Thursday, January 10, 2013

Ringing in the New Year


On new year's eve, I was the gal dressed to the nines sitting at the end of the bar - sketching furiously. My husband, a jazz musician, had a gig in "Campbell's Apartment" atop Grand Central Station which was the former private office and salon of 1920's tycoon, John W. Campbell. This art-deco jewel of  an apartment has since been and reborn as a chic cocktail lounge that is cited in the national media as one of "the best bars in America". I couldn't agree more. The decor was decadent, the mood festive, champagne flowed and noismakers crowwed.

As I pulled out my sketchbook and assessed my views, I immediately ran into the same old mental trips. On my right was the band, dressed in black tuxedos standing in front of a huge black antique safe.  The lighting was so low I could not distinguish the musicians and their instruments from the backdrop. If I shifted my view to the left, I had one blurred bartender working at the speed of sound, to service an entire room of party-ers. Both views felt too challenging. "...impossible...can't see enough...too much movement"...yada yada. Then the other voice kicked in... "stop your sniveling... make it work...just DO it". So I did, I sketched all night long, right into the new year.  I truly wanted to usher 2013 in, in a meaningful way, one that would set the tone for the rest of the year. This was the perfect, imperfect setting.  Take what I have and make it work. All year long. Yes, that's it! Happy New Year~

6 comments:

Susan Gal said...

Words to live by...Happy New Year Patti!

Anonymous said...

Lovely night you! Happy New Year.

Sandra Busby said...

So glad to have tripped over your blog! Gorgeous work :0)

Nancy Colella said...

Well, Happy New Year to you! You are such an inspiration and a true artist! Bravo.

Patti Mollica said...

Hey thanks you guys! another year, many more challenges to welcome :-)

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I just love that attitude! YES!