New York Art Scene

“There is a high that happens when you struggle. Step outside yourself, look inward, process, and then let it all go— all for your art.”

New York Art Scene Reflections from an artist existing as an artist

For artists, there is nothing more exciting than getting into your materials and making artistic magic. There is a high that happens when you struggle, step outside yourself, look inward, process, and then let it all go—all for your art. To create something good, true and honest—something to be respected for is everything. Most of the time, it’s an emotionally and physically tough job. The other part of the job, equally as important, is making sure others see the work. That means doing everything and anything possible to get as many people to see it and buy it. It’s the hustle and we all know it well—it’s part of being an artist in New York City.

A few years ago, I was pounding the pavement, networking as a curator. Any day of the week I went to Chelsea, Lower East Side, East Village, Midtown, Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn and Queens (and finally Miami for Art Basel.) Determined to meet as many people and see as much art as I could. I absolutely felt energy brewing inside the galleries. Something exciting was going on. On a daily basis I was (and continue to) meet countless people: Artists, curators, dealers, critics, gallery directors and art lovers. Instinctively, I knew all this had to be documented. Shooting pictures of what I was becoming a part of helped me make sense of it. It was intense at times. I started soaking in the scene with my camera and getting to know this new “family” more and more. Who were all these people? It was clear this would have to become a long-term project. For me, what makes these pictures tell a better story is shooting it with same amount of movement and energy as the community itself. I shoot quickly, on the go and without people noticing (as much as possible.) It’s the only way to capture the hustle in the New York art world.

— Savannah Spirit