Guggenheim | Inspiration Galore

Continuing on my journey of discovering inspirational and creative spaces, I ventured to The Guggenheim, a staple of the New York City art scene since its opening in 1959. Not only is the architecture of this building stunning, the interior aestheticism will take you for a spin (literally).

Upon entering this beautiful behemoth of spiraling gallery space, museum goers are escorted into an elevator and taken up to the sixth floor in order to begin their descent down each floor of exhibitions. The unique architecture of the space is an experience in itself, the unconventional rotunda design provides visitors a fluid sense of interacting with the contemporary collections in a way that feels more personal. As I began working my way down each floor I couldn't help but notice the amount of young artists that stood along the sidelines, sketchbook and pencil in hand, consumed with the artwork in front of them in attempt to find inspiration in the work of the greats. Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect behind the art museum, sought to elevate and enhance the human experience through his designs and I must say he succeeded.

Vision by Alphonse Osbert

From Van Goh to Picasso and every great artists in-between the stark contrast of the slanting white walls and the modernism adorning them draws your undivided attention into each individual piece. As I was working my way past Calder and Pollock, I noticed something ahead, something that didn't match the rest...was that a burgundy hallway in the distance? Yes, it was in fact and it led to my favorite exhibition, Mystical Symbolism: The Salon de la Rose+Croix in Paris 1982-1987. The exhibition space features works that take a step away from the contemporary and more modern art of the main space of the Guggenheim and takes you to a more magical and extravagant artistic point of view. With blue velvet sofas accenting the space and beautiful frames surrounding the paintings, I was completely enamored with the change in atmosphere.

The Death of Orpheus by Jean Delville

Personage by Joan Miró

Stepping back into the main space, I continued in my journey through contemporary art and I had a startling realization. I realized how many people move through the museum as quickly as possible without noticing the very short, yet in depth descriptions written about specific works of art that hide within them insight into the minds of artists and their creative process. As an artist I believe it is imperative to understand how other creative minds work, because that open-mindedness allows for the flow and exchange of creative energy. The beauty behind visiting an art museum is just that, allowing yourself to be immersed into the inner-world of an artist through each and every work of art they produce because those canvases are an extension of their being.Although some may joke and ask, "How does this piece make you feel?" that is the point of art to my understanding; creating a piece of work that makes someone feel something, whatever that may be.

Take Miró for example in the above description of his creative process, without reading the description how could one understand the process behind the abstract Personage painting? Now I'm not saying that every artist has to go through a hunger-induced hallucination to create art, but there is beauty in such madness.

The Guggenheim as an entirety opened my mind to the experience of a space and the impact that has on perception, from the architecture to the pragmatic placement of each piece of work the space speaks to the creative process. After leaving the museum, my interest in the uniqueness of the experience left me with a thirst for wanting to know more in how it all came together. So of course, as any millennial would, I took to my right-hand man Google and it all started to make sense in why the nonsense felt so right. In an excerpt from an article about the museum's architect, Frank Lloyd Wright and his creative process;

Good architecture, Wright wrote in a 1908 essay, should promote the democratic ideal of "the highest possible expression of the individual as a unit not inconsistent with a harmonious whole." That vision animates the Guggenheim Museum. In the course of descending the building's spiral ramp, a visitor can focus on works of art without losing awareness of other museumgoers above and below. To that bifocal consciousness, the Guggenheim adds a novel element: a sense of passing time. "The strange thing about the ramp—I always feel I am in a space-time continuum, because I see where I've been and where I'm going," says Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer, director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Every moment of my time within this space made me feel as though I were taken into another realm, one that allowed a pure and personal experience of interacting with art, yet also a very conscious collective experience of existing within the space itself.

Keep it creative xx

P. S.

Modern Artistry: Hercules NYC

There is a difference between a photographer who takes a photo and an artist who brings life to an image. Meet Erick Urgiles, better known as Erick Hercules to his 68.3K Instagram followers, an artist, entrepreneur and most importantly, inspiration to young artists. Social media has gathered unsurmountable attention within the past decade, today platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have become society’s go-to source of information for just about anything and everything. Young talents within the realm of the arts thus use the exposure that the internet provides to showcase their work and progress in hopes of gathering attention in their field of expertise.

