MELISSALAND

Fast forward to 1:35 and watch the entire interview.

We all decide how we want to see the world…….

“The fucking regret, and guilt. These things - Don’t let anyone ever say to you, ‘you shouldn’t regret anything’. Don’t do that, don’t. You regret what you fucking want. Use that regret, for anything, anything you want - you can use it, OK.”

Use it to wake up tomorrow and do things better.

I have this really great drawing by Roy Bautista I bought - it hangs across from my bed and when I fall asleep it is the last thing I see. It is a maniacal drawing of hands, faces, lines - a mess of graphite. You can just barely make out the lettering in the center of this gigantic drawing (it is over 5ft long):

“until the sun sets I reset sin”

I love it.

Every morning it reminds me - I have 24 hours. I have 24 beautiful hours to be human. To make mistakes, to learn from them and to, hopefully, get one more day…..to try it again.

“…Before our collective paradigm shift (the financial “crisis”, or “clusterfuck”, etc.) this is what the future looked like; rich black tarmac paved and waiting to be surrounded by a subdivision. The trees would have to go, of course, and a dozen more just like this would have to be built, clustered tightly inside whatever preplanned area fit best with the land purchase. The real gift, given to us by the meltdown, is that of a better future; even if that future is still purely hypothetical, as this empty cul-de-sac, above. Of course, we don’t know what this new future will look like, yet. There are thousands of ways to go from here and the evidence is still underdetermined as to which is the best. It’s fortunate, I guess, considering how badly we failed in our previous utopiuan dreams. Eventually, though, we’re going to have to settle down and figure out exactly what we want our bright-shiny-new future to look like and then set about constructing it.”

——–

Photo by: Stacy Arezou Mehrfar - Magnolia, Texas. April 2006 #1 — from the series American Palimpsests

Text by: William Ball

Awww, don’t they look pretty!

The new Hudson Gallery Guide I designed for the 14 Warren Street galleries arrived today. Everything was wonderful till I counted and realized there were only THIRTEEN listed. Somehow, in some daze, I forgot Tom Swope’s gallery. (I also have, like 18 versions of this on my computer, I know it was listed on at least one of them…)

I’m a moron. Please go visit Tom’s cool gallery so I don’t feel like such an ass.

I think, whenever something goes wrong like this, minor or major, I’m playing this video:

That dude makes any bad day, any mistake, any worry, just melt away…….

Talent is so damn attractive.

I hope to see this man perform in New York someday (soon hopefully) - Will happily invite him here to Hudson any day. I feel uplifted/excited/inspired just from watching this wonderful clip.

After viewing a few of the videos of Dub FX out on the streets beating his heart out, and watching those who stopped to listen, those who passed on by in the background, I was reminded of this Washington Post article about street musicians. It is a long read, but well worth it.  The article is about Joshua Bell, a well known classical violinist, who was asked to perform incognito in a metro station during rush hour, as a social experiment about perception and priorities: would passersby stop and recognize what they were hearing?

Sadly, the article points out that he was not recognized. No applause. A few people, out of thousands who poured in an out of the station during those 45 minutes, stopped to listen.

Now, I don’t really believe that most people would recognize Joshua Bell (I doubt that I would have), BUT, I don’t think that is the crux of the larger argument that article attempts to make, which is: Do we stop to enjoy ourselves and the sometimes amazingly beautiful things that surround us.

(and there are plenty of amazingly beautiful things)

I am an enthusiastic lover/supporter/producer of public art programs. live music. sculpture. multimedia projects, you name it - anything which surprises, engages, enriches and excites. Things that catch me off guard and leave me smiling.

May there be more street artists, more murals, more movies in the park, more outdoor events, more reasons to step outside, stay outside - more chances to listen, watch, learn and be inspired.

Pay attention folks - the world is outside playing just for you.

Visit and learn more: http://www.dubfx.net/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/poetryseason/

(Title of post comes from Survival series by Jenny Holzer)

Play Night Watchman by Francis and the Lights mp3

I miss so many things.

This photo was taken at the beginning of our trip on Sunday - At this point in the game (10am), I had managed to a.) lose my keys and b.) miss 1 train. Probably a sign of things to come….

I am, admittedly, a not-so-wonderful traveling companion. In all likelihood, my friend Bill will never be traveling with me again. During our trip to Jones Beach I managed to make us miss a total of 4 trains.

My time management skills need some serious work.

I just like meandering too much….no time constraints, no deadlines, no expectations. Especially on trips to the city or long car rides - not knowing what is around the corner, and that at any point you can change your mind, change direction, stay longer, leave earlier….

During the concert Sunday evening, “I Do Not Want This” played….and well, those lyrics have been stuck in my head ever since

I want to know everything
I want to be everywhere

I DID manage to sneak away, if only for a day (ok, two) - Went with my friend Bill to see NIN and Jane’s Addiction play Jones Beach. Incredible concert. Word to the wise: BRING A WINTER JACKET when you see a show at that place. I froze my ass off….

That said, it was still a great event. Worth every penny and shiver.

(photos by Bill. my camera sucks, I need a better one)

I’ve been a little absent with posts lately - just been rather busy with work these past few weeks. Two openings in the last two weeks and another event this Friday. Here are some photos from the last two receptions

Greg Lock’s 3D show which opened May 29th

Photographers David Franck and Chad Weckler

Greg and Sarah’s boys

Photographer Giovanni DiMola and me

See more photos from the opening here

Read more about the exhibit

Next, was the opening which was held this past Saturday June 6th for David Halliday

(I think he’s smitten)

I love this photo of Carline Murphy and her daughter

The man himself, David Halliday along with a friend (sorry, can’t recall her name!)

See more photos from the reception here

Read more about the exhibit

So yes, that explains my silence (and exhaustion). Not that I am complaining - its been lots of work, but I am having a blast with the gallery. Lots of fun events planned for the summer - films, CD release parties, an incredible line-up of artists. I couldn’t ask for a better job. Really.