Posts categorized as Art

Much of my art is rooted in food—as a result of my fathers innate creativity, my Italian upbringing, the joy I find in gardening and all that weirdness that has transpired in my life thus far. Remember Butter Village? And my jello art adventures from last summer? Food play has always been part of our creative wiring. As kids, we instinctively lined up peas, made carrot stick people, and constructed dramatic mashed potato mountains with exploding gravy lava until we were screamed at, right?  It’s all art. Brown bin composting is now mandatory […]

I was in the dollar store when I spotted a package of white paper doilies—I love them! They remind me of the Valentine’s Day cards I used to make for my mother and father in grammar school. If you fold a doily in half and cut an angled edge at the bottom, it forms a heart. Or you can find heart-shaped doilies, too. Layer construction paper and ribbon, glitter, and maybe even collage. The lacy texture feels tender and lovely—it’s wonderfully nostalgic and a personal way to tell someone you […]

Last week in my class at Rockaplay Social Club, we had a blast building snowpeople! The idea sparked when Emily Arikian’s son Harrison saw packaging peanuts at his home, he said, “Let’s make a snowman!” Recycled materials are always first thought for me (and Harrison!) when creating art. Keep costs down and our eco footprint low.  As I was planning and gathering the rest of the materials for the sensory craft project, I wondered, “How long have humans had the urge to build snowmen?” The answer? A very long time. The […]

The Rockaplay Social Club opened last week—congratulations to co-owners Emily Arikian and Corinne Sommer! As moms, career professionals, Arverne residents, and founders of this women-owned and operated space, they’ve created something truly special with a much-needed children’s play center on the peninsula. Like many of us, I’ve been following their build-out journey on Instagram (@rockaplaysocialclub). The design and branding are spot-on, and the play space is absolutely adorable, featuring a bodega, an ocean-themed cubby, a construction play zone, and more! Here’s a great idea, support Rockaplay and give an awesome gift to […]

I recently visited the newly opened Far Rockaway Library, and it was such a wonderful experience that I have to share it with you. The modern, pyramid-shaped building sits at the corner of Central and Mott Ave., standing out against the hodgepodge of storefronts that line the street. It’s especially striking if you’re familiar with the area—you can really sense its impact. The building features vibrant yellow and gold ombre tones with graphic, organic line drawings from top to bottom. Combined with reflections of the surrounding buildings and passersby on […]

Suspended Banana and Other Fruit Over the summer, I’ve made many jello sculptures and performed unmoldings! My most successful thus far was a clear vegan fruit jello for a 70’s themed event. What made it stand out? It held together! I’ve been doubling my recipe, which strengthens the carrageenan—the thickening agent derived from red seaweed I often use. It tasted decent! I’ll take “ok,” considering my past attempts were… well, kind of gross. On the aesthetic side, this sculpture was set in a bundt pan for a very retro 70’s […]

“The wild color warblers of spring and fall, the shorebirds of summer, the waders for waterfowl or birds of prey on a winter day? Our year-round residents, or regular or rare visitors? How about birds photographed right here on Beach 91st — from bay to beach to backyard, street tree to jetty — all year long, something to see. Untangling the songs, tuning in: a moving leaf, a new sound, a distinct shape in the sky. A rhythm of arrivals and the departures — certain or shifting — charting time, […]

Domingo World, a monthly event held at Edgemere Farm showcasing live music, performances, and visual art exhibits, will commence on Sunday, June 2nd, running from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Now in its second year, this series is curated by musician Giovanni Fernandez-Kincade and artist  m i c c a. Domingo World brings together the diverse people of Rockaway and mainland visitors who share a passion for the arts and community. This Sunday the featured musicians are Agua de Gio, Vera Kahn and Jeff Tobias. There will be a performance of “Green Man” by Luxury Bones, and an art installation, “When Triangles Becomes […]

Knowing how passionate I am about my Butter Village refrigerator installation, my thoughtful Godson Jake, gifted me sculpting tools last Christmas. I’ve been eager to use them and now the time has come. I’m in the midst of sculpting buttered lambs — in preparation of Easter Sunday, which I host every year. I’ve discovered that sculpting with butter requires a delicate touch and precision to shape the creamy medium effectively. The variety of tools has provided me with the opportunity to create interesting textures and details. The possibilities are almost overwhelming if […]

I just returned from the Villa Roma. This is an old-school resort where mostly Italian people from Brooklyn and Lawng Islanders gather to eat mountains of food, gamble, generally indulge, and most importantly, spend time with la familia. My Grandfather Ralph found the place and we had gone a few times when I was a tween. My sisters had the idea of going back, and we have reintroduced the tradition since my godson Jake was three years old. He’s turning 18 on March 23rd! My nieces, nephews, sisters, husbands, and parents adore […]