I had the privilege of interviewing Erick “Hercules” Urgiles, 25, opera singer turned photographer, changing the Instagram game one puddlegram and levitation shot at a time. Coming from an artistic family, Urgiles has innately had a knack for the arts. At age eight, Urgiles began his singing career by auditioning to be part of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, with whom he sang professionally until age 18. Urgiles graced the stages of Madison Square Garden, Lincoln Center, Radio City and Carnegie Hall throughout his professional singing career, one that still holds a big part in his life today.

It wasn’t until 2012 that Urgiles picked up a camera. “My friend and I started a small t-shirt brand, I needed a lookbook,” says Urgiles, “But after the shots, I decided to give up the brand and focus on music and photography.” It was then that Urgiles started posting to Instagram and began receiving good feedback, after a while people became more and more interested in his work and Urgiles found that, “photography was even replacing music.”

“I realized that photography was my forte when brands started emailing me about wanting to work with me,” says Urgiles, “My following growth rate also took me by surprise, it went from 50 new followers a day and is currently up to 100 to 150 new followers daily, now it’s a serious thing.”

“When I became a part of the Instagram community, I found it to be a place where many photographers met and supported each other. Slowly each person grows from looking at each other's work in a friendly competitive way,” says Urgiles.

“It’s about not being scared of a challenge, this community really pushes you to be a better artist,” says Urgiles, “I have done some pretty risky things just to get the perfect shot, including climbing to the top of the Brooklyn Bridge and breaking into abandoned subway tunnels among other questionable photo-adventures.”

“I want to ultimately be a freelance photographer for brands and magazines.  Ranging from photography for editorials as well as product photography. I enjoy making art out of all that. I don't mind landscapes, but I have found that my most meaningful images contain a subject such as a human or a product; brand marketing,” says Urgiles.

Urgiles, originally from Ecuador, didn’t realize until about two years ago that his photography was gathering attention. Social media and specifically Instagram became his biggest platform, now @erickhercules has reached almost 70 thousand Instagram followers.

What makes Instagram unique is the creative community that has been created through its’ means. Many are unaware that there is a secret society that has come into fruition within the past couple years. Every month or so Instagrammers come together from all over the world at what they call “Insta-meets”, which are usually hosted in major cities, New York City being one of the most visited due to the overabundance of creativity that walks its’ streets. At these events Instagrammers have the opportunity to praise their fellow artist’s and photographer’s work in person, thus creating a more close-knit artistic community.

What Instagram has enabled is a way for individuals to come together and mutually benefit from each other’s talents. With an interim so wide there are limitless opportunities presented to the virtual artistic community.

“After a while this community has become an integral part of my growth as a photographer because I get inspired on the daily by all the amazing photographers I follow that truly make me take MY art to the next level,” says Urgiles, “I'm sure this works both ways. We tend to keep each other on our toes, seeing what each of us has to offer, and then learning from that and applying it to our art.”

What poses a challenge to aspiring photographers and artists attempting to get noticed on social media is the immense amount of competition that is already out there. Urgiles has managed to set himself apart and has created his own small community of Instagrammers through creating and coining the hashtags #thepuddlegames, #puddlegram, #iphoneonly, #bringthephoneback and #welevitate, through which he has been noticed by Humans of New York and websites such as; Buzzfeed.com, Risingabovethenoise.com, PE.greats.com, Scoge.co and Cyclonelife.net

Instagram has provided thousands of aspiring artists and photographers to expose their work in hopes of becoming successful, Urgiles has already been contacted by the likes of Mercedes Benz, Marc Ecko, Palladium Boots and Stutterheim Raincoats, just to name a few, to represent their brands through his unique photography style.

@erickhercules on #welevitate: “What inspires me the most is the transient feeling of ‘supernatural’ that one can capture in an elevated portrait.” says Urgiles, “I also realized that if my subject is captured midair, the viewer is pulled into an image that holds a moment in motion that has not yet reached its conclusion — hence, defying gravity, even if only for a momentary pause. To me, that definitely tells a captivating story of unpredictability since we don’t yet know what will follow.”

Feed Your Mind & Soul

There are many factors that affect brain function, and since all I do is talk about focusing and garnering creativity I figured I'd take a slightly different approach today and touch upon foods and supplements that actually have been proven to have a positive impact on cognition.

