New York Part II

Once we checked in at The Bowery Hotel, we made a beeline for John Derian's shops. Yep, they are right around the corner from the hotel!

Sadly, John Derian wasn't en residence, but that didn't dampen our enthusiasm. The store shown above carries all the decoupage, some Hugo Guinness prints, assorted notebooks and cards, Moroccan poufs, etc. My favorites: Astier de Villate ceramics and notebooks, which I have had an obsession with since my first encounter. (Yes, I did indulge!)

Stalking John Derian.

The second location, John Derian Dry Goods, is two doors down, and carries furniture and wonderful textiles. My choices: the Hugo Guinness botanicals (his most recent and most expensive work), hand blocked print pillow covers, hemp bedcovers, and African floor mats. This store is not open as often as the main shop – the first time I looked for it, I walked right past because a gate covers the entrance when it is closed. If you go and can't find it, ask the cute guy in the main shop. He may open it for you or can at least tell you when to return. (When I went back to take a photo, it was closed again.)

On the same block, Albert's Garden was a happy find.

This massive bird painted on the side of a building provides a thrilling accent for a charming, leafy, shade garden in the heart of the city.

After doing some research, I learned that there are over 40 of these community gardens scattered throughout the Lower East Side, and many more throughout Manhattan. For more information and locations, go to Earth Celebrations. Also, you might want to check out Bette Midler's Restoration Project.

The perspective is lost in the photo, but this graffiti art encompasses an entire storefront.

One of my main reasons for making this trip to NY was to see the Picasso exhibit at the Gagosian Gallery. Saturday afternoon our taxi dropped us off at the end of the street, and we walked down to the gallery ... only to find it closed! 'That little voice in my head' had warned me to call ahead of time to confirm the hours, even though they were listed on the website. Lesson: Never ignore that little voice!

A little Soho traveling art.

We stepped into Eleven, a vintage clothing shop on Prince St., just for the great signage outside. Well, I have to admit, I really decided to go in because a very chic-looking woman ahead of us went in and I thought she might have some insider knowlege. I'm not really into vintage clothing, but the friendly owner told us he has an antique shop nearby that is open by appointment only. We didn't have a chance to go back, but I have a feeling it could be a treasure trove of great stuff. They also rent out the vintage and antique pieces for props.


Occupying a very large wall outside the shop, this painting was commissioned by Eleven, from artist Tim Kerr. It will be up for several months. I love the portrait – it's sketchy and gestural and evokes the sense of a real person.

More to come about NY: Another garden, a great movie and some interesting shopping finds!
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