Gastography

The second memento from our recent New York City trip arrived today, and while it waits for the proper hangers to be hung in its final home, propped against the dresser with the Dachshund lamp and the massive orchid installation is as good a place as any to hang out.

This painting was done by Yvoni, whose booth at the Bryant Park Holiday Shops caught my eye as I was hurrying past during our last precious few hours in NYC. I saw Yvoni setting up her booth and this painting out of the corner of my eye, wandered over to take pictures of the carousel and had to double back to see if she had at least a business card and website so I could investigate further. Luckily she did. This isn’t the only piece of hers I loved – she has quite a few in the same calm, almost minimalist aesthetic and I had a tough time choosing. Ultimately I went with the one that made such an impact at first glance and I am glad to have such a great memento of the trip.

NYC trip photos Part 1 & Part 2.

A little about the artist (from her Facebook page):

Yvoni discovered her artistic talents at an early age, while growing up in Olsztyn, Poland. She continued creating art while she attained an undergraduate degree in Political Economics.

In 1995 she worked at the Polish Embassy’s Commercial Department in Greece. During this time, her love for creating art had gotten stronger. She began experimenting with new art forms – using innovative ways of making “fused” glass and even candles. Eventually, her artwork would become too consuming, and her true passion could not take a back seat any longer. So, in 1996 she quit her job at the Embassy and spent the next four years studying at the Athens School of Fine Arts.

After graduating in 2000 she was invited to show her work at several premier exhibits around Greece, and as a result was featured on national television.

Less than two years ago, acting on some advice from an American art dealer, she moved to New York City, taking up residency with her husband in Manhattan’s East Village.

She has since then been steadily developing an underground following among New Yorkers, international travelers as well as the occasional celebrity. During this short period her work has reached five continents, all American States, and recently the US Capitol building.

I might add that she and her husband also provide top notch customer service and her prices are very, very reasonable. For the price I did not expect a hand painted to order piece, especially not on stretched canvas, but was pleasantly surprised.

Check her out on Facebook, especially this piece. I’m already plotting where to put it.