Main Bridge Span Demolition: East 78th Street from teresa kruszewski on Vimeo.

In the overnight hours of July 30-31, a team of 26 men removed the 70 year old footbridge at East 78th Street. The FDR Drive was shut down from 2:00am-7:00am. During that period the bridge was lifted in 2 sections by one crane.

These men worked with such precision and sense of timing, a perfectly choreographed dance.

I had the privilege to work with this team, photographing the total demolition. This movie has been created from 1000 still images.

Thank you to all the men and women who participated in this historic event including Ferreira Construction Co., INC, The NYC DOT and the neighbors at East 78th Street.

-It may be living in a house over 100 years old that has got me thinking about this.
-It may be that every day there is such a rush to get through it that we miss the sweet and wonderful things.
-It may be that taking a few days away from it all has brought me to this thought.

One morning a little over a month ago, I went through the process of making a pot of coffee. I filled the glass carafe of my coffee maker with cold tap water measuring out 6 cups and then poured it into the reservoir. I ground the beans and placed them in the paper lined filter. The button was then switched to “on”, glowing a lovely shade of red and at that point I knew it was safe to walk away. In a matter of minutes I would have a piping hot cup of coffee, or so I thought.

Because of the slight slope to my house and the coffee maker being at least 10 years old, the combination had my 6 cups of Joe all over the floor. After coffee cleanup and great disappointment, the coffee maker was quickly tossed into the trash without any regrets.  You see I don’t drink coffee every day, for me it is an activity that defines an occasion or a special moment that is shared with friends. So when I make it at home it is purely for relaxation, when time has the ability to stand still and the sweet things in life can be enjoyed. However, on this particular day that was not the case.

Being at home this week, I decided to go to Starbucks and buy some new coffee beans. I needed to decide between three bean types Mild, Smooth or Bold. Knowing this was special coffee I wanted to ensure I chose the most appealing for my senses. It turned out that the Espresso beans, also defined as Smooth was the right fit for my mood. Not until I returned home and entered my kitchen did I realize this was not going to work (based on the lack of coffee pot…) Do I return the coffee or treat myself to some new, slick technology in the world of coffee creation? Of course the answer was the latter and off I went to the store.

Standing there in the midst of all the sleek body types made of glass and steel, plastic and chrome, ones that will brew a cup at time or a pot for 20, those that have timers for almost anything, those that will wash your dog, was one pot different from the rest. I approached hesitantly not certain whether to consider it, since all this pot wanted to do was make coffee.

Its simple styling of stainless steel was what I remembered from childhood. Coffee then was a beverage to have at the end of a meal, not an outing; it was chock full of caffeine and served with milk or cream. Latte’s and Cappuccino’s and Mocha Java’s were not part of the coffee culture in that day. Could this simple pot compete with the coffee standards of today? This was not a COFFEE MACHINE, but a Coffee Percolator.

I stood there thinking back to when this was the only coffee pot in our house. This didn’t require special filters, a manual to read through each time a cup was desired or rearranging the household to make it fit. All I needed was the ability to understand the simplicity of the process. Before I knew it, the Percolator was in my bag and I was off for home.

I opened the box. I found a pot and a plug. Could this be it?

The Espresso beans were ground to a smooth powder and placed into the basket. The pot was filled with cold water and the centerpiece dropped in. The lid was quickly snapped down so that the brewing process could begin. The sounds were reminiscent of long ago as the water pulsed through the pot. This is how mom and dad had made their coffee. Seems appropriate. As the liquid continued to boil, steam rose out from the spout. I knew that in a moment when I had a sip of that first cup all of my 5 senses would be satisfied.

The pot quieted, it was time to pour. My favorite black mug had a splash of creamer already in the bottom, so as the rich Espresso entered the cup, the two liquids swirled together creating an artistic display. Could this cup live up to my taste expectation? Such pressure for this simple pot to endure….

Mmmmm. Perfection!

Balloons, Music, CELEBRATE!*

In 1924 the first holiday parade was organized by Macy’s Employees.  Animals were featured from the Central Park Zoo.  The crowds loved it and a tradition was born!

In 1927 the first helium-filled balloons were included in the parade.  They were released as part of the grand finale, but unexpectedly burst over the city.

The following year the balloons were redesigned.  A return address was included on each balloon in case it floated away and a reward was given to those that returned it to the store.

Rain or shine, the Thanksgiving Day Parade marches from 77th Street and Central Park West to Herald Square.

*information found at www.macys.com

Dreams can come true!

Al Jolson lived “The American Dream.”  Born in Lithuania, Jolson rose through the ranks of vaudeville as a comedian and a blackface “Mammy” singer.  By 1920, he had become the biggest star on Broadway.

Jolson was born Asa Yoelson in Seredzius, Lithuania, sometime between 1883 and 1886 and was the first openly Jewish man to become an entertainment star in America.

Al Jolson was to jazz, blues, and ragtime what Elvis Presley was to rock ‘n’ roll.  He paved the way for African-American performers like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and Ethel Waters.

*information found at www.pbs.org/wnet/broadway/stars/jolson_a

The class was located a few doors down from the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem.   As I climbed the stairs from the station to street level, I was hit by a wall of people.  It took a few moments for the activity to resonate and then clarity!  This was a celebration of Michael Jackson’s life.  The sidewalk was packed.  People were lined along the parade barriers on both sides of 125th Street.  Cars were not allowed to pass.  The road was empty except for police in bright orange rain gear monitoring the crowd on either side.  Stores had their doors wide open; mobile music devices were set up everywhere sharing the amazing music of Michael Jackson.  People of all ages were singing and dancing in celebration.

