The return of the sun

After what felt like an eternity, sunny days returned at the end of the week, creating a spring-like mood and a nice end to a fairly productive week.

The whole week was actually under the sign of the returning sun. The second of February is one of the four cross-quarter days and marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. So we’re already closer to the beginning of spring than the beginning of winter, which on the one hand is incredible as I feel like I’ve only just written about the winter solstice. On the other hand, I definitely prefer it that way!

Hello again

When the sun came up on the first clear morning while I was practicing my yoga in the living room, I noticed that it was also shining on the bushes outside the window on the fire escape. In the last few weeks, the sun always rose behind a building, so we didn’t see it for a few hours. Now, however, it is immediately visible right away on its journey north and I can watch the sunrise over the rooftops of Harlem from my window again.

Making the best out of it

But first of all, I’ve started a gray and wet week and if I hadn’t written down every evening what happened on the individual days, I would have chalked them up to inconsequential days and probably wouldn’t even remember them with much detail.

To counteract the gray dreariness outside, I brought spring to my desk with a large bouquet of hyacinths and tulips. And then I was really productive. At least in terms of time. I might have ended up with more output, but sometimes it takes time for things to mature and take hold.

Studio update

I started thinking about my upcoming exhibition and generally how I can present my paintings differently in my portfolio. 

Since I’ve had my own apartment here and started receiving post, I’ve been collecting the envelopes from the mail I receive. Some of them are printed with lines and patterns on the inside and the idea of creating a collage from them has been on my mind for a while. I finally started this week. 

I am also in the process of adding new subjects to the series of bird prints and have been working on a first motif these days.

Staying in shape

In between, I try to break up my days with sports activities to get enough exercise and stay in shape. My runs in Central Park or in Riverside Park along the Hudson River are always a welcome change from the hours I spend in the studio.

The best for last

The weekend was then all about the beautiful weather and I spent it with friends and walking around the city and for once without working at all. It’s so great how multifaceted New York is and how a neighborhood further on has a completely different attitude to life. A Sunday stroll through SoHo showed me this again, with its beautiful old industrial buildings, cool stores and pretty people.

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