Green Superfood


These supplements are available at your local vitamin shop and are potent in nutrients and packed with natural plant-based energy. Skip the coffee and stir up some green juice. I have been starting my day with this particular brand called Amazing Grass Green Superfood Energy and have successfully cut out coffee from my diet. Not only does this superfood keeps you focused and alert, but its ingredients include wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, spirulina, broccoli, spinach, carrot, beet, pineapple and açai, which all contribute to your daily servings of fruits and vegetables. I highly recommend this product as an addition to your daily diet.

Ginko Biloba

This specific supplement has shown to improve blood flow to the brain and acts as an antioxidant. Some studies have found that Ginko Biloba boosts memory and cognitive speed. Also known as maidenhair, this ancient Chinese plant extract also acts as an anti-inflammitory and circulation boosting herbal qualities. Win-win situation if you ask me.

Avocado

Yes, I said it. Avocado has brain-boosting qualities. Containing both vitamin K and folate, avocado actually helps prevent blood clots in the brain which protects against stroke and also boosts cognitive function. This green powerhouse is packed with benefits (including memory and concentration). So next time you're feeling sluggish, crack that green baby open and treat yourself to some avo toast. P.S. have you heard about Avocaderia? Yep, an avocado bar, you heard me right.

Keep it brainy xx
P. S. 

PSjustwords

Creative growth is something that is vital to existing as an artist. I have been on this journey of passion for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't until a little over four years ago during a college drawing class that I had realized that I needed to spill my thoughts onto paper. So let me take you on a little part of of my personal creative journey, and share with you the moment that ignited my creative spark and has kept me going to this day; my final presentation given to a class of thirty, hands shaking, voice breaking and heart racing. With the backdrop of sleepless nights of meticulous creative passion behind me; ink, paint and words—lots of words, I made myself vulnerable.

We wander these streets wondering if maybe one of these days we’re going to find ourselves amongst the chaos, among the trees, hiding and yearning to be found. Everyday I wander and search for something that can’t be found, something that maybe doesn’t exist. That something is passion, passion for something, someone, ourselves. Passion exists. It is something so beautiful and powerful that most of the time is a feeling so incomprehensible that we believe that we are incapable of possessing it. I am a wanderer…lost in a sea of madness. The world that surrounds me is mediocre at best, exciting yes, interesting maybe, but pointless without being passionate about something. This is where I truly lose myself…I realize that I am not passionate about anything. Reaching deep down into my soul I realize that I do possess a passion, a passion to create and discover parts of myself that I did not know existed. It is amazing to realize that a soul so young can be so complex. These thoughts that only now I have been able to acknowledge have been burning a hole in who I am. I was lost and still am, but the road that I have finally discovered, the one that leads to to the deepest and darkest parts of myself is finally one that I feel brave enough to explore and conquer. On this road I will find pieces of a broken person, pieces of a broken heart and pieces of who I actually am. Picking up the pieces of something that is broken is difficult and putting that something back together requires tedious effort. This is something that I am finally prepared to do. At last I am brave enough to realize who I am and who I want to be. • 3:03 pm  •  11 April 2014

To be great is to be misunderstood. I tremble with the need to unravel the vines that are clinging to my throat and wrap around my brain. The words come out like spilled coffee…no mercy. But virgin ears refuse to acknowledge my madness.• 2:07 am  •  16 April 2014

 
Why is it that throughout our lives we yearn for the most impossible, unrealistic, fucked up, frivolous, dangerous and ridiculous things? This happens because we are all dreamers lost in a sea of madness. This world is cruel and unfair and we have to deal with the consequences of treading the unknown, but the most beautifully powerful thing that we own is curiosity which leads us to discover ourselves alongside the universe that surrounds us. This universe is marvelous, something so immense and terrifying that we choose to throw ourselves into it hoping that one day we will run into the person that we want to be. Our lives are compiled of a finite number of moments that define the legacy we will eventually leave behind. In this compilation of moments there are many that lead us to ponder self destruction. What I have learned is that as we perpetually destroy ourselves we learn to take a step back and realize how broken we are. This brokenness is something that should be embraced because that is exactly what defines the essence of our being. As I sit here and write down my overflowing thoughts my lungs are stained and my heart is recovering, but my head sits firmly on my shoulders…it hasn’t been there for a while. • 3:41 am  •  27 April 2014  

I finished reading my words, I looked up and in that moment I felt something that I had never experienced before, exposed. For the first time my art wasn't just my escape—it became my reality. Since that day I haven't stopped writing, I haven't stopped drawing and I will never stop creating.

