The New York Academy of Art
This month I will be exhibiting in TriBeCa, alongside fellow alumni and faculty of The New York Academy of Art. The show is curated by Rick Davidman of the former DFN gallery, Kim Power graduate of the school, and art dealer Elizabeth Garvey.
Thinking about the show this month reminded me of a time back in 2005 when I found myself wandering around TriBeCa on a Saturday afternoon. I came across some exquisite figurative sculptures in the windows of a building that turned out to be the New York Academy of Art. The sign also said that it was a graduate school for figurative Art and that HRH the Prince of Wales was the Parton. I had goosebumps!
I had been working with a coach to help me figure out how I could transition from my career at the British Consulate to an artistic one. Returning to education and graduate school was something I was considering but hadn't fully explored. Changing career and moving to another city seemed overwhelming. So as I stood outside the school, a 2o minute walk from apartment, I couldn’t help but think this was a sign. I walked in and picked up their catalogue.
Thinking about the show this month reminded me of a time back in 2005 when I found myself wandering around TriBeCa on a Saturday afternoon. I came across some exquisite figurative sculptures in the windows of a building that turned out to be the New York Academy of Art. The sign also said that it was a graduate school for figurative Art and that HRH the Prince of Wales was the Parton. I had goosebumps!
I had been working with a coach to help me figure out how I could transition from my career at the British Consulate to an artistic one. Returning to education and graduate school was something I was considering but hadn't fully explored. Changing career and moving to another city seemed overwhelming. So as I stood outside the school, a 2o minute walk from apartment, I couldn’t help but think this was a sign. I walked in and picked up their catalogue.
Clarity, 54x40 in Oil on Linen, Alyssa Monks
I felt pretty excited and inspired, so with a spring in my step I carried on walking. A block or two away, I found myself again stopping because of something exquisite in a window. This time it was DFN gallery and a figurative painting that caught my eye. I walked in to take a closer look at the exhibition and felt I'd stepped into a little piece of heaven. I was surrounded by amazing figurative paintings by Alyssa Monks. I couldn't help but smile when I looked at the catalogue to find out she was a graduate of the Academy.
I heard a little voice inside say 'I'm going to study there,' it seemed like fate. I wasn't sure how I could make it happen, but the seed was sewn.
Fast forward to Sept of 2006, when I walked into the building as a mature student in the MFA program. I spent a magical three years there, two as an MFA student and one as a post-graduate fellow. Shortly thereafter, I also had the opportunity to participate in a couple of group shows with Rick at DFN gallery before it closed.
It will be nice to think of these memories and connections, as I return to TriBeCa this month and see the painting Deep Water III hanging in some good company.
Feeling very grateful.
I heard a little voice inside say 'I'm going to study there,' it seemed like fate. I wasn't sure how I could make it happen, but the seed was sewn.
Fast forward to Sept of 2006, when I walked into the building as a mature student in the MFA program. I spent a magical three years there, two as an MFA student and one as a post-graduate fellow. Shortly thereafter, I also had the opportunity to participate in a couple of group shows with Rick at DFN gallery before it closed.
It will be nice to think of these memories and connections, as I return to TriBeCa this month and see the painting Deep Water III hanging in some good company.
Feeling very grateful.
Deep Water III, Oil on Canvas, 36x108, Annie Wildey
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