strategies,

"The role of the artist has always been that of the image-maker." Contemporary abstract art is not abstract, it is "the realism of our time." Portions from Adolph Gottlieb, Artist Statement, 1947. Art changes, time and culture changes, impressionism was the realism of its time, expressionism, romanticism, etc. That was a portion of the dialogue in class today. I cannot just make art, I have to know why I'm making art and why its necessary before I can contribute anything of value.

I'm gradually finding those quirky coffeehouses I love to lose so much money to. I even applied at this lovely coffeehouse in the East Village last night. Hopefully something can come of that. Organic shops are on almost every street, plus my internship is five minutes walking distance from a Trader Joe's. Fresh produce is something I'm always interested in. The city is expensive, but if you look around, you'll find very well priced items, but you have to look. A lovely little benefit at my internship is that they love to eat at this fancy, high-end expensive restaurants for lunch and they pay for my lunch. I'm getting my protein, fiber, calcium, all at no cost.

Now, as for a strategy to living in the city. Walk quickly, avoid eye contact, let the subway be not an experience but transportation, understand the city grid, know where to get cheap food, read lots of Time Out New York.