Seeking New York by Tom Miller

Book Jacket for
Seeking New York: The Stories Behind the Historic Architecture of Manhattan - One Building at a Time by Tom Miller

On a rainy and muggy Tuesday evening I made my way over to The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York on 44th Street to attend a talk sponsored by The New York Landmarks Conservancy. Tom Miller, the author of one of my favorite blogs, A Daytonian in New York, has authored a wonderful new book Seeking New York: The Stories Behind the Historic Architecture of Manhattan - One Building at a Time published by Rizzoli, and he shared interesting stories of some of his favorite buildings along with the history and backstories that one is often unaware of. He writes daily, save for Sunday's and to date has profiled over 1600 buildings. The book showcases 50 buildings and is illustrated with photos as well as delightful pen and ink illustrations.

I have been in touch with Tom over the years, sharing a number of paintings that I'd done of buildings he has profiled. It was a pleasure meeting him in person and I went home with my very own signed copy of his book.

The building in which the talk took place has an interesting history as well. Here is a photo showcasing the sculpture of an arm wielding a hammer next to a beautiful Tiffany window.

As I left the sun had come out and was casting glorious golden shadows on the buildings lining the street. Took a few photos and think there might be a painting or two down the road.

Art and Healing

Last night I attended a reception at one of Memorial Sloan Kettering's facilities where 3 of my paintings - 2 in the permanent collection and one on loan - were displayed among 121 art works installed throughout the facility on several floors. Cast Iron SoHo and NAC, my painting of the National Arts Club, were beautifully installed and lit. As Sarah Campbell, the MSK curator explains in the handout for Vantage Points, "down to the subtlest details, these artworks on view were strategically positioned based on how near or far individuals would be from each artwork and even their scope of peripheral vision. Vantage Points demonstrates the necessity of embracing that patients and caregivers are unique individuals with diverse tastes, preferences and needs. By viewing treatment centers from the vantage point of each patient and caregiver, one can more thoughtfully make decisions to serve and inspire them."

Several of my paintings are also included in installations in other MSK facilities. Back in March, the online art magazine, Hyperallergic ran an article "Curating for the Cure: Medical Facilities Embrace the Power of Art" and some of my work was featured. Here is a link to the article.

As an artist and cancer survivor myself, I know first-hand the healing power that art - both creating it and viewing it - can bring.