So, I finally got my shit together and put up a bunch of posts. Needless to say that I've been having alot of fun in NYC. Aside from a few quiet moments when I've been a bit homesick everything has been perfect! In a nutshell, this is my life in NYC.... I live in Willamsburg, Brooklyn. As far as I can tell it's the center of the world for artists and people who work in the arts. It's rare to meet someone who has a normal job! (Of course everyone works in a bar, or has some other day job to pay the bills.... which are huge over here!) When you walk down ther street here (Bedford Ave), it seems that there is no one over about 30. Everyone is very young and funky. It's known as hipsterdome. The streets are lined with cafe's, bars, book shops etc. There are so many beautiful people here!
Currently the days are hot. For the last few weeks there has been little reprise from days averaging over 30C. Although you hear a few people complain about the humidity, they all say it's better than the winter! It's amazing how many times I walk down the street here, or in Manhatten, and get the impression I'm in a movie. Particularly now that I have an ipod. It's like I'm walking through a movie and I can hear the soundtrack! It's quite romantic. I try to tell people how exciting this is, and they all say that i will get over it.
I've been trying to get my social security number so I can get a job. Fortunately I saved enough to last for a while, as it's going to take 8 weeks to get! I love beaurocracy.... it's the same the world over. So even though I'm keeping my eye out for work, there's not much I can do about it at the moment. Initially I was keen to get a part-time teaching gig, but as the weeks go on, I'm starting to think that it might be fun to work a few nights in a bar.
One of the hardest things for me has been that I don't know anyone here. Although Colin and Lennie are great and have taken me out a number of times, we sort of have different ideas on the kinds of venues that are fun. (For example, I like there to be atleast one woman in the bar) Then there's Judy, who I have looked forward to seeing for so long, but now she works such incredible hours that her only free night is Saturday, and we've only managed to get together once! So, I find that I have to go to places myself and simply introduce myself to strangers. It makes me feel kind of creepy, but after doing it for a few weeks it's amazing how mant people will take you under their wings! It seems that almost everyone in NYC has the same experience of moving to the city and not knowing anyone. So by the time I get around to saying that I've only just moved here from Australia, I instantly become the novelty for the evening and am introduced to everyone around me.
Art: It's been amazing going to galleries and seeing the latest trends in art. Initially I felt very inadequate. It's funny how I've stumbled my way through exhibitions and commissions in Sydney. Now that I'm here suddenly I feel like I don't know anything! Of course this isn't true, and it's taken a few weeks to get my confidence up. I've now got a great project that I'm about to start and am very excited to get some new work under my belt to take to galleries around town. (For some reason I've decided that I don't like to repeat myself, so I don't really want to show any of the work that I've already done).
