Bloc Party

Saturday evening Dave and I went to see one of our favorite bands, Bloc Party play at McCarren Park Pool, just a few blocks from our apartment. Built in the 1930's the pool was active for many years before being shut down in the 80's. It has since sat vacant and waterless. Until now! This summer the pool has been transformed into a music venue and though there was no water, it was definitely swimming with crowds of people dancing and enjoying live music!

This pic was taken early in the evening before the opening bands came on. They were testing out the smoke machine which was a little odd because it just kept blowing away and back behind the stage…

I thought Bloc Party's lead singer was a bit off (was he messing up his own lyrics? duh.) And he lost time with the drummer on several occasions which was a little disappointing. But other than that, it was a lot of fun and great to get out. Last Friday night we went to see my favorite band of all time, Rasputina, play at Warsaw, which is also within walking distance from our house. How great is that?! To be able to walk to and from a concert? No traffic, no worries. I love Brooklyn :-)

Funky Feet

So I've been having problems gaining access to my blogger account and it's been rather annoying. I've been M.I.A. for this reason. But I've worked out the kinks so that's good. I've also been really busy in my studio working on the Relix bracelets as well as some custom work for my gallery in Seattle.

I've finished a couple pairs of custom earrings, including an exciting new design for me: Feet Earrings! Red toenails and all! I'm really quite happy with how they turned out.




Next I'm doing a custom brooch and another pair of custom earrings. I'll post pics of them soon!

The Pleasure of Business

You may have noticed lately I've strayed quite a bit from the original intent of this blog, into more "personal" arenas. This is mainly because I haven't felt I have a lot to share in terms of "artistic revelations" as I've been preoccupied with 'How I Will Pay My Rent Every Month.' I've begun working a couple new part-time jobs that I've taken on as secondary sources of income. I thought today I'd share a bit about what they are…

The first is working for my dear friend Kate Cusack assisting in the expansion of her Zipper Pin Empire. I'm helping her with the production of the lovely pins she's been making since 2002 that are now being sold all over the US. Each one is hand fabricated and they come in a vast array of colors. (She was brave to trust me with a needle and thread. Fortunately, all digits are thus far in tact.)



I've also started working with Azu Studio in Manhattan assisting with the production of the Relix Band: bracelets made from the used guitar strings of famous musicians such as: Ben Harper, Buddy Guy, Death Cab for Cutie, Les Claypool, etc. All proceeds from the sale of the bracelets go to charities the musicians choose to support. A pretty cool gig so far.

(Now if only we could get my favorite band Rasputina in on it!)

Ahhhh Central Park…

Dave and I hung out all day on Saturday… reading, napping, watching frisbees and footballs soar through the air - it was so relaxing and wonderful. Thought I'd share a pic from the day.

4th

We went to watch the fireworks along the waterfront tonight and boy were they impressive! There are three barges set up along the east river from which the fireworks are deployed and several ideal locations from which to watch - the most popular of course is on the Manhattan side along FDR drive. We watched from Greenpoint however and although it was crowded, it was still a fantastic show.

We also went out to Long Island this weekend to Jones Beach to soak up the sun and uh, swim in the ocean, which we didn't have the guts to do - SO COLD. But it was great to be on the beach nonetheless and to smell the ocean again. All in all it was a relaxing, enjoyable 4th of July.

I've been busy designing some custom pieces for some new and repeat customers as well as brainstorming ideas about some repair work I need to do. The custom brooch that I posted a couple images of - the one with the garnets and lapis and mother of pearl? (see below) Well, turns out the day that it was given as a gift, it fell off in a parking lot and was run over by a car. Yeah. And so, I'm not quite sure where to go with that one just yet. Luckily the stones were not destroyed. ugh.

Anyway… life goes on and this week is a studio week - at last!