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small town

I'm a little late getting this posted (after I expressed my immense excitement last week about its release), but watch and be amazed at the talent and beauty of my friend Monica Allison.

Get the song on iTunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/you-cant-take-it-back/id420706316 Shot and directed by Matthew Perkins. Filmed at ACME Studio in Brooklyn, NY. Shout out to the creative stylings of Shon Michaux-Simon and Perryn Pettus and much appreciated help from friends Kevin Feltes, Sharon Feltes and Angela Francine Bullock! www.monicaallison.com

the raw truth of social media

Now that I work in social media, I understand what an all-consuming art it can be. Especially for work, I'm constantly checking: how much engagement does this have? Likes? Comments? What's the most compelling comment I can come up with while still being positive and encouraging rather than sarcastic, biting, or—much worse—manipulative?

Through social media (ironically?), I found this very interesting graffiti piece in Vancouver entitled, "Nobody Likes Me" and then read an enlightening article about the artist's inspiration behind it. For me, excelling at my job was the initial motivation to become engrossed in every aspect of social media, but it's certainly so easy to let that motivation and obsession be clouded with thoughts of personal affirmation, identity, self-worth, and value. It's no doubt a slippery slope. The instant gratification when something's good is powerful, and the lack of gratification stings that much more when something is, well, the opposite of good.

Don't get me wrong. I love social media and am a huge proponent of the way it allows people to connect and communicate in ways they normally wouldn't. But, I was glad to see someone draw out a very real truth that is often missed and overlooked—or, maybe just taboo to speak of—in the vast world of online media. Thanks for the recalibration.

can't wait till wednesday!

Want to know why?

Ok, I'll tell you. Last June, I was involved in a project with my friend Monica Allison who's an extremely talented singer & songwriter. She has this amazing album called You Can't Take It Back (which happens to also be her return policy, she says) and she made a music video for one of the songs on this album, Small Town.

In 40 seconds when you're done watching this sneak peek video, you'll know as much as I do about what the final product will look like—because the real deal won't be released until Wednesday.

I'm so excited to see it, I can barely stand it. Waiting with baited breath now...

Sneak Peek of Small Town Shoot shenanigans. Official Music Video out Wednesday, April 23rd 2014! Get the song on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/you-cant-take-it-back/id420706316

banksy: tribeca

Somehow I ended up seeing two Banksys in one day (which made for a very happy girl). The sad part was that the Tribeca Banksy had already been vandalized by the time I got there only a few days later.

I had high hopes that this one would remain intact and unscathed since it was a tribute to 9/11. The ironic thing is that the art itself wasn't damaged, but the sheet of glass installed to protect the art was shattered. I was thrilled, nonetheless, to see two of his works of art, and only wish I had caught him when he set up shop in Central Park to score one for my living room wall-o-random.

Maybe I'll catch you next time, Banksy. Until then, keep inspiring the artists.

banksy: uws

I fought my way to the front for this head-on photo.

I fought my way to the front for this head-on photo.

To find my first Banksy, I went on a brief excursion from the Upper East Side to the Upper West Side (which is practically no excursion at all). It was a crowded mess with people swarming the art, adding props to the scene, taking photos with their face somehow incorporated in the stencil, but I was glad to experience Banksy's NYC madness. Plus it's a pretty cool stencil, if you ask me.

finding my banksy

When Banksy took New York by storm during the month of October, I jumped right on the bandwagon. I followed his instagram account so that I could know the minute his new art was revealed each day, and much to my excitement, I was able to track down a couple of his pieces in some of the neighborhoods I frequent.

While making my way to the first Banksy sighting, I made this video that literally tracked my steps; and if you look closely I'm pretty sure you'll see that there's an extra pep in my step as I make my way across Central Park and the New York City terrain. I sure am glad I got a small taste of Banksy during his New York City jaunt. You're welcome here anytime, Mr. Banksy.

long awaited

In almost five years in New York City, I've never even been to the MoMa! My sister-in-law vowed that she was going to pick a day to come into the city and that I "must" join her for a visit (although she's been multiple times and lives in New Jersey). Annnd, today is the day: I'm meeting her and a few of her friends there this afternoon. I just checked out the website to see what is on exhibit right now and I'm even more excited.

Especially to see this:

colorrrr
































Being in the neighborhood of an enormous art supply store - Dick Blick - last week definitely warranted a drop-in. It took me back to my design school glory days seeing aisle after aisle of beautifully arranged art supplies. I wandered around looking at the beautiful colors for almost half an hour because, unfortunately during design school, I never had much time to leisurely enjoy an art store. I usually only ventured in to grab supplies when my project was due in 24 hours...or less.

street art

I guess I never get to work early enough to see this kind of thing. Today as I was crossing the street to go into my building, I saw that the gate to the normally hopping Houndstooth Pub was covered with this!
























I especially love the Mister Softee ice cream truck painted on it! And, boy, is it tough to get a picture in NYC with no one in it! I tried, but not much luck.

caycuts wall art

My friend Caylen has started making THE most beautiful and intricate wall art I have ever (ever) seen! You can check out her Etsy site, too, where I'm sure she'll be constantly posting and updating her work. It is beaaaautiful. And completely hand-made. Isn't this the most fabulous thing you've ever seen?!


[Caylen and I were interior design majors together at Auburn. I always thought she hated the X-Acto knife as much as I did. Turns out, she was a master in disguise!!]