NYC :Dinner at Teodora and shopping at Eataly

James' show at Hirschl and Adler is over now, but yesterday I was thinking about our October trip to New York City for the opening after an email from  friends that living in the city.

After a successful opening at Hirschl and Adler Modern, we joined friends for a dinner at Teodora .
James was eager for a cold Martini, he had really earned it after all.  He spent months, no years, of work at the easel putting together  work for , what I view as a wonderful exhibit....... he deserved that cocktail. When one is not enough and two is too many, well, not tonight. Our dinner was with our dear friends Judith and Robert, who had eaten here many times. Chicken livers, pasta, artichokes,  amongst other savories,were served along with Chianti and lovely bread.

James and I came to know of Teodora when we were in Rome. We were staying in the rental apartment of Elizabeth and Domenico Minchilli in Rome's Monti neighborhood. Having our morning cappuccino at Er Barretto at the recommendation of Elizabeth Minchilli .......who should walk in and join us but Elizabeth. Standing at the bar we admired the artistic cappuccino, but the better part was how divine the flavor was. After conversation, indulging on cornetti and brushing cornetto crumbs from my scarf we were prepared to begin the day on the boost of caffeine.  Elizabeth  put on a pair of sunglasses as talked continued on food  and "all the good stuff" she knows and writes about Rome. I had been looking for sunglasses  and tried on many pair, most of which were far better suited  for the glamour of Sophia Loren or Gina Lollobrigida. I am more minimalist.....jeweled glasses, not so much my style. Elizabeth's sunglasses were simple and perfect. I had to know where she found them and the good news it was in Rome and not too far of a walk. Of course, James and I headed there directly. The store, Mondelliani is a family store where they create their own designs and glasses. I saw no other shop like this in Rome. The glasses are fabulous. I bought a pair of red sunglasses  and James bought blue-violet frames. Well, here is the connection.....sorry it took so long to get here, but the woman who owns the shop, we found in talking while fitting glasses, has a daughter in NYC that owns a restaurant. That restaurant is, you guessed it, Teodora on 57th St.

OK, lets get back to New York.

After dinner we walked back to our hotel  for a good nights sleep. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

.

The next morning, after coffee, we grabbed a cab and headed south to Madison Square Park.  A quick look at the Flat Iron Building then to our destination, Eataly.

Temptation abounds here!
Cured meats.....what can't you find?

The map  of Italy tells you something about this place and everything that surrounds you lets you know the story here is food, good food.
It is overwhelming at times but it is hard not to grab a shopping basket and begin to fill it.

Looking for fresh or filled pasta?
Even if you don't think you are , buy some or you will regret it later !

 Fresh white truffles, we never see these at our local NH. grocer.
Yes, we did buy one, as well as some pasta  which came home with us for a feast!

The cheese counter is "eye candy" and allures us with the aroma and selection.
It is a tour of Italy in a case with nifty labels. we came home with a pecorino riserva and taleggio.

Take a look at this grana padano , looking like a huge melon .
What a gift that would make!!!

The vegetable and fruits here are perfectly precious and all  are still life ready!
A fine selection of wines from all over Italy are sold here as well.
Beyond the treasures I have shown you already, you can also find, chocolate, fresh meat, fresh seafood,
kitchen tools, cookbooks, dried beans and lentils, coffee, anchovies, etc etc., all here in one large, and did I mention crowded place.

Agreed!
If you like food , wine and / or Italy and don't mind crowds too much, you are going to love this place!
take time for a cappuccino before you start shopping, you'll need it, and end your experience with a glass of prosecco before going back out into New York City.



By the way, I love my red sunglasses!
and the pasta with white truffles was delish!

The Clock is Ticking......Work Continues In the Studio

Coming upon this photo was like meeting an old friend.
This picture of Sunflowers was taken in  James' studio in our old house.
My studio was in the room through the door way at back of the photo.

This room, James' studio, and the things in it feel all so familiar to me and the memory of taking this photo of the in progress painting with the sunflowers is vivid.
 I was interested due to the fact that both the canvas and subject matter could share the scene. On the canvas is an under painting put down relatively quickly in earth colors like Burnt Sienna and Raw Umber. So here the "process" of creating is captured.

