April 2006 Archives

Had the best time last night. We saw the premier for the movie "Yacoubian Building". As one movie-goer put it during the press Q&A, it leaves you feeling like you've been slapped 60 times. With an all-star cast, this film brilliantly captivates the audience and brings to conscious the corruption of the Egyptian government. Quite emotionally draining.

The director is a story in himself. At 28 years old, this is the first time he's directed, received a record breaking budget and gets a call from Robert De Niro inviting him to bring his film to the festival. We got to meet all the stars, producer, the author of the book the movie was based on and the director of course, the reason i was there in the first place. We also met David Scarlett [SIC?] director of the Tribeca Film Festival who honored us the entire night.

P.S. I didn't go to the "United 93" premiere and haven't decided whether I'll be seeing the movie. Most likely not. The reason being that I had to live through this indescribable experience and am not ready to do it again. I broke down just listening to the 911 tapes for about 20 seconds. Read more about the festival: http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org/

On a different topic, I almost forgot all about my guestbook. Just had a file emailed to me with all the entries. Thank you for visiting. There are about 100 entries a day -many advertisers. Who are these people? More importantly to everyone just stopping by to say hi. Hello back! And i love you too???

And now I must get to the studio to attempt to photograph these works that will soon drive me to a ward.

It's gorgeous out. So get out and play.

Just popped in to let everyone know our voicemail is up and running. Received emails that it was inoperative last week during our move. Now if I could get Dave to leave a greeting.

Off to a premiere tonight for a film directed by a friend. Do good for the downtown area and have a good time doing it. If you're in town this weekend there's a few "drive-in" showings that are perfect for families or just hanging out with friends. Contrary to the title, if you're thinking of coming to one in this city- leave your car at home!

Good night.

Each and every night for the past 2 weeks we've been getting home at 4:30 a.m. sharp. The same drill every night. In a city of millions of residents it seems like the same crowd over and over again. Don't these people have jobs?

Drunk Drivers = Murderers

You might have seen this on the evening news if you live in NYC. Two teenage girls walking home around sunset were hit by a drunk driving, prescription medicine drug addict. They flew about 20 feet into the air hit a tree and the steel side and died on impact.

The reason I'm mentioning this is because as many of you blog-goers of mine know, I had 2 weddings- one in NY and one in Tel Aviv. Well, for my wedding here one of the victim's Mom is the stylist who put the veil on me that day, and on many other brides in the past few years. So all I could think of that night was how she would never be able to put a wedding veil on her daughter.

Driving while intoxicated is equivalent to taking a gun and shooting someone in the face. It's intentional NOT an accident.

And the answer is yes I do believe there is life, real life after death. I have a Hindu friend who tells me this world IS our Hell. I wouldn't go so far as to say hell, but maybe prison.

Speaking of personal Hells.. Edvard Munch

Finally had time to visit the Edvard Munch exhibit at the MOMA. Many of his paintings afflicted me deeply. Munch and his work have had a long time influence on me. Viewing works of art in person is an unbelievable experience.

Matisse's "The Studio" was also at exhibit to my surprise. Plus many other excellent artists. Highly recommend to go out and see them.

Escaping the cameras of David Letterman..

Heading West on 53rd after the museum tour and we run into taping of the Late Show in front of the Hello Deli. I have a pet peeve. And that is being filmed or taped without permission. It's a privacy issue. I know in the city of NY you're constantly on someone's camera. Tourist's flash bulbs everywhere, the media, etc. But isn't it a 5th amendment right if you ask someone to stop filming they have to stop?

Studio Work & Visits

I've finally found time to scan some artwork. My entire lighting system fell apart last week! But everything is back in tact now. The main goal this week is to take pics of everything. So keep checking back. We've also began offering specials on giclees. Join the Special Offers list to receive these offers.

I should mention that soon I will no longer be offering studio visits. although I love meeting with you, I need the time to concentrate on my work. Anyone wishing to view my works will be able to see them in galleries only. I have a few available studio appointments left for Spring. If you're interested in seeing the work in person, email us to schedule an appointment.

That's all the updates you get. Have a lovely day.

Important fraud alert. Now that we no longer sell my originals at auction, there has been a surge in fraudulent copies being sold on the site. In the past 2 weeks we've received 5 complaints from buyers asking us to authenticate paintings. And although we attempt to help buyers, we do not advise on making purchases for Elsophia art EXCEPT those made through us: (elsophia.com & eBay ID: elsophia) or any of the galleries (brick and mortar, as well as online) listed in our newsletters or in the "Events" section.

Here are steps to take to minimize fraud:

• Buy directly from us or the galleries that hold my work.
• All original Elsophia artworks & Limited Editions come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• If you decide to purchase form another vendor, make sure your purchase is protected from fraud for the full purchase price.
• Email us if you are unsure if the item is being sold by us (we cannot authenticate works from other venues unless we inspect the work and COA).

Please note that the artworks currently listed at auction in our eBay store are authentic collaborative works between myself and the studio apprentices.

If you slept until noon like I did don't feel bad. The clocks just sped forward.

Last week we had great weather and I was front and center enjoying it. I would work in the studio early morning and evenings and in between go mountain biking, kayaking, hiking. I hadn't been mountain biking in almost a year since my biking buddy went on vacation and left me for the summer. I was astonished that we actually made it to the top. Such a confidence booster ☺ I collect rocks from each mountain I climb, either rock climbing, hiking or biking. My collection is a compilation of rocks from NY, NJ, CA, MA, PA, VT, CO, UT, AZ & the Sinai Peninsula (one of which I earned climbing Mount Moses in Saint Katherine on a camel!)

The weekend was less physically exerting. With my Black Card burning a hole in my pocket went out Spring shopping which normally I hate doing but one of my friends and her Mom flew in to NYC to join me.

We finally made it out to Buddakan. Each night I was headed down on 9th Ave, I would see a deluge of chic people walking in and out of this obscurely lit building. Finally we just had to grab our best attire and see what all the fuss was about.

In the news: Naomi Campbell reportedly cracked housekeeper in the head with a phone. People really need to be nicer to their domestic help. Remember the Saudi princess who threw her maid down the stairs in Miami? I wonder if all those people Naomi- and the rest of the super models for that matter- has chewed up and spit out will suddenly and quite conveniently come forward. I should sue her for that day I was forced to enjoy my dinner while witnessing one of these tantrums.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12081730/from/RSS/

Google is dipping its toes in our love lives- or at least adding L-O-V-E ♥ to the search engine!
http://www.google.com/romance/

OK going back to the real world now.