Sketches on NY Subway with old Eberhard Faber Blackwing pencil. 8.5×6′ DKNY sketchbook. One young man, white collar, yelled across the subway car :”What are you drawing? Are you drawing me?” It sounded pretty aggressive. I smiled motherly and shook my head and showed him from the distance my sketchbook, this last page, that I drew that napping woman, not him. In reality I wanted to whack him on a head and bark to leave me alone, because people looked at me, but I kept weak smile on my face.
greyseal 9:29 am on September 10, 2011 | #
Sadly, One day, you are going to get mugged, or shot, or worse on one of those smelly subway cars. E gads, just thinking about riding one of those contagion infested clap traps makes my skin crawl. The stories I have heard make my worst nightmares seem like summer holidays.
Nikira 9:43 am on September 10, 2011 | #
Oh common Greyseal, you cannot be afraid of life, s-t* happens everywhere. How I am suppose to commute to Manhattan? Parking is mad expensive, people trying to fall under your car and where else I can meet such amazing characters to draw? Its not as bad as you say it is. Most infected with bacteria – our kitchens, according to statistics. Where are you from?
greyseal 10:29 am on September 10, 2011 | #
I am from Chicago. I live now in (Gilbert) Arizona. I know and have experienced both. Although I have never had anyone throw themselves under my car, I agree that S#@T happens everywhere. Why must you commute to Manhattan? Why not just live there? I hear it is an exciting place to be. I think you do not live there because it is as mad as you describe. My kitchen refrigerator is without a doubt the most highly bacteria infested item I have in my house. Yogurt, cheese, unwashed veggies and such with all the type bacteria I love eating and need. Commutable contagion however, is something completely different. Who needs that?
nancy 1:30 pm on September 10, 2011 | #
These are little jewels!!!!!!
Uncle Bob 3:35 pm on September 10, 2011 | #
I better leave my kilt at home then, when we visit at the end of the month. That would attract too much attention. Either that or stay clear of the subway. Surely its not that bad? Mind you, I wonder if greyseal has a point. Some folks feel threatened if they see you sketching them or even taking a photo. There is saying here, “There’s nowt as queer as folk” – “There is nothing as strange as people”. Just be careful where you point your pencil, Nikira.
Uncle Bob 3:36 pm on September 10, 2011 | #
BTW – forgot to say that your sketches are really great.
Nikira 8:07 pm on September 10, 2011 | #
I agree with some you saying. I’d love to live in Manhattan, but it is too expensive. I am commuting there till this small project will be done, restaurant in Manhattan, my part in it. Than another week in Manhattan for another project, than Brooklyn and Long Island. Today we drove there, driving in Manhattan is nerve racking and takes more time than train. Bob, you’ll be fine in the kilt in NY, I have seen people in kilts, here is beautiful diversity. Subway is not pleasant for young and beautiful, I passed that stage. I saw rats there, they really cute. I try to blend and look harmless when draw there.
artofadi 1:42 am on September 11, 2011 | #
I like and can I say the same thing happened to me but in a Coffee shop and an unstable Irate women, I did exactly the same thing as you.
monmoli 2:46 am on September 11, 2011 | #
This aspect of sketching in public places is my one big obstacle to getting started.
even taking a sneeky photo sometimes winds people up.
Must find the courage, I’m a great ‘follower’ of many of you on skineart, I’m a fan of quite a few now.
Nikira 6:07 am on September 11, 2011 | #
Photographing people I see as more offensive. This why cell phone is a savior. My first teacher demanded 100 sketches a day, so I had to go and draw on the street.The best thing is go together, then it looks like a learning process and people less annoyed. Also helps to switch on shoes or hands, very refreshing.
monmoli 7:00 am on September 11, 2011 | #
thank you for your tips Nikira, I do agree about taking photos, as can be interpreted as an invasion of space/privacy. On rare occasions, I have asked if I can, when I sense it will not be taken badly. Good idea to go with like minded soul to start.
greyseal 11:43 am on September 11, 2011 | #
In review, I may have opened up this discussion with to strong of a statement. However, I make no apology since Nikiras’ art is very strong in visual content and emotion. The best art is of course, and perhaps I got a little on edge when I found out she felt threatened. A few moments with the pastoral scenes of Uncle Bob, the exotic enchantments of Ziza, the humor and humanity of Mattias Adolfsson or any of the talents seen here reminds me that art is powerful, yet artist are vulnerable. Be safe all, and take a moment to remember this tragic date. Highest regards to all of you.
Uncle Bob 12:37 pm on September 11, 2011 | #
It is always good to put down your feelings no matter how strong you might feel them to be. I agree that Nikira’s art evokes strong emotions – that’s why I like it. At the risk of causing her embarrassment we could all benefit from being more like her. She is a cornerstone of this website – a real treasure. Good to know that my “pastoral scenes” elicit worthwhile emotions
Yes, we have done our share of remembering today, the events which changed life forever. My wife, Margaret and I have spent some time, today; here near Edinburgh/Scotland, empathising with you all as we watched the moving ceremonies on TV. I feel better for this and wish to let all my American friends know that, although you might grieve; might feel sad and, yes, might feel fear for the future I believe you all will overcome this this and, with God’s help, emerge stronger by overcoming adversity. Peace to you and yours
Nikira 5:43 am on September 12, 2011 | #
Thank you very much, I really appreciate our unexpected friendship and connection through creating and sharing art. I am very thankful to Leo for allowing it to happened, speaking of cornerstone of this site.
About September 11, it changed our lives forever and become a part of us. World is fragile and we must protect it.