NYC Visit

I did a quick 3-day trip to NYC before Thanksgiving.

My husband had a conference, so I tagged along while our kids and dogs stayed home with our dear friend.

As many of you know, I lived in New York for 15 years starting in 2005, so going back always feels like returning to home.

Day 1: I met up with my dear friend and crochet artist, Taryn Urushido. We used to share the same studio building in Greenpoint, and we supported each other through some art markets and workshops. We still text often, but being together in person again felt soooo special. We spent hours at Ruth Asawa’s solo show at MoMA.

Did you know Ruth was rejected 5 times from Guggenheim Fellowships and never got it?

That's something inspiring isn't it? Even that kind of amazing talent got rejected many times.

Taryn and I promised that one day we’ll have a show together. I hope it happens: )

Day 2: I met Linda and Debra, friends from my Kyoto tour in October. We visited Japan Society to see Chiharu Shiota's work. They shared how much they loved Kyoto and Nara, and it was so nice to reconnect.

That evening, I met Ragna Froda I worked with her through Parsons School of Art. She also organizes Textile Art Month in New York, works for Trend Union. She is also super talented artist as well. She invited me to a textile art show opening in midtown, and being surrounded by that creative energy reminded me how much I miss those connections.

Day 3: I met up with Hide (Hidenori Ishii). We worked together years ago as studio assistants for Takashi Murakami. He’s one of the most skilled painters I know. We caught up over amazing ramen, then walked to Chelsea to see shows—Jeff Koons, Alex Katz, Shiota, and many more. The galleries there are overwhelming but so inspiring, and it’s all free to see.

I also stopped by Hunter College to visit Saul(Saul Gomez), who recently moved from Denver to pursue his MFA. I’m a little jealous of his chance to focus fully on art in NYC... He’s such a motivated artist and I’m glad we got to meet.

Oh, New York, I missed you so much!! but I’m happy to return to my house, my backyard, my two dogs… and yes, my kids too. lol.

Feeling energized and ready to make more art!