Posts Tagged ‘new york’

• I think I am having a dream!

  Date: 2009.04.17 | Category: Crafts | Response: 0

  After being overwhelmed by SOFA on Wednesday evening it was great to return yesterday and actually meet some of the makers and talk to people involved. We still came to the conclusion that the European and Japanese work stands out and when I discussed this with Americans later they said they reckon it is because we have much more support for our makers – the Arts and Crafts Councils, Art schools and generally much more respect for Craft as an art form.

  I headed off for a meeting at the American Crafts Council in the afternoon and (after a very scary ride in a yellow cab and a panic about wondering where I was!) was made so welcome by Monica Hampton. She was really impressed by the HI-Arts website and what we do – I gave her a guided tour!

  Much discussion followed on ways we could work together and we both felt that this was the beginning of joint working and that there is so much we could both gain by this.

  Another quick taxi to change and then a real treat. We had been invited to the home of Bill and Laura Paulson for a reception to find out a bit more about the Pentland School of Crafts.

  This was no peanuts and warm white wine event – staff took our coats and we were whisked by lift to their penthouse apartment overlooking the river. Nibbles of mini hamburgers, sushi and other delights awaited us and a home that was unlike any other we had seen.

  As we watched the sun go down over the skyline from the roof garden we indeed felt that we would wake up today and think we had dreamt it all! I felt so privileged to get a glimpse of this other world and to speak with people whose life revolves in a completely different way to mine.I have persuaded at least two collectors to come to the Highlands to see what our makers do so I think I earned my wine!

  Our final event was a wonderful meal with a group of invited curators and people from the crafts scene. It seemed like our first really proper meal as there were vegetables, fruit and smaller portions. I sat beside a lovely girl whose job it is to go shopping for collectors and buy up new work for them! I have invited her to visit us too and made the rash promise that there would be no midges!

  So to today and another hectic schedule beginning with a visit to MAD ( Museum of Art and Design) and discussions with staff followed by studio visits. Tonight is a ‘free’ evening so we are debating where to go – a show, meal..or even just bed and sleep! I will let you know tomorrow!!

  Pamela
  17 April 2009, New York

• First we take Manhattan!

  Date: 2009.04.16 | Category: Crafts | Response: 0

  

  Work by an American Maker

  Before I went on my travels, my son took it upon himself to organise my MP3 player – alphabetically, by genre and with a special section of music for New York! The one song that keeps playing through my head so far is Leonard Cohen’s ‘First we take Manhattan’…  So – we are doing just that!

  After a lunch that left us all with plates that looked like they had not been touched even though we could all eat no more, we set off to explore galleries and exhibitions.

  Manhattan is fairly simple to navigate as it is all based on grids (just like Glasgow!) and everything seems to be within walking distance. However, our feet and legs tell us today that we must have walked miles! Some of us went to MOMA and came away overwhelmed by the crowds and have decided to try when it it quieter – I have seen very little sign of a financial downturn here but perhaps that is just where we are situated. Talking with people, they say that instead of shares the wealthy are investing in art works. Indeed there was a rash of red dots appearing on work at SOFA – many in the $40,000 + range!

  The SOFA reception was amazing – so many people in incredible clothes and you could nearly smell the wealth. We wandered in a daze clutching champagne and kept being stopped in our tracks by the sheer bad taste, garish colours and size of some of the American work (and many if them had red dots and huge price tags) – it was very difficult to not just concentrate on them! The American aesthetic is so different from the European and indeed Japanese. Our work stood out in with it’s beautifully executed craftsmanship, design and quality. It was hard not to compare a perfect work by Alison Kinnaird at $18,000 dollars with a ceramic figure decorated with wool that had been badly glued on (yes, you heard me right!) by Michael Lucero at $40,000!

  However, that was first impressions and we did find some gems in amongst the more obvious work. I am really looking forward to today when we go back to have a proper look, get a guided tour and a chance to talk to people as well as attend some lectures.

  After that, I am off to meet Monica Hampton at the American Crafts Council to talk to her about their Searchlight mentoring scheme – amongst other things. Hopefully, I will take away some ideas for our plans! Then it’s on to The Pentland School of Craft Artists Reception at the home of Bill and Laura Paulson followed by our group dinner with invited curators and artists! Luckily the sun is shining and I had a few hours sleep last night!

  One really important part of a trip like this is having the opportunity to spend time with colleagues who are as passionate about crafts as you are. The discussions that follow events, the planning of new projects and the sharing of ideas are invaluable and if that involves a trip to the top of the Rockefeller Tower for cocktails all the better! The views last night were stunning and I was fine if I didn’t look down!

  Now it’s on to take on today’s experiences! I’ll be reporting back later.

  Pamela
  16 April 2009, New York

• From Lochaber to Manhattan

  Date: 2009.04.15 | Category: Crafts | Response: 0

  

  Central Park, New York

  After all the preparation and planning we have finally arrived in New York after an early start, straightforward flight and taxi to the hotel. ‘We’ are a group of twelve Craft curators/officers who are here to be immersed in the American craft scene, carry out individual research and promote what we do to professionals and makers in the USA.

  First impressions are that New York is actually not as big as we thought – especially the Statue of Liberty! The architecture is amazing and incredibly impressive – I love the towering buildings overlooking Central Park and we were amused to see a very classy dentist carrying out treatment on a patient in full view of the street looking onto the park.

  After a celebratory cocktail, it was an early night before we build up to a hectic schedule.Today we meet at midday and then three lucky members of the group (we have to draw straws!!) are off to visit the home of collector and philanthropist, Nanette Laitman to view her collection of contemporary craft – and her apartment!

  If my name is not selected, I will go to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) as it is close by and they have some wonderful exhibitions on. Tonight we are invited to the preview and reception of SOFA (The International Expositions of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art) which should be so exciting – not least for the people watching!

  I will be reporting back from it all tomorrow and hope the rain stays off – the grey clouds and drizzle remind me of home! However, the forecast is for sunshine after today so I am keeping my fingers crossed!

  Pamela Conacher, New York
  15 April 2009