Sunflowers, Appledore
James Aponovich
oil on canvas

As paintings progress they take on a life of their own. Comparing this image of the completed "Sunflower" painting it can be noted that James changed the shape of the vase. In terms of color he stayed within the same color family  as the flowers; he chose to use the yellow Busatti fabric. The landscape is coastal New England and in particular Appledore Island, one of the group of islands known as the
Isles of Shoals. The Shoals are interesting and somewhat mysterious or even could be said a haunting place that has attracted artists and writers for centuries. The landscape of the islands captured James' imagination.

James in his new studio.

The new studio is working out very well for James. Moving took some time away from painting and preparing for his upcoming show at Hirschl and Adler Modern, but he has settled in and has been painting up a storm!
The ceilings are high and the large windows supply good light, although the days have been rapidly getting shorter on light as they do this time of year. He is pushing through with his Kolinsky sable brushes, which by the way are getting impossible to find any more. Why?

The work he is creating is very exciting. He continues to use the inspiration provided by our garden and our trips  to Italy. The landscape of Umbria and Tuscany are very ordered. Looking at the paintings of artists like Perugino, Raphael and Lippi also leave their mark in his memory.
Many of the paintings are strongly American and influenced by the rugged coastline paired with the history of painters that have worked here before, Hassam, Marin, Harley and Kensett to point to a few.

Always carrying a sketch book and pencils, James works from sketches he draws on site, whether it be Appledore Island, Down East  Maine, Panicale Italy, Rome or our own garden. The drawings are the vision that fuels the painting.

Sometimes things just do not work out the way it was planned!
While James was sitting back and just looking he knew what he had sketched in with paint was not working. Too heavy. The bottom was not relating to the top. It was not at all what he envisioned for this painting. A long mornings worked wiped out in minutes. He knew immediately that the painting felt better, lighter.....more air to it.

I will keep you posted and let you know how this story goes.

Onward.

Preparing for a Show...............Six Weeks and Counting

With a show on the horizon James has been spending a great deal of time in his studio. The painting that he is working on in the photo will be the largest in the show. The paintings are both Italian based with still lifes placed in an Umbrian landscape and American paintings with  the still life in front of landscape / seascape that are New England.

Preparing for an exhibition is an enormous endeavor. The resulting show is quite an achievement for any artist, but the work is all consuming. Each show is a requires years of work, but it is always the final months that prove to need that extra burst of concentrated effort, and that is the phase where James is right now.

In the morning a cup of coffee, a large cup, then off to the studio, which means a walk down the hall.
A break for lunch and of late that has meant tomato sandwiches at our table in the atrium, a walk then back to the easel.

Days are getting shorter that translates into studio time is also getting shorter. When brushes are cleaned then it's off to the market that is about 2 miles away to select what we are making for dinner. We return home to a glass  of wine while we prepare our meal, a favorite part of each day.
So there, James does get out of the studio!

People often ask him how many paintings he will need for his show. The answer to that is about 20, more or less. The other question often asked, "How long does it take you to do a painting?"
The line used in response by artists is, " a lifetime."  But the real reply is that each painting is different so that it is impossible to give a flat answer. Painting involves problems solving and balance and each require their own time, it's unpredictable. James will tell you that each painting takes on its own life, it speaks to you, so you follow.

James has about six weeks to complete the work that he would like to have included in the upcoming show.
Although James has had a number of shows in New York, this will be the first
 at  Hirschl & Adler Modern, the gallery that now represents him.

When James is working towards a show the amount of work it takes creates some stress but it is also extremely exciting.
The work coming out of his studio is most impressive and I look forward to seeing in the gallery , each individual painting and then the whole of the show.......how everything looks as a body of work.
In the studio, the painting on the easel and maybe one or two others  in various states of completion are the focus. When the work, created over the course of 2-3 years, maybe more, is put together in a show       the vision of the artist is better seen and understood.
Hirschl and Adler is an important  gallery with a beautiful exhibition space, and the people there are supportive.

 Let's face it New York  City is an thrilling place!
Maybe we will see some of you there!

Something Sweet on Madison Avenue......

This shop, Laduree, is the real reason James and I walked down Madison Avenue before we left New York.

