Or I should say, late afternoon Knish at Tiffany’s. This was me, today on my birthday, wondering around downtown New York, and finding quite by accident, Tiffany’s, just after buying a Yiddish specialty from a street vendor (the knish-a fried potato-stuffed dumpling)- and subsequently following in Audrey’s footsteps, eating as I wondered around the outside of the building looking at the beautiful window displays. I then spied Bergdorf Goodmans kitty corner and decided to go get a sneak preview before the weekend Sniffapalooza perfume event that I will be attending. (which begins with breakfast here)
As soon as I emerged from the escalator into the cosmetics department, a handsome man with an Italian accent invited me to sit at his booth and let him anoint my face with his cream line. (the brand is Canadian as it turns out- called EUOKO). We spent about 1/2 an hour together discussing New York mostly- and he told me, that in his opinion this city is a place where people can come as independents, as unique beings who don’t really fit in to wherever they come from- and find their place here. He said it is a city that supports the individual that it’s common for people to do their own thing here- alone… and who are the type of people who enjoy that and are not afraid of aloneness. I was happy to hear this, seems how I am here in this city alone- and loving it! I feel very comfortable here, going exploring alone, on the subway, in the museums, walking the streets of the Lower East side, where I have rented a little apartment. Everyone I speak to (to ask directions from), is friendly and funny and open. There is also an air of intelligence that seems to course through the place. Like people are awake, tuned in to what’s going on. I like it alot.
Also, I might add, that I am here to introduce 1000 Flowers, my company, as well as my fragrance Réglisse Noire to the group who will be attending the Sniffa event. So I am here as an independent artist, in a city which supports those who dare to dream.
The other incredible highlight of the day, was at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art)- and seeing the 40 year retrospective of Martina Abramovic. This was one of the most moving experiences of my life- and now makes paintings seems so flat and one-dimensional as mediums of artistic expression. She is a performance artist from Yugoslavia, and pushes the absolute limits of human consciousness and control. Read about her on wikipedia. (Martina Abramovic) She now lives in New York and was there today, as part of her ‘The Artist is Present’ installation. (MOMA- Martina Abramovic).