Thoughts on New York
A moment in time, a feeling.
The first time I visited New York as an adult it was hot. I think a heat wave was about to start.
I immediately hated the overwhelm of it all. The sounds, the smells. The way the air suffocated me, with just a slight reprieve while waiting for the train. Once it whooshed past there was this disgustingly perfect “breeze.” I have been told that is gross. And now that I have been living here for almost a year I would agree.
But at the time, I gladly accepted the “breeze”. Closing my eyes and picturing myself somewhere else. Somewhere more serene.
That was then.
The next time it was late September of the same year but also a more tumultuous time in my life. The city felt like an escape.
I felt that same escape every subsequent time I visited.
The cool crispness of autumn air drew me in. Seducing me. This could be my life, it taunted me and showed me a glimpse of my future. At the time I would still not accept it or even plant a seed of that idea in my mind. But yet, a seed was planted. Deep deep down.
I studied a particular block of the city at that time. I spent at least a day walking around the area, taking photos, sketching, observing, just taking it all in. I did this again on subsequent visits. This was the start of something special. A project that I grew very proud of and very fond of.
That project allowed me to hone in on and explore my voice in illustration. I loved the idea of capturing a moment in time. Creating a vignette that let’s the viewer in on what you see and feel. Bringing out what you find important and maybe even letting the viewer into your own mind and bring them into that moment with you.
That was 2 years ago.
When I really came to love New York was this Winter. The harshness of the winter fit my mood and met me where I was at. And I think Spring is the time to welcome in a new chapter of my life.
I love this so much!!!