The previous day the line was far too long and we wanted to buy some macarons to take back home with us. Understand, that these pastries are flown in fresh from Paris each day!

The macarons are phenomenal. The flavors are luxurious like Cherry blossom, pistachio, salted caramel chocolate, rose water, and the colors are all so delicate and appealing. Everything in this shop is beautiful. It is impossible to resist buying a box or two.....believe me it was almost impossible to select which ones would go into the lovely box.

In the end, we did manage to make our choices and the shop keeper assembled them into a decorative box.

I have to tell you, they were divine. Unlike any "cookie" we had even eaten.

We continued up the back up Madison Ave. for some serious window shopping.

Beyond looking in windows and watching the cross walk signs, looking up is always of interest in this city. Here is an example of Art Deco architecture.

The only problem with looking up is that you are likely to bump into someone looking down at their mobile phone.

Madison Avenue at 68th Street was the early location of a gallery James was in back in the early 1980's. I was in a gallery at Madison and 72nd Street in the 1990's, so this is a neighborhood we used to visit often in the past.

Time for a coffee......maybe Dean & Deluca or E.A.T., and then more window shopping.

James was very interested in this shop, Lobel's Prime Meats. After we have passed by several time he finally went in. This was more than window shopping for someone that loves to cook.

Looking for a pair of summer shoes? The selection here is endless. These would not do well on our dirt road back in New Hampshire, but they certainly are yummy !

Time to return home. We did buy a steak at Lobe'ls Prime Meat, it was sensational. And after we ate several macaroons..... before they could expire....but of course!

Sorry to say that not a single pair of shoes was purchased by either of us.

A Walk Through Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The morning began at Cafe Boulud with breakfast of Poached Eggs Meurette with Vermont venison sausage. There could not have been a better way to begin the day. Our New York visit was art centric with The Armory Show having been first on our list. So, with attending the Armory Show accomplished and completely enjoyed ,we had other plans ahead.

Next up, three exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that we really wanted to see. But first an interlude, some time for the outdoors. A walk through Central Park would do just fine.....

From 1858-1861,Frederick Law Olmstead ( chief Architect) along with Calvert Vaux, spent their time designing this oasis in the middle of Manhattan. We know this place as Central Park. The natural contours of the land have wide meandering paths that lead around natural rock formations,open grassy areas, under tall shade trees, past ponds and pools and specimen trees and flowers. It is so welcoming.

I spotted this mist of yellow in the distance across the pond. My first thought, Witch Hazel, but on closer look I determined it to be a Cornelian Cherry, aka. Cornus mas. This is tree that I would like to incorporate in our New Hampshire garden for this early burst of yellow. At the time the Magnolia's were not in bloom....yet. Crocus and many daffodils were in glorious spring flower.

After the record high temperatures that we have been experiencing over the past week I imagine much is in bloom right now.

A glimpse of an Eastern Redbud ( cercis canadensis) glows pink across the way over this outcropping of rock with the tall buildings of Manhattan providing a backdrop.

James and I followed the winding paths through the park making our way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Met is located on 5th Avenue at 82St. The original architect of the building was Calvert Vaux ( remember him, assistant in Central Pk. to Olmstead), along with Jacob Wrey Mould. The original building was of a Gothic design. Additions have covered most of this original structure. The only visible evidence of this Gothic structure can be seen at the Robert Lehman wing of the Museum.

The 5th Avenue facade was designed in 1902 by Richard Morris Hunt in the Beaux-Art style. The grand stairs rising to the front door is an iconic New York City image. It is a gathering area where the stairs serve as a resting spot for people enjoying the city while eating a hot dog or talking on cell phone. Everyone is on a cell phone.

One of the exhibits we were here to see was The Renaissnace Portrait, from Donatello to Bellini. As I snaped this picture, James and I heard a voice call out, "James, Beth". We of course, pay no attention. It is NY after all, there must be a million people named Beth and James here. Then we heard, " Aponoviches",

that caught our attention. It was our dear friend, Judith. Her hub, our friend Robert, will join us later for lunch.

The Renaissance Portrait show is spectacular. It is said that, "The Renaissance witnessed the rediscovery of the individual". This exhibition was full of masterful examples of portraiture from Italy in the 15th Century. There are no photos allowed in special exhibits. But we all loved it, we were in awe.

