April 2, 2008

Yesterday I spent the day in New York City with a college friend of mine from Canada. We hadn't seen each other for about two years so there was lots to catch up on, especially now that she has married her chocolatier and is expecting their first child (Congratulations, Nancy! And thank you for the chocolate truffles - yum!). Aside from hanging out with my friend which was so nice, I really needed to get out of my 'hood and see what Life was up to elsewhere.

I found that Spring is beginning to blossom in New York (click on the photos to enlarge them)...

 

Nancy had taken a course at the International Center for Photography in the city over the weekend so much of our day together was spent talking phototech, wandering through B&H,the must-go store for photographers visiting NYC, and seeing the current exhibitions at the ICP's gallery. We searched out Duggal, a photo printing lab that was recommended to us from a salesperson at B&H. Aside from the usual printing options on paper, Duggal can print images onto canvas, silk, metal, even wood. And their samples of prints under thick, glossy plexiglass look really cool.

Eventually Nancy headed back to her host's home in Brooklyn and I continued wandering on my own. I had brought one of my pigeon-winged envelopes with me to photograph, to get a rough idea of what would work later when I bring the rest of the flock into the city. I taped my little paper messenger up in a variety of places - on billboards, phone booths, sidewalks - and I was surprised by the response from strangers passing by. One man even stopped to lean over and take a closer peak. That made me smile.

And then there was my own response. I like remaining somewhat invisible which is possible even in the middle of Times Square but I became self conscious in other neighborhoods, particularly in Soho where there are expensive galleries and fancy design shops. It's one of my favourite areas on New York so I'm not sure what was going on...just that little grumbling voice inside me saying, This is such a silly idea, why are you doing this, people are going to think you're a wierdo, this isn't good enough and did you forget to look in the mirror today 'cause what the heck is going on with that frizzy hair and baggy pants?? Damn discouraging voice in the head. I thought I got rid of it by my mid-thirties but it found me in Soho. And the thing is, I wouldn't think that of someone else - quite the opposite - so I why would I be saying this to myself? When I returned home later that evening, I opened up an email and read the supportive comments left for me on my blog. I can't tell you what a boost that was for my spirit - thank you.

 

Comments

[M]

I'm glad you ignored that "damn discouraging voice" as I'm sure your new photo series is going to be beautiful. I already love the initial "test runs" that you've done. Whimsical and inspiring.

[Lisa-Marie]

Ah the discouraging voice...I think it exists just to challenge us when we're going to try something different. Love your description of the man taking a peek at your work...that's a sign that it's art, i.e. when it pulls someone in to consider what's there. Your willingness to take chances continues to inspire and am looking forward to the next installment of this series.

[laurie]

Susanna,

I think it is such a great, great, great, beautiful, clever idea! Keep going! And when you hear that voice in your head, acknowledge it as just a thought, take a moment to focus on your breathing to get your mind away from the negative thought and then remember all of us who think this is a fabulous idea and wish we had thought of it but are so proud we know the person who did!!!(The reason to choose to think about your breathing for a moment is because we can only really have one thought at a time. Your breathing is always there and you are always doing it so you can never leave home with out it!) Can you tell I study mindfullness? haha!

Go team! Soooooo proud!
xo

[Ariane]

Don't listen to that little voice. I love your photos of your winged envelopes. Can't wait to see where else you place them.

[kristen]

it sounds like a great day. i'm dying to take a course at ICP - maybe my mother's day present...

thank you for the printing tip. i've been talking to a few friends about where to print and this seems like a good starting ground.

[Tracie Lyn Huskamp]

Suzanna... I have been meaning to leave a comment for sometime. I became an avid follower of your site after seeing it featured in Artful Blogger.

I am quite enchanted by your beautiful art. And amazed by the fact, each photograph or sketch seems to have such a serene quality, even when an image is taken amidst a bustling city like New York.

Thank you for inspiring me.

Warmly,
Tracie Lyn

[darlene]

i adore your winged envelopes, they are poetry in action and thank you for sharing these wonderful photos ... :)

[Kim H]

Oh so lovely... esp. Ghandi!

[Sharon Micklas]

I have enjoyed all your entries, they give me such inspiration. Your pigeon-winged envelopes are beautiful. I love the fact that they are taking flight in so many places. Keep up the wonderful journey.

