in this entry. 

It was pretty awesome to get to spend what was supposed to be class time at the MET. It totally didn't feel like it was really class time since there wasn't much structure to it. The MET is so huge, though, that you really should be prepared to run a marathon just to see even half of what it has to offer you. 

I remember walking down a certain hallway at least six times because I had to get from one gallery to another and they just happened to be at opposite ends. Oh, joy!

I went along with a classmate and we actually ran into quite a few other classmates there. Just a little observation, but it appeared a lot of us came in pairs of two. After getting lost in the Egyptian exhibits, we found our way in the right direction and first stopped by the African exhibits. Those were definitely worth checking out. I absolutely loved seeing all these intricate wood carvings - just the level of detail in them had me gasping in awe. Also, the style - I love the style most pieces had. There's just something so simplistic and raw about them. 

As for my personal family connection, I essentially checked out every single piece the MET had from the Bronze Age. I took a photo of anything that was labelled with Zhou dynasty. 

Another portion of the assignment was to try and find a gallery where you were the only person in it. You then had to record the gallery until another person walked in. I was in search of a place with my classmate and I came across this little room off to the side with about ten or so paintings. Fearful of when another person might enter, I vigorously snapped photos with my phone. Unfortunately, I didnt' finish until the next person walked in but I have to say I had some pretty good results considering the adjoining rooms had a fair amount of people in them. 

There were also five recommended galleries to check out, but my phone went kapoot shortly after I snapped the above photos. All in all, though, it was definitely class well-spent. I covered a lot of areas in the MET and was able to see more than I had expected. -thumbs up-