An old New York that you don't really see...

I am thrilled to have made major progress on these coordinated pieces. The embroidered painting and doll share the memories and stories of a native New Yorker (Queens born) who now lives in Brooklyn and has seen the borough go through many changes.

As I continue developing Native/Immigrant City, my embroidered study of assimilation versus acculturation in richly textured, socioeconomically challenging Brooklyn, I am excited to find stories like these from natives. I also want to thank the Greater NY Arts Development Fund of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs administered by BAC for partial sponsorship of this project.

Coming up in May, I will be sharing the techniques I use to make the above pieces at Brooklyn Workshop Gallery at 393 Hoyt Street in Brooklyn near 3rd Street (and not too far from Whole Foods). Martine Bisagni, Director of the Gallery, is kindly hosting a Sewing and Embroidery Studio on Thursday May 21 and 28 and June 4th from 1-9pm. I will be on site from 6-9pm on those dates, sharing my techniques and processes and teaching embroidery basics.

Studio visit with Katya Usvitsky

I visited a friend in Sunset Park, Brooklyn yesterday who's working on some new sculptural pieces. Here is a photo of me wearing her knitted glasses in front of one of the "sculptural paintings," as we decided to call them. The hanging piece is made with brightly colored nylons stuffed with balled up roving. It's an arduous, slow process!

Here is a photo of my friend, Katya, in front of her well-organized spools and skeins of thread. My studio is far less organized! But my system works for me.

Thanks, Katya, for inviting me into your studio. I love seeing an artist's thought process, and this was a great way to get to know the new direction for your work.

Thanks, Andrew!

In 2005, I spent a month in a studio program at the School of Visual Arts. Since I never actually went to art school, this experience helped give me insight into peer reviews as well as critiques from professional artists.

I ended up meeting some terrific friends who continue to be a part of my artist network. Andrew Thornton was in the same cohort as me. Since we met, he has been an unofficial press agent for me, promoting my artwork and exhibits on his blog. I can't thank you enough, Andrew, for your support and encouragement and generosity.

I learned recently that Andrew is about to leave New York for a new adventure. In an email he described to me his relationship with New York, and I instantly fell in love with what he'd written:

"My relationship with New York is like an abusive one... it beats me up, takes all my money, and I run away vowing never to return... but oddly enough come crawling back, begging for more."

Andrew, this piece here is for you. Thanks so much!