My head is still in the clouds, I'm just trying to keep my feet on the ground.

P. S.

How-To Unlock Creative Roadblock

If you're like me, creativity plays a pivotal role in your livelihood and well-being as both an artist and a person. Unfortunately, most things that have such beauty also on occasion reveal an ugly side and in terms of creativity the biggest downfall is the dreaded creative block. Luckily just like a bad haircut, this lapse in creativity doesn't have to last forever. Take a deep breath and let me walk you through how to unlock creative roadblock.

Step 1: Stop what you're doing.

Taking on a creative endeavor requires interest in the subject at hand, so how are you supposed to channel new ideas if you're bored. If you find yourself staring at a computer screen, blank canvas or half finished sentence the best thing that I have found to work in my favor is to simply stop. A lot of the time forcing inspiration results in lackluster and stagnant work. Come back to it in an hour with a clear head and tabula rasa of the mind may bring with it a fresh perspective.

Step 2: Change your environment.

Atmosphere is everything when it comes to creativity, as I have mentioned time and time again. Everything from the chair you're sitting on to the guy talking with his hands in the corner of the room influences how well a person functions in a particular situation. So if you find yourself getting frustrated after spending what feels like eternity on a single task, just get up and go! Take a walk, get some fresh air, try out that new coffee shop across the street.

Step 3: Have a conversation.

Surrounding yourself with conversation is beneficial for a few reasons. Bouncing around un-finished ideas or concepts with anyone, even if they aren't themselves all that creative, can spark a new train of thought for yourself. Creative criticism, more often than not, can be encouraging as well as enlightening. Everyone thinks differently so sharing your thoughts with another person can lead to something great.

Step 4: Write it down.

New ideas sometimes come in moments of random inspiration. Carry around a small notebook or even open up a new note in your smartphone and jot down something, those moments of little nothings can amount to a whole lot of something. I almost never leave the house without a small notebook and pen in my bag and for those rare times that I don't I write thoughts down in my phone and come back to them. When you're feeling tired and un-inspired, take a look and allow your mind to fall back into that heads-space because you could have been on to something.

Step 5: Set small goals.

Alright, so you're back in the zone. Now it's time to try again, but before you do make a short list of what you are seeking to accomplish and break it down into smaller goals for yourself. Using this checklist as a guideline of progress, the seemingly impossible task at hand becomes more realistic.

Step 6: Reward yourself.

Motivation at times needs a little bit of incentive, so after setting small goals for yourself in the previous step work in some small rewards. They can be as simple as a snack (because who doesn't like food, duh) or scrolling through Instagram for 15 minutes, this way your mind takes a short break and your focus can be re-calibrated. Another tactic that I have found works wonders is setting aside a specific amount of time for whatever creative endeavor it may be and making plans afterwards, that way accomplishing your goal becomes movie night with bae or happy hour with the girls (win-win situation)

Step 7: Never stop creating.

At times, the sheer frustration and discouragement of creative block makes it hard to keep going. The one thing that an artist should never do is give up on their passion. This too shall pass and what is at the other end is silver lining sanity. Keep pushing forward because the satisfaction of creating something is the beauty of being the creator.

STAY PASSIONATE xx

P. S. 

"Silver lining sanity, carry me home." - Paulina Stanisz (ink on paper)

Procrastination Nation

A Beautiful Mess is a creative blog started by sisters Emma Chapman and Elsie Larson, this technically a lifestyle blog but the topics that they cover are not only do-it-yourself projects. These sisters actually have a handful of e-courses and one of them is called Blog Life which is all about how to become a blogger and sustain a functioning website. Since I am new to this blogosphere I was  browsing their blog and notices an aptly named article titled "Help Me I Procrastinate". Reiterating the fact that I do work full time and go to school simultaneously, that leaves little time to get to blogging. But this sister duo has a few key points that have helped me manage my time slightly better. These include;

1. Lists + Planning: Organize your schedule
2. Variety of Work: Don't bore yourself
3. Work Hours Rule: One thing at a time

Check out this fun and quirky article and see what else you can learn!

Keep your head in the game :)

P. S. 

Wonderfactory Wonderful

There are a few companies that have jumped on the bandwagon of creative workspaces, Google being the leading contender on that endeavor. Doing some research on creative office spaces I stumbled upon a pretty done pace of an advertising agency that specializes in digital marketing. The space is not only innovative, but also aware of employees needs on a level that is subtle yet powerful. 

