This weekend I had a chance to participate in the Making Art In The World panel during Pratt Institute’s Reignite weekend. It was great to be back at Pratt, but as it often happens with panels, we didn’t have enough time to discuss everything. I admit, I left Pratt with a lot on my [...]
How do we get to that mysterious moment when we know we are ready to get out of our comfort zone? This question passed my mind while getting back home after one of my “new” modified workouts. As most of you know by now, we are expecting a baby boy. It feels pretty amazing. This [...]
As artists, I hope that these difficult financial times make us approach our work differently. That our studio time becomes full of fresh ideas and endless experimentation without feeling the pressure of sales.
But most importantly, I hope that we as people understand the need around us and dedicate some time to help others in [...]
Ahhh! is what I said when I received notification that I’ve been nominated for a grant earlier this year. This week, I received notification that I wasn’t one of the eight fortunate artists that were selected to receive the grant…Ohhh
Although I didn’t get the grant, I’m very grateful to the person who [...]
After an eventful summer with so many exciting changes and challenges (more on that soon), I took a last break before the beginning of the new season. Before flying back home, we received an unexpected visit by tropical storm Hanna. She woke us up in the middle of the night with an amazing display of [...]
I used to see myself as an artist that liked to run and to practice yoga. After years of equally enjoying all three — one day — they suddenly merged. Yoga for me is that special place where I’m just myself as I flow through poses like mountains, trees, triangles and warriors. I find all [...]
During yoga class, the instructor tells us to make each pose our own ⎯ and I like to apply this to art as well. As artists, we are part of a community. We constantly share ideas and look at each other’s work, but when we create, we make it ours.
Last month, I met with video [...]
With the warm weather, heavy rains we are having in New York, and sweet smell of fresh fruit in our kitchen, this summer I’m moving at a slower pace.
On my days off from work, I run a bit later than usual because by the time I finish running the fruit market is open. After [...]
This morning I ran the Achilles Hope & Possibility 5M, an event full of encouragement and celebration. It’s held in Central Park by the Achilles Track Club. Achilles is an international organization whose mission is to “enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics, to promote personal achievement, enhanced self esteem, [...]
As I turned and walked on the street to get to a meeting, I could sense I was a stranger. I knew the only way to make a connection was by using a universal language ⎯ an unconditional smile. So I smiled at the people around me and they smiled back at me…and there was [...]
As artists, we are often asked about what influences us. One of my favorite artists and a major influence is the Brazilian artist, Hélio Oiticica (1937-1980). Oiticica was interested in the total integration of his work with the experience of life. In the exhibition catalogue, Hélio Oiticica: The Body of Color, he says: “the world [...]
…a marathon, not a sprint.
We’ve heard that so many times and it’s so true. It doesn’t matter how much we try to rush things, the result is always the same: everything takes time.
I’ve never ran a marathon. But in the races I’ve ran, I have learned how every single step and breath we take is [...]
Although the weather widget on my computer shows that it’s currently 25 degrees — the spring is almost here!
This week, I saw a very picturesque view of Central Park — a bright afternoon sunlight, dogs pulling their owners while running toward the park, kids in their hockey team uniforms, spirals of birds flying, and [...]
During the winter, I usually hit the treadmill at the gym. This winter, I decided to take the challenge to run outdoors. Although I’ve been living in New York City for a long time, I just can’t get used to cold weather. Anything below 60 degrees is cold for me.
For those of you interested in [...]
This week, I went to see the two-part exhibition Five Points Make a Man by the American performance artist and sculptor Michael Werner Gallery.
The gallery, located in a residential building, isn’t a typical sterile white box. I thought this helped make the performance more powerful. The floor is painted black. A barefoot woman wearing a [...]
My world was upside down while doing a headstand during yoga class. Getting ready for the pose is a challenge, but once in the pose, it feels so calm. I left the class thinking of ways to stay calm throughout my day.
As part of my job, I travel uptown, downtown to the eastside and [...]
Thank you all so much for your nice emails and updates. I’m happy to learn some of you began to run (awesome!), that bambinos will fill your homes this year (double awesome!), and news about your projects and exhibitions. Congratulations! What a great way to start the new year.
One of my new year’s resolutions is [...]
This week has been loaded with information and like the storm we had in New York yesterday – powerful and abundant. I heard wonderful stories from artists talking passionately about their work to strong women talking about their new lives after being incarcerated. Wow!
It was interesting to see how everyone’s experience had something in common [...]
Last week I went to my former job to help with the transition. While I was organizing papers on top of the desk, I found this hilarious drawing and laughed so loud!
I don’t know who made the drawing, but I’m grateful to the sweet student who thought I was a super librarian and drew me [...]
Today, at the Paula Radcliffe (Great Britain), winner of women’s division. She finished in 2:23:09, and she just had a baby in January! Photo: AP Photo/Kathy Willens
art & life by rossana martinez
A couple of nights ago, I received a call from my friend (and coworker) Tammy. This is my last week at work and I thought something was wrong. I answered my phone and asked her if everything was ok. She said: “you’re famous!” I laughed and asked her what was going on. She told me [...]
This morning, I unconsciously ran toward the Brooklyn Bridge. I was still a bit sleepy when I realized I was on the bridge and about to get to the first anchorage. At that moment, I looked up and noticed that the sky was pink and the sun was a huge orange ball. I ran back [...]
The week has been full of emotions. My head is spinning. Yesterday, I sat down and attempted to write coherently, but couldn’t. Here is what I came up with while running this morning:
*Everyone has been so supportive. Feeling loved is definitely the best thing in life.
*It was hard to write a resignation letter.
*I moved all [...]
The day was just awakening when I ran this morning and passed the Brooklyn Promenade. The sunlight reflected on the water, the buildings in Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty. What a beautiful day, this is such a magical place!
I recently read the Brooklyn Rail’s Tribute to Elizabeth Murray (1940–2007). It was so nice to [...]