[mary cooper]

Hi Susanna, I'm really happy to see your winged envelopes,I'd love to see more. Your entry made me think about creating. When does that voice come into our heads? Not when we are kids playing some where along the way. Maybe part of it is being out of your usual surroundings and trying some thing new. Any way I love the results and can't wait to see more.Love Mary Cooper

[Stephanie]

Susanna,
Of course I can understand these feelings, BUT, sheesh....you needn't have them!

This project is stunning and the images here wonderful.

Cannot wait to see more.
x...x
steph

[Sandra]

Gorgeous photos!
Sandra Evertson

[David N]

I picked up a quote on that inner voice you mention. Not sure who said it but maybe it applies: "Discipline is not listening to that nagging inner voice".

[somepinkflowers]

every single photo you post
tells the beginning of a story
and
it makes me want to create
my own ending...

:-)

the way you crop your shots,
moving in closer,
is such a talent of
less
is
more.

[Maralena (aka: mcdc3s)]

Block out that negative sound! I know your photos will be fantastic... as always. I loved looking at these pics.

I have been away from blogging for too long. My computer is up and running again. I see I will have a lot of catching up to do as far as checking out my list of blogs… and btw: I am going away for a week – leaving Friday. Will I ever catch up?

[Susan Tuttle]

Hi Susanna,
The whole concept of your winged envelopes and seeing what transpires when people interact with them on the street is pure magic. You never know what kind of impact it could have on the person that finds it, and what difference you could make in their lives.

You have such a talent for capturing the spiritual essences and energies of your subjects - even inanimate objects take on a life of their own.

I grew up in NJ (in Long Valley, about 30 mins from Somerville) so a part of me feels very at home when I visit your blog. I adore Maine, but there's something about the place we grow up in that stays with us.

It is so nice to connect with you. Thank you for your kind comments on my blog - they meant so much.

...and in regards to that inner censor that pops up now and then - someone once told me "Dance as if no one is watching."

Susan

[yolanda]

I loved these beautiful photos of your art work and the city.

[Mo'a]

Wonderful photos as usual...I feel that I sound like a broken record...I adore you photos...Where is the Gandhi statue...love it and the background and the image on the sidewalk...was that a chalk painting?
That pesky inner voice...always putting us down...I try not to listen to it, however sometimes it shouts to get my attention.

I think it would have been fun had you gone into one of the galleries in Soho and said "Hope you don't mind if I photograph my incredibly clever and beautiful envelopes here in your gallery...of course I will give your gallery a mention in my blog" :)

[Seth]

If I saw one of your paper messengers on my way around NYC...it would make my day! I am going to keep my eyes peeled tomorrow.

[michelle ward]

waaaaaaaaa! so cool you took your messengers to the city. can't wait to see where else they will turn up. i can already see this as a book - reminds me of the red balloon silent movie. so i expect a stop in paris *grin*

[nadine]

You know, I loved the images of your wings in the field, but surprise! They are equally wonderful in the big busy city!
More!

[caroline]

Yeah, that voice! These days I tell it - fine, so I don't look perfect or like everybody else, but why would I want to? It listens sometimes. I love seeing your flying friends out and about - it looks like it's dying to go with the bicyclists, leaning and reaching :) x

[Isabel]

Susanna,

I think the world needs more of these NYC photos of your wings.
I honestly think you should do a collection.
Coincidently, I was also in the city with a friend on the 1st for a celebration of poetry from the Academy of American Poets at the Avery Fisher Hall, but I missed your wings :-(

I wish I had seen them.

[rochambeau]

Hi there.
Like seeing your wings getting around the city!! It's just great! Did you leave secret messages? I like people like you who do creative things. No I would not think you a weirdo, not one bit!!! All other photos beautiful too Susanna.
xox
COnstance

[maddie]

Oh Susanna ~ i know all about that discouraging
voice when i drop off my little happy notes
on christmas eve ~

but my goodness your winged delights are
such a breath of pure and utter magic ~ and
i am sure you infused people with wonder
just to see you taking photo's of them ~ and
my very favorite shot is the one of the
winged envelope on the pole with the
man cycling past ~ that is
soooo gorgeous!

that would make such a divine
card ~ hint hint:)

sooooooooooooon so soooooooooooon i will
be meeting you and i simply am counting
the days with glee:)