A Little History

When I was in high school, my guidance councilor, (and I use that term loosely), asked what I wanted to do in the next phase of my life after graduation. I had been thinking about this, as every 17 year old student does and decided that a creative life was my calling. I also definitely did not want to be the cliche, “starving artist.” I mentioned a career in Fashion Design to said councilor his reaction was, “Do your parents know you want to go to NYC?” How helpful. My wonderful parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams so all good there.

I love NYC and have lived here off and on throughout my life. Having the good fortune to attend college at Parson’s School of Design, working as a designer, and now as an artist keeping track of the market, finding inspiration in the works of other artists, curators, and the general vibe that pulses through this wonderfully unique, ever changing city. I will always consider it home. However, where I once found the pace of the city exhilarating, I now find it can be rather exhausting after a few weeks. I am so lucky to be able to split my time between here and Park City, where I take all that inspiration and create in my home studio in the mountains of Utah.

My Neighborhood | Hudson Yards

My current place is located in the newly developed Hudson Yards neighborhood. My apartment sits at the top of the High Line, on the 14th floor overlooking the Hudson River, which I love. Being anywhere near water always grounds my soul. The top left photo shows The Vessel, a recently installed tourist attraction and a wall that is the start to a huge mural, a work in progress. I have an almost daily walk down the High Line, a beautiful garden on the old elevated train line that runs for 34th Street down to the Whitney Museum around 14th Street. As I wander back home on street level, I stop in the galleries in Chelsea to see what is new, and there is always something new, like this exhibit from Calida Rawles, “A Certain Oblivion” @ Lehmann Maupin Gallery.

Here is Franz Ackermann in the Templon Gallery in Chelsey. These huge paintings done by this German artist are a mad collage of color and vignettes of the cities he explores for inspiration. I particularly liked the mirrors he incorporated to also capture the viewer. You can see my feet in the first one at the bottom. Kind of like being in a fun house at a carnival.

I recently took a collage workshop with the wonderfully talented Alayne Spafford. Since I did the workshop I have been really noticing other collage artists. Here is Romare Bearden, (1911-1988). I like the landscape feel to them and the vibrant colors. Still more than relevant today, these were all around 30″ give or take so not so big.

Last but not least, one of my all time favorite artists still living, painting and exhibiting at the age of 99, Richard Mayhew! I am always excited to see his work. Oh those colors…

This trip was full of thankfulness, spending time with family, art and lastly the launch of the Holiday Season! If you are looking for a special gift for someone you love, please stop by the Summit Gallery and give the gift of art! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, cynthia_mcloughlin to see paintings hot off the easel! Happy Holiday’s everyone!