One show seen, now a break for coffee in the cafe of The American Wing. On our way we walked through several galleries knowing full well we were just passing by masterpiece after masterpiece. Sometimes you have to put blinders on and choose what you are there to see. But then..........we were halted......an altarpiece caught our attention. We stopped, this work demanded our attention. It was

Raphael's Altarpiece, Madonna and Child Enthroned, ( 1504). This alterpiece was originally painted by Raphael for a convent in a church in Perugia, Italy. The artist Pietro Perugino was Raphael's teacher/master. Perugino's influence is evident in this Raphael painting. The figures are all fully clothed and it is said that this was done at the request of the nun's.

Rather sorry it is not still where it was painted, but on this day, very happy to have it here at it's home at the Met. This gallery alone is full of European art treasures, Caravaggio's, Bronzino's, etc.

We continued on.....

The Atrium of The American Wing

On to the cafe for a coffee and a view at the Atrium of The American Wing. Central to this Atrium is a sculpture of Diana, by the American sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens. On a wall is a marvelously intricate and colorful garden mosaic by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Entering this naturally lit sculpture garden courtyard is uplifting. Once again , spectacular artwork, this time all American.

After coffee,it was on to another exhibit of great interest, Duncan Phyfe, Master Cabinetmaker in New York. This is an impressive collection of works by this American master of furniture making, Duncan Phyfe, an extraordinary exhibit.

Augustus Saint Gaudens

Diana

At noon we met Robert for lunch at a Museum cafe, after a leisurely meal we pulled ourselves out of our chairs and moved on to the last exhibit on our list, The Steins Collect: Matisse, Picasso and the Parisian Avant-Garde.

Gertrude Stein Along with her brothers Leo and Michael were significant collectors and art patrons of the Avant-Garde in Paris early in the 20the Century. Upon entering this exhibit there is a digital installation that recreates the Steins art filled Paris apartments in different years. Here there is a glimpse of the artwork that is in the exhibition galleries. this is a large show and I must say by the fourth room we were beginning to give out. We will have to return to this show once again , there are some great works here.

Our head were filled with art and our feet tired we returned to The Surrey hotel for a brief rest. At 7:00 a drink at Bar Pleiades, James enjoyed a cold Martini and I selected to have their specialty, an Old Fashioned. Later that evening we met Judith and Robert

for dinner at Centolire. Buon appetito!

Rest up........Tomorrow is another day.

THE ARMORY SHOW, New York City

We are in New York for The Armory Show. Jumping out of a cab we make our way into Pier 92 where there is badge waiting for James. This "Artist Badge" gets him and a guest, me, into the preview of this year's Armory Show at Piers 92 & 94.

James Aponovich's, Siena, Still Life with Agapanthus, can be seen

at the Hirschl and Adler Modern booth.For James, this is his first time to have work included in The Armory Show. It is definitely on the "A" List of artists, art dealers and serious collectors.

The Armory Show is world art on a New York stage. Due to the huge number of galleries represented this show is at two piers, Pier 92 & Pier 94, the Cunard Ocean Liner Piers.

These are enormous spaces.

The marble sculpture is by Elizabeth Turk who's work is here at the Amory Show and currently has a solo show at Hirschl & Adler Modern. She was a recent recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Award.

She is carving marble to the thinness of a ruler.....incredible!

A neon question, What does this mean?,is being asked by artist Joseph Kosuth.

Words are big in the art world.

Before our feet give out and our heads are too full, we exit Pier 92 "Modern" for a now, and head to Pier 94 for a look at what is out there for "Contemporary Art".

Pier 94 is labeled Contemporary and at the hub of this gigantic exhibition space is a champagne bar with the pink neon sign Scandinavian Pain, hung overhead. We heard later that this piece of artwork was by Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson had been just purchased by a collector at the show. By the way, there is a Nordic theme to this years show.

You might notice that the fashion statement centers on black, punctuated by orange.

Great shoes everywhere.

James kept looking down at his Sperry Docksiders......time to go shoe shopping!!!!!

Video and Digital images had a significant presence in the gallery booths, the content and scale of these pieces works were of interest.

