grounded.

Almost a month into my internships, and I am finally finding my pace as I settle into various little routines. Late morning walks with hot coffee and a fresh brioche from the cafe around the corner on my days off, quiet walks to the '1' or 'C' train clutching my Canon and latest read (currently: seeing is forgetting the name of the thing one sees by Lawrence Weschler) before heading to the day's coffee shop (typically in the West Village, Chelsea, or SoHo) so I can spend a few hours doing research before taking in shows at galleries near 23rd Street, visiting Walter De Maria's Earth Room, or venturing out to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. I am enjoying the rhythm of New York City; the anonymity of it's patrons and of myself as I explore and immerse myself in this new space. 

On uncharacteristically chilly days (like the last few); I willingly trade my excursions for afternoons spent researching in the strips of sunlight fleeing through blinds, bottomless cups of looseleaf tea, and winter-appropriate playlists.

My current research for Nancy has me totally elsewhere: island paradises. Currently researching famed islands, whether for historical, environmental, or pop-cultural reasons, my afternoons are spent swimming in the history and images of Lemnos, South Bourgainville, and the Pearl Islands. Though all these places are so far away, everything feels more tangible since arriving in the city. 

With all of the struggles of adjusting to a new space, a new routine, and a new set of responsibilities, there have been so many triumphs. Weeks of online and field research on indoor gardening finally led to the installation of a new lighting fixture in Nancy's Dumbo studio earlier this week. I am slowly becoming more familiar with the gallery and its surroundings. I get lost riding the train less often. I find joy and discover new things in those moments that I am lost (like the most delicious cream puffs while wandering home one night after work). I am constantly searching for and being ambushed by inspiration for my own work and for the work I am doing for Nancy. 

I am extremely grateful to all my professors who made securing my FWT positions possible, my best friend and her family for putting me up for two months, the constant sunshine these past few mornings, slow starts at my breakfast place near the gallery, sunny lunchtime walks on the High Line, being surrounded by great art, the opportunity to see the work of my professors in galleries and museums, and for doing work that I find myself more invested in each day.