Many artists’ studios feel like a cluttered curation, and sometimes they can be intimidatingly bohemian, but George Underwood’s creative haven in Greenpoint is surprisingly tidy and welcoming. The large prints on the walls and huge projector screen above, accompanied by a few audience seated chairs below compliments the fact that he is a devoted and driven photographer who is passionate about his work. Underwood, 30, views photography as more than just a hobby, but as a way to document modern day interactions in a fast-paced society. Being an only child of a single mother, he spent his alone time quietly observing places and people in his town, which sparked a love of photography through stilling those moments in time as an outside observer. From George’s own lens, literally and figuratively speaking, he captures how people interact with a space and with each other, surrounded by the technology ever so present in their lives. Continue reading →
Did you attend Greenpoint Open Studios last month, darlings? If so, you might’ve peeped at some shiny baubles and sparklers at Alev studio. The shapes are arty, geometric, and versatile. Sign me up for something pretty and edgy.
Peek some of our fave picks below and get ready to stock your jewelry box with one our local Greenpoint artists.
Greenpoint-based photographer Chris Moran shot his latest project at the launch party for Greenpoint Open Studios, using a black and white film and a double exposure technique to combine portraits with scenes around the neighborhood. Having been an action and sports photographer in California for a decade, he relocated to our ‘hood about a year ago.
Chris says: “I just wanted to trip people out that these crazy looking images were all made in a 35mm film camera with one lens. No post production. I feel like today people are so quick to edit and alter their images, it’s nice just to do it all in camera for once. For example, when someone throws a filter on their photo, do they know where the word filter comes from? Buying a physical filter, putting it on your lens, and then creating images, feels so much more real, and looks better too. People have been making double exposures for years, and there’s more then a few ways to do it. While all my commercial work is digital, it’s nice to keep some of my personal work tangible.” Continue reading →
Much of Greenpoint’s magic and mystery lies off the beaten path… beyond Manhattan Avenue, the “other side” of McGuinness, in the shadow of the BQE… this is where the artists thrive, where you’re free to make and create. Ultimately, it’s these nooks and crannies that make Greenpoint such a creative center.
Don’t be afraid to make the trip and meet these GOS artists!
This building may be a bit off the beaten path but worth making the trip. Visit Erin Lynn Welsh (image above), or any of the other two-dozen participating artists in the building.
Noah Prebish at San Damiano Mission/Lot Radio, GOS 2017
Since the introduction of its first archetype, the modern “art gallery” continues to evolve into many different forms today—as artists can be found showcasing their work in more intimate settings outside the institutional format of endless rooms and luminous ceilings.
During Greenpoint Open Studios (June 3-4), one can easily come across several types of art in unusual places; like an ambient soundscape from The Lot Radio (17 Nassau Ave) at the San Damiano Mission, where you can expect to hear a range of midi sound loops through its historic 700-pipe organ. Since its opening a little over a year ago, The Lot Radio has held several events within the church to raise money towards the pipe organ’s renovation. The program during GOS will be performed by composer and DJ Noah Prebish, who plays in the band Psymon Spine when he’s not at The Lot.
“Throughout the day, we’ll have different sized loops playing that will work similarly to a Steve Reich tape loop, so no sound will repeat exactly the same,” explains Noah. “When you walk into the church, each loop is going to sound a bit different. This will kind of showcase the abilities of the organ, which can be played really fast or really slow, or with several different tempos at once.” Prebish will also be accompanied by local musicians like Bryan Ujueta of Mr. Twin Sister and others, who will improvise with instruments over the loops.
Be sure to catch Noah’s soundscape piece at the church (85 North 15th Street) and scope out some of the other types of unexpected art you can find in the neighborhood after the jump. Continue reading →
* Fight the Feed @ Legion Bar (790 Metropolitan Ave) 8pm, $10, How do you really affect change? Does marching in the street actually reach the offices of power, or do you need to get a meeting in those offices before they’ll really listen. We break down the protest memes, and get to what really makes a difference, Buy tix ♫ Bad History Month, Dust from 1000 Yrs, Yazan @ Park Church Co-Op (129 Russell St) 8pm, An intimate show of solo performances, More info ♫ Deep Space Brooklyn @ Output (74 Wythe Ave) 10pm, $10, Known as an adventure into future dub, spacey vibes, and abstract grooves, Deep Space features dj’s, musicians, dancers and poets who represent a breathtaking range of styles celebrating dub’s impact on so many forms of art, Buy tixContinue reading →
There are over 400 Greenpoint artists participating in this year’s Greenpoint Open Studios. Thank you, and congrats, Greenpoint!
While we encourage everyone attending to explore and wander among the studios all weekend, we wanted to put together a few suggested routes, roughly 1 mile each, that could help you navigate the neighborhood, or at least have a launch point!
Starting in McCarren Park with the participating artists of the Go Green! festival, this self-guided walk takes you through and around the park, visiting artist studios on and near Manhattan Avenue before concluding with a special musical performance at The Lot Radio and the San Damiano Mission…
I make leather handbags, clothing, and hand painted textiles – all influenced by the high end designers I have worked for in the past and the rock and roll spirit of the 1970’s in New York City. Love combining leather, lace, and fringe in not so overtly feminine ways.
If you haven’t been before, Greenpoint Open Studios is an epic showcase of local art. Over the course of one weekend (this year June 3-4), hundreds of local artists open their studio doors to the public for an exciting peek inside their craft. It’s an uncurated, free event that allows visitors to get a glimpse of the process and space where artwork is created while engaging directly with its creators. Brooklyn has a long-standing reputation for being a hotbed of creativity and GOS is going to represent its northernmost tip in true Greenpoint fashion—by keepin’ it real—providing an open platform for showcasing the various expressions of our creative community’s imagination and skills. This year, we have more than 400 artists participating, and an exciting lineup of events: Continue reading →
Macha Jewelry is a witty, brazen little jewelry line that some Greenpointers might not know about. Bernice Kelly started the brand in 2009 and opened her design studio on West Street. Naturally, I had to share these sparkly gems with you. The pieces are certainly pretty but also carry a rebellious edge – it’s fine jewelry with a twist. And, what’s not to love?
If you’re thinking of making a shiny or glittery splurge this season, check out these ten new arrivals at Macha for your oh-so-cool spring aesthetic. You can also get a peek inside Bernice’s craft at her studio during Greenpoint Open Studios (June 3-4) in a couple of weeks.
Look in the mirror… Consider your mortality and wonder at the strange, complex reality of our urban density and proximity. Meet some young, ambitious artists who are new to Greenpoint. Taxidermy? Check. Indie record label? Check. Ceramic skulls? Check.
All of this in just a one mile stroll around McGolrick Park!
With over 400 Greenpoint artists participating in this year’s Greenpoint Open Studios, we encourage everyone attending to explore and wander among the studios all weekend! And for those of you looking for a place to kick off, we wanted to put together a few suggested routes, roughly 1 mile each, that could help you navigate the neighborhood.
Thank you for everyone participating! And congrats, Greenpoint!
Photography gives us the ability to create infinite worlds but I work with the simplicity of using real objects and space. I photograph objects in the most simple way. I approach my work playfully – experimenting with form, angles, poses and compositions. I subvert otherwise minimal images with a surreal edge. I use clean lines with odd geometry and unexpected forms to heighten the visual surprise and given a hint of the grotesque.
A young, energetic artist who is new to Greenpoint. I love to express myself through color and active brush strokes while merging the worlds of abstract and design.