The Wonderfactory is located in New York City and is home to a bouquet of creative minds. Each space in the office was designed with purpose and the intent is apparent: to spark creativity and support collaboration. The co-founders of the office space are supportive of the integration of open space coupled with open creativity. Even the entrance takes you for a loop being hidden behind a bookcase, from beginning to end the experience of being in their work environment leaves you wanting more. The immense detail within each room is marketed towards a specific type of experience, whether that be collaborative or independent. Not only do the spaces show a difference in color scheme and ambiance, the way the rooms are connected fosters a sense of fluidity within the work space thus allowing for employees to come together. 

P. S.

Ace Is The Place

While in college or working a demanding job, many New Yorkers don't have the luxury of having a workspace that promotes productivity. Being both a student and a working full time, my schedule pleads for a solace of sorts. Libraries have gotten stale over the years and Starbucks just doesn't cut it anymore. After losing the concentration game time and time again, I began my mission to find a space where my mind could let go of anxiety and my thoughts could finally find clarity again. So where does an inconspicuous silent meeting of the minds occur on a daily basis—The Ace Hotel, its lobby to be exact. The space is decorated with a melange of furniture and people alike, the atmosphere is quintessentially quirky with just enough ambiance to foster a sense of belonging without uttering a whisper to the millennial typing away on their Macbook two chairs to your left. 

The Ace Hotel sits on the corner of Broadway and 29th Street in midtown Manhattan, the building, erected in 1904, still stands as a commanding piece of architecture in what was to become an avenue of hotels. Originally The Breslin Hotel, the 344 room property was one of the most renowned residence hotels in the early 20th century. In 2008 the Ace Hotel Group bought out The Breslin's existing lease and in 2010 the architectural firm Roman & Williams completed what is now a property that layers both the old and new and draws business professionals and creatives alike. The lobby's communal workspace is a mix of the old and the new, with library style tables and velvety red couches, the dimly lit space boasts high ceilings and a jazzy soundtrack, all aspects being held together with the low hum of unobtrusive conversation. Those visiting the Ace in need of some inspiration can immerse themselves in the creative essence of the lobby's atmosphere, which is accented by books and paintings and brought to life through the unique clientele.

The Ace also offers an array of food and beverage choices including, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, The Breslin Bar & Dining Room, John Dory Oyster Bar and No. 7 Sub, all accessible without giving up your seat at the table next to an outlet. You can spend hours at The Ace without missing a beat and if you're productive enough maybe your night will end in a dance party. I'm not kidding, the Ace hosts "Lobby Nights" which feature a different DJ every Wednesday and Saturday night at 10:00 p.m. where the lobby itself turns down the lights and turns up the funk. 

As you leave the lobby, look to your left and painted above the front desk there is a phrase that just might keep you coming back for more: Excelsior—ever upwards.

P. S.

Slowly Drifting in NYC

My name is Paulina and I am a creative. Like many others, I came to New York City in the hopes of finding myself and my creative identity, yet over the years I have come to realize that amidst my chaotic soul searching I had ended up losing myself instead. Throughout the five years I have called this city home, I constantly find myself being pushed to figure out what sort of environment fosters my creativity, be that writing or sketching. I invite you to join me on the search for people and places that drive creative inertia.

It's 9 a.m. I'm the first one here. Bedford Street as the city awakens. My table, flanked by the coffee machine and the front window, affords me a sense of privacy, where I withdraw into my own atmosphere...The small café feels chilly. So why are the fans turning? Maybe if I stare at them long enough my mind will turn as well. It's not so easy writing about nothing. -Patti Smith, M Train

Patti Smith and I share two specific things, our conveniently literarily relevant initials P.S. (post script) and our passion for stream-of-consciousness writing. It's a beautiful thing to have the ability to exist in a current moment both mentally and physically, but with our lives moving a million miles a minute it is often difficult to find a space that fosters presence. Smith effortlessly describes her current state of being—simple and honest, yet striking. Even in her admittance of feeling uninspired, she refers to her environment to find a spark of inspiration. This blog is an homage to the daydreamers, the artists, the writers, looking for moments in a city of divine chaos. 

My head is still in the clouds, I'm just trying to keep my feet on the ground. Whenever I feel lost I always remind myself that; right here, right now, I am here and nowhere else. 

Let's make moments.

P. S.