At first I was focused on getting to my class as I was already a few minutes late.  Going against the flow of the crowd was a foolish idea, so I walked east on the south side of the street trying to find where I could cross.  The police would not let anyone through other than the designated openings further down.  So onward I went.

With each step I began to engage more and more with the activity of my surroundings.  The longer I was part of the crowd, the more I felt the energy of the moment.  The life  celebration of such an amazing performer.  And I too began to sing “Billie Jean…”

Events happen throughout NYC every day.  And if you are fortunate to find one, stumble upon one, the experience will match no other.  Being part of this celebration connected me to Michael Jackson on some level knowing that he and his brothers performed right here on this street so many years ago.

This is also the day I came to realize the power of the small camera I carry.  The amazing (in my opinion) iPhone.  A celebration that would never be repeated again.  A celebration that needed to be documented.  A celebration that happened on 125th Street.

Until next time.

Teresa, 51art

adventure is life, live it!

After doing some brainstorming, I discovered a great organization on the Hudson River that offers free kayaking to the public.  This was the right topic to focus on for the first magazine.  This fully volunteer group is known as The New York City Downtown Boathouse.

To get things started, I wanted to visit the boat house on Pier 96 and learn more about what they do and get ideas for some of the features.  Maybe line up a few people for interviews and photograph the activity on and off the water. Yesterday afternoon was open to begin the research, so I headed over to the west side of town.

The sky was partially cloudy and there was a chance of rain in the forecast.  I wanted to believe the showers would pass quickly and there would be a beautiful sunset in the background as the last Kayaks came in for the day.  The perfect photograph.

Instead, the brief shower turned in to a major downpour.  Only one boater was on the dock pulling in his craft-everything else was abandoned.

Since I had my camera in hand and was already wet, it seemed silly not to take advantage of the situation.  Balancing an umbrella with my chin, I held the camera with 2 hands and began shooting.  It really was a beautiful afternoon!

So, next time I’ll have to pay better attention to the forecast and plan accordingly.  Maybe even use the rain poncho I had in my pack…

And over the next few weeks a visit to the boat house, on a clear day will be in order.  The story must be told!

Until next time.

Teresa, 51art

adventure is life, live it!

This was my very first portfolio review.  EVER.  The day before/of the event I worked from 10:00am until 1:30am, fine tuning and printing 20 of my best Black & White film images.  A simple portfolio case was purchased the Saturday before to hold the prints.  I hoped it would look professional enough as I was going to be showing work with some of the best commercial/fine art photographers in NYC to some of the most prestigious art directors, magazine publishers, gallery owners, etc. in the photography world.

As I prepared my work for the review, my confidence began to build.  However, being new to this process there was always the nagging doubt about my artistic ability.  Let me mention again, I was playing in the big league now.  I took a deep breath and decided better to take the plunge and face the fear.  (You just never know until you try…..right?!)

In between printing, I took some time to read through the Bio’s of each of the 40 reviewers that were participating.  After the OMG moment passed, I ran to the dry cleaner to get my best suit.  (Chock it up to spending 20+ years in the corporate world!)  The people that would be looking at my portfolio were heavy hitters in the art world.  These creatives could take an unknown photographer and launch a career!

Let me give you a few examples-

• Elizabeth Avedon: Independent Curator and Consultant.  Formerly Creative Director for The Gere Foundation, Art Director for Polo Ralph Lauren national advertising and a co-founder of Tibet House, NYC.
• Stella Kramer: Photography Consultant.  Pulitzer Prize-winning Photo Editor who worked at such major publications as The New York Times, PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated, and Newsweek.
• Alex Niki: Editor in Chief, Resource Magazine
  
• Ruben Natal-San Miguel: Photographer/Curator/Art Collector/Writer

The images chosen were a cross section of the work created over the past 3 years.  A better portfolio would have been a cohesive story but I wanted to show a bit of what I’ve done to see what the experts thought was great work.  Interestingly enough, my newer work created over the last few months had the most favorable response.

The doubt of whether or not I had an artistic eye was no longer, as these reviewers commented that I had what it took.  Continue shooting with passion and powerful, emotional images will follow.  I was in awe of their accomplishments and was humbled by their response to my work.  Walking out of the session, 3 hours and 6 reviewers later, I felt like I could conquer the world.  There is a lot of work ahead, but I am very excited to continue the journey.

Thank you ASMP and all the participants of the evening.  It was an amazing experience.  Looking forward to next year!

Below are the 7 images that each reviewer found to be my most compelling.

Until next time.

teresa, 51art
adventure is life, live it!

Click to view slideshow.

Marisha, the absolute Professional you want to help design your wedding invitations!

I have the pleasure to announce a very exciting  partnership.  On April 1, 2010 I met with Jessica Paulen of Judy Paulen Designs.  She is the buyer as well as owner of the stationery shop at the 59th street bloomingdale’s.  I shared with her “aTouchofYellowinNYC”.  She loved the note-cards!  So much so that they are now part of the assortment in her shop.

This is a dream come true!

Here are images of the cards and the shop.  When you are in town, please visit the 6th floor and tell them you are a friend of 51art.

Until next time!

teresa, 51art

adventure is life, live it!