Anything goes.

Marina Abramovic's, Bed For Human Use,

a performance piece that was somewhat eerie due to the fact that this is a live performer.It takes sometime to realize that this person is breathing. Pure stillness in this hall of activity.

A good example of the anything goes principle.

The galleries here have come not just from NY, or California, but how about, Seoul,Beijing,

London, San Paulo, Barcelona, Lisbon, Bologna, etc, etc......

Very global .

After several hours we exit, our heads filled with art.

Sore feet.

Time for night life in New York.

ARRIVEDERCI ROMA (for now), HELLO NEW YORK!

Alas, it is time leave Rome. We walk down the steps at the American Academy for a taxi to Fiumicino airport for a flight back to the United States. However we are already planning a return trip to Italy, and as usual we save some euros to assure a future trip (tradition or superstition?)

The Roman Forum

Pliny (23 CE), the naturalist, philosopher and author was sent to Rome to be educated. Rome is a city that captures the heart and imagination. It is ancient and that can be felt throughout the city, especially here at the Forum or at places such as the church of San Clemente.

Rome is magical, just walking through the streets of the neighborhoods such as Trastevere or entering Santa Maria Sopra Minerva to find masterpieces like the Lippi fresco in the Carafa Chapel. Then there is romance, a visit to Piazza Navona to admire the great Four River's Fountain by Bernini, followed by a glass of Prosecco in a tiny bar off the square.

Food in Rome is about pasta, fish, artichokes and whatever is fresh. Thursday in Rome is always gnocchi!

Passing the Colosseum in Rome's morning traffic. It is about 7am, traffic is light.

Arrivederci Roma! (for now)

Hello New York!

Still Life with Bearded Irises, James Aponovich

We arrive in New York for a show that James is having at David Findlay Fine Art.

A installation photo of three Aponovich paintings at the gallery.

The show features still life paintings with flowers from our garden and landscapes inspired by Italy.

We meet our daughter and her husband, along with a few friends at the gallery to see the show. We are very pleased with the show and gallery.

Time to head downtown , James has an idea for a New York lunch!

Katz's Deli

Katz's is the oldest deli in Manhattan. It is classic, a place where the meats are still hand sliced.

A New York Experience....eating at Katz's Deli on Houston St.

A Rubin on rye, a corned beef on rye, pickles and a platter or potato pancakes, an American treat!

YUM!

Ana and Chris manage to hold the sandwiches together for that first bite!

A return to Italy? No, a salumeria in Little Italy where we are on a mission to buy guanciale. We find it here. We look forward to making Spaghetti Amatriciana when we return home.

The Salumeria in Little Italy

After lunch we walk through Little Italy and Greenwich Village. We stop for a refreshing and delicious frozen yogurt with fresh fruit at a place Ana suggested, Pink Berries. After a stop in the park we head back uptown.

We are meeting friends for martini's at the King Cole Bar (St. Regis Hotel) to give a toast to James and his exhibit. The large mural of Old King Cole that spans the length of the bar was painted by Maxfield Parrish from our home state of New Hampshire. It is a marvelous mural, and the martini's here aren't bad either!

On to dinner at Shun Lee Palace, and then a good night's sleep at Hotel San Carlos.

Sunday Morning Manhattan

Looking up......always looking up. Here we are looking up to the Chrysler Building. We agree this is our favorite building in NYC. We walk to Grand Central Station in hopes to have pan roasted oysters at the Oyster Bar but find it closed. After touring the building we head towards Central Park, with a stop at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The Chrysler Building

Finally a visit to Rockefeller Center to see the Paul Manship sculptures. The use of space here is quite dynamic. The incorporation of art into this public space is very interesting, art was part of the original design, not an after thought. We agree this space is captivating.

A fun time in NYC with family and friends!

So it is time to return to our studios, garden and kitchen.

*******************

David Findlay Fine Art

41 East 57th St., NY, NY

Katz' s Deli

205 E. Houston St.

San Carlos Hotel

150 E. 50th St

www.sancarloshotel.com

King Cole Bar/Lounge (at St. Regis Hotel)

2 East 55th St.

Shun Lee Palace

shunleepalace.com