NEW YORK CITY: GEMS + ADVENTURES

ADMIRING THE TILING ARTISTRY AT THE SUBWAY / A NEW USE FOR A BATHTUB ON GRAND ST.IN WILLIAMSBURG

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting New York three times since July, which as been totally energizing! First, it was for a summer trip with Darcy to explore Brooklyn back in July. I returned in September to do a type workshop with by Mike Perry and then again in October for  The Blogcademy. My initial summer trip was such a blast and very inspiring. I wanted to go back asap! Pretty soon I found myself booking spontaneous trips when the opportunity presented itself.  Like a bazillion other people, I LOVE NEW YORK! I have developed a soft spot for Brooklyn. Here are some of the adventures and gems that I happened upon along the way.

I loved just wandering the streets. It’s amazing what you can stumble upon! I discovered this street art plastered to a door somewhere under the Brooklyn bridge. This was on my way to Grimaldi’s Pizzeria; a fantastic pizza joint.

A CABIN IN A LOFT

IMAGES COURTESY OF AIRBNB AND TERRI CHIAO

In the summer Darcy and I rented out a cabin in a loft in the vibrant, artist-filled neighbourhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn. This was our first time booking through airbnb (highly recommended) and boy did we ever get spoiled! The space is owned by local artists Terri Chiao and Adam Frezza. Terri, who is also an architect designed the space herself, which has been featured in numerous design magazines, blogs and local open-studio events. It is an open concept, sun-drenched loft with two cabins. There were so many details that made me smile! Things like Boo, their friendly cat and hand-made notes by Terri on how to use the french press. She also left a map of Bushwick and listed her favourite places to check out. You could tell that she puts care and love into everything that she does. We really appreciated the little details that made it so charming and inviting.

A Cabin In A Loft also doubles as an art gallery. One big wall is covered with art pieces done by Terri, Adam and other local artists, all for sale. I bought a few postcards by N S E W to keep as a memento. I would love to stay here again!

A CABIN IN A LOFT ON AIRBNB
A CABIN IN LOFT ON TUMBLR
BUY A N S E W POSTCARD
ETERNITY STEW (TERRI + ADAM’S COLLABORATIVE ART PROJECT)

BROOKLYN CHARM

MY BROOKLYN CHARM COLLECTION / STORE SHOTS

A friend told me about Brooklyn Charm in Williamsburg before my summer trip. It was one of the first places that I visited.  I love accessories, so this place rocks my world! It is filled with both pre-made jewellery as well as a million chains, beads and charms and supplies to make your own custom creations.  I have now spent hours there and have made a point to visit whenever I’ve been in town. I’ve cultivated quite the collection of my own necklaces, bracelets and knuckle rings. Can’t get enough of this place! Luckily, they have an Etsy shop for all of you non-New Yorkers!

VINTAGE LOVE

In September while strolling on Bedford St. in Williamsburg, I discovered this lovely vintage store owned by Malin Landaeus, just over on N.6th. This is another place that I could spend hours at! The collection of shoes, clothing and accessories is to die for. Everything was hand-picked with great detail and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. The staff members are super-stylish Swedish women that are super friendly. I picked up this blazer that was hand-dyed by Malin. There are tons of pieces dyed in her signature style. I wanted them all! I also picked up a camel coloured leather backpack from Sweden, which I absolutely love!

THE TYPE DIRECTORS CLUB AT COOPER UNION

COMMUNICATION DESIGN, TYPEFACE DESIGN, AND MOVIE TITLE DESIGN ON DISPLAY AT THE TYPE DIRECTOR’S 58TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION

I was in the right place at the right time when I decided to go check out the Cooper Union Art Gallery one afternoon in July. I noticed the gallery was being set up for an exhibition that was opening that evening—yessss!  It was for the Type Director’s Club 58th annual exhibition opening. It was displaying the winners of the TDC competition in Communication Design, Typeface Design and Movie Title Design. There was no way I was going to miss this! When it came time, I switched the sandals I had been walking in all day around Manhattan. I had bought earlier a pair of ankle boots.  Darcy went off to check out vintage guitar stores in the area while I went to the show.

There was a short awards ceremony first. The exhibition was amazing to say the least. It was filled with top notch design work from participants from all over the world. I was drooling the whole time!

I had the pleasure of meeting many designers that had work in the show and other TDC members. One person in particular that I’ve kept in touch with is Angela Navarra, who is a designer and illustrator  who specializes in hand drawn typography. Love her!

OPENING NIGHT OF THE TYPE DIRECTOR’S 58TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION / TDC KEEPSAKE, DESIGNED BY JESSICA HISCHE

Visitors received a letter keepsake designed by Jessica Hische, to comemmorate the Type Director’s club 65^th anniversary. Jessica Hische is a letterer and illustrator, who does brilliant work! I have always admired here, so this was pretty special.

KICKSTARTER

One night back in July while hanging out in the cabin, I noticed that Mike Perry (another artist I admire!)  was doing a 12 hour drawing marathon live on Twitter and YouTube to raise money and awareness for his Kickstarter project—a three month exhibition and community space in Brooklyn. I donated and later signed up for one of his workshops. This brought me back to the city not too long after. More details on this experience next week! //