Notes From The Studio
'What's on the Studio Table' A New York Minute
My family and I have been in Maine for about two weeks now, and we’re beginning to settle into our summer rhythm. Slower mornings, longer afternoons, and I find myself paying closer attention to the little things that often get lost in the busyness of everyday life.
In the midst of that, Thomas surprised me with a quick trip to New York. I flew down for less than 48 hours with one goal: to see the Helen Frankenthaler exhibition in person. It was one of those whirlwind trips where every hour is spent soaking something in before heading home, newly inspired. I came back to Maine with a notebook full of thoughts and more than a little inspiration for the weeks ahead.
Some paintings simply aren’t meant to be experienced through a screen.
The scale alone was worth the trip. Standing in front of those canvases, I finally understood something I had been missing. The paintings weren’t just large; they gave her marks room to breathe. Loose passages sat beside moments of incredible control. Transparent layers floated over one another, and somehow everything held together with a confidence that felt effortless.
I’ve admired Frankenthaler’s work since college, so seeing decades of her paintings unfold chronologically was fascinating. Walking through the galleries, I found myself most drawn to the work from the ’70s and, surprisingly, to some of the earlier paintings from the ’40s. There was a freshness to them that almost felt like drawing. By the ‘90s, the paintings became much more heavily layered. While I could appreciate the evolution, I realized they didn’t resonate with me in the same way.
One detail I can’t stop thinking about is her signature.
It wasn’t tucked neatly into the same corner of every painting. It moved. Sometimes it felt almost hidden; other times it became part of the composition itself. It carried the same freedom as the paintings. That tiny detail reminded me how often I try to make everything feel perfectly resolved, when maybe the better choice is to leave room for instinct.
It’s funny what stays with you after seeing great work. Sometimes it’s the monumental composition. Sometimes it’s a small signature in an unexpected place.
Either way, I left New York feeling stretched in the best way. That’s always worth the trip.
A few favorite takeaways from my trip:
Stayed at The Bowery Hotel.
Took a class at New York Pilates and loved it.
Cannot recommend this luggage and this tote enough. The two-way handles make it perfect for travel.
The Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel offered respite for my time away. Couldn’t get enough of this robe designed by L’aviva Home exclusively for the spa.
Treated myself to this Jill Platner bracelet.
Found a new favorite yogurt.
Tried Claud for dinner one night. It’s tucked in the East Village, has an understated European feel, and serves beautifully simple, seasonal food in a warm, intimate setting.