Sunday October 28, 2012

A Fancy Art Gallery and a Random Stroll

I'm still trying to take everything in and familiarize myself with the city. So what better way than to go to China Town, an art gallery and take a stroll in the lower east side? 

This is the Marc Straus art gallery that I went to. Big fancy front doors and big open space inside. I never really understood that, the whole open space and nothing in the gallery but the art. I know the focus is mainly on the painting but I feel like it would be enjoyed more in a different environment. But hey, that's just me.

 Walking through the gallery, I was pretty much the only one there, besides the employees, who were all super super nice to me and recommended other galleries to go see. The art that was being showcased was that of the artist Marcin Cienski. His art was creepy cool. Just the way he used light and shadows was extremely good, leaving your imagination to tell the backstory. If you want to see the paintings that I saw click on the linky http://www.marcstraus.com/exhibition/marcincienski/index.html

The gallery was right on the edge of China Town. I didn't explore China Town too much...with the strong scent of fish and all it wasn't reeling in my interest. But here is a quick pic for ya.

Now, time for a little stroll....let's go!

Ok, so how cool is this?! I ran into Zarin Fabrics!! For those of you who don't watch "bad t.v" it is the business of Jill Zarin from The Real housewives of New York. I felt so "fancy" for a split second. I didn't see her nor anyone from the show but they did have articles posted by the front door of her...close enough!! 

Random cute restaurants...

Just the sign from this furniture shop looks fun!!! Most of their merchandise looked like it was from the 70's...not really my style. 

I first took this next picture because of the cool tattoo shop, but then I noticed the silly monkey just chillin on the steps up top!! Do you see him?! 

Look how beautiful the buildings are here...

This was a store with different people selling their products. Sorry guys, I can't remember the name of it. I actually forgot I even took a picture inside but I really like this view from the upper level. That's something common here in NY. The buildings may seem small or the entrances may not be "selling" the place, but once you get in you realize its usually more than one level. 

One thing that I'm noticing that the "trendy" and "popular" stores do is they hold open call interviews for hire. Just like with modeling how they have casting calls..it's like that, but for a job. Here is a line seen at American Apparel. Crazy. 

They must give their employees one heck of a discount if they are willing to go through a process like that...no thanks. 

On the way home I decided to stop at Washington Park and have a seat...been getting my workout with all this walking, that's fa sho!!

Pretty pretty...as you can see the sun was starting to set. It's actually peaceful to sit in the park and just people watch and listen to people play music. With a city FULL of people and even a park full, it has a sense of serenity.  Sometimes that's what we have to do in life. No matter what hand we are dealt or our living situation. If we wait for everything to be completely perfect or up to our standards on perfection, well...we are going to be living one unhappy life. We need to find the joy in the little things. We need to find common ground with others. We are all living in this busy city. In this busy life. Don't forget to find your serenity. 

Oh, ps. Here is a look at my neighbor's very festive Halloween stoop! BOO!!

Sending my love from NYC and to hoping you always find serenity!!

Tasha!