Since 1999 Sarah Merenda has called NYC home though her travels have brought her all over the world. Growing up in Eastern Maryland and joining the family wall paper installation business as a young woman earned her an expert education in a trade that she later paired with a formal arts education in textile design. Sprinkle in a little grit and graffiti with a dash of Indian flair, stir together and you get MerendaWallpaper.
Having discovered her work initially at the Dobbin St. events space, I now realize I’ve seen Merenda’s custom wall paper in hotels, workspaces, and residences over New York City.
We were lucky enough to chat with her about her inspiration and process here in NYC, just before she left for another trip!
Sarah Merenda with works
Greenpointers: You’ve traveled quite a bit… Even just in the USA: Baltimore, Atlanta, New York City… would you call NYC home? What makes NYC special?
Sarah Merenda: Yes, I feel like I have traveled more outside of the US then in it actually, but I would say New York City is my home. I’ve been living here since 1999.
I immediately felt at home in NYC the first time I visited when I was 15 and was inspired by the graffiti, the people, the ability to choose what you can do each day and be stimulated and learn from the cultures around me.
GP: In your travels, home or abroad, where would you say you’ve found the most inspiration?
Leon Reid IV with Load Paintings, Tech-Art: Soul For Technology
You may know Leon Reid IV through his street art or public art and now he has a new body of work conceived and developed in his Greenpoint studio over the last five years. Recently, I caught up with Leon at his studio to talk art, technology, and what it means to combine the two. Continue reading →
Originally born and raised in Brussels, Lewis Lazar is a Greenpoint-based painter and musician who draws elements of folklore into his visual artwork and photography journals. Throughout his career, he has had exhibitions worldwide in London, New York, and Nicaragua. Usually dabbling in watercolours, oil paintings, photography, etchings and Lino cut prints, Lewis creates to seek understanding of the world and communicate the acknowledgement of desires from needs, as well as disingenuous advertising when it comes to art and self-exposure. “It is not enough to know and to show, it also has to be lived and experienced,” he tells Greenpointers. Continue reading →
Narayan Lockett (right) in his Sensitive New Age Guy apparel
Narayan Lockett is an artist expressing a dialogue between popular culture and his personal aesthetic, best described by his Instagram handle, “@postfeminism.” Working out of an independent screen-printing studio in Greenpoint for his t-shirt line Sensitive New Age Guy, his messages intertwine boyhood vulnerability and feminist empowerment. He founded Sensitive New Age Guy in 2014, also starting a music podcast to promote eclecticism and free-spirited fashion. Continue reading →
You’ve probably seen her work around Instagram. And if you haven’t, Jenna Bouma of East River Tattoo(1047 Manhattan Ave) is known for her signature style illustrations – characterized by bold, vintage icons with a dismal charm… all done without the help of a machine. Her commitment to hand poking purveys a traditional emphasis on taking one’s time and doing it well, despite a high-volume clientele. In the midst of today’s mindful action concerning “faster/cheaper” output (which by the way, her Instagram handle is “@slowerblack“), it’s another admirable reason to put her on today’s spotlight.
Bryan Osburn. Untitled. Oil on canvas. 14 inches x 12 inches. 2012
A few weeks ago, painter Bryan Osburn was brutally attacked near his Greenpoint studio by a group of thugs who shattered his jaw and took his cell phone. Bryan has undergone extensive surgery to put his jaw back together and will need financial assistance as his body and mind heal.
106 Green has set up a fundraiser and the local artist community has rallied by donating artwork to help out one of their own. Donate, buy a raffle ticket, attend this Sunday’s event and show love the Greenpoint way! Here’s how you can help: Continue reading →
Bryan Osburn. Untitled. Oil on canvas. 14 inches x 12 inches. 2012
Boy oh boy, are things are getting rough on this northern tip of Greenpoint. If it wasn’t bad enough neighbors are having to deal with insane rent increases, head-splitting piling driving , sex-offender rumors, and Superfund sites, now folks need to watch their backs each time they go the to deli. Just ask Bryan Osburn, a 40 year old artist who was brutally assaulted by a gang of 4 thugs all for a cellphone, in front of God Bless Deli 2 on the corner of Clay Street and Manhattan Avenue. Continue reading →
Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lee O’Connor, an amazing Greenpoint photographer. This Friday, she’s celebrating the launch of her visceral, enigmatic portraits at Picture Farm Gallery. You’re invited! Continue reading →
There’s no better draw for a cool, fun-loving crowd than art and booze. Greenpoint Gallery Night, which we are once again media sponsors for, returns this Friday (3/20) from 7-10PM to bring this winning combo to our cozy little neighborhood. Several local galleries and businesses open up their doors after normal operating hours to give Greenpoint the opportunity to start the evening immersed in art, while sampling tasty, boozy libations along the way. So join us in kicking off the weekend with great drinks in great company, while getting a glimpse of what the art world in Greenpoint has to offer! RSVP here.
While each location is in close proximity to one another, we want to be sure to hit up every spot so have strategized a route for the most efficient art crawl.
Our very own talented Libby VanderPloeg is having an art show titled “Hard To Get” that is opening TONIGHT December 11, 2014 at 7pm at Brouwerij Lane (78 Greenpoint Ave). This will be a great show with great people! See you tonight, Greenpoint!
