nina corvallo

Summer Night

2009-07-15T23:59:00.004-04:00

NYC Summer Sky @ Dusk © Nina Buesing Corvallo

Tonight is one of those perfect New York Summer nights. You can smell summer in the air and even at midnight the air is still balmy. The concrete radiating heat keeps the temperature just right.

Mondays & Heidi Klum

2009-07-13T10:43:00.003-04:00

Today is Monday. Mondays are often hard for me, which is strange since my life is not necessarily structured in a conventional seven day week.
In any case today is one of those Mondays. Arggh.

Oh well. No time for complaints. I haven't had much time for personal blogging, and this post is probably not getting the attention it deserves.
But sometimes 80% gotta do.
Over dinner this weekend Sasha Baron Cohen's new movie Bruno was discussed. A gay friend of mine was commenting on how he finds the movie to be very offensive & damaging to his community (while another gay friend loved it). I have not seen the movie and prob. will not see it and thus I cannot comment on it in depth. I looked at a few old clips of Mr. Cohen in the Bruno character on youtube, and decided I was not goign to see the film in theaters (on DVD later maybe).
I understand Mr. Cohen is purposefully being provocative and I understand what Owen Gleiberman is arguing in his review of the movie.
And who knows maybe I would like the movie.
But I suspect the stereotyping of Teutonic people would prob. bother me somewhat (I'm used to it, but it is getting old).
I am not sure there is any point in discussing and dissecting that aspect of the movie, but it made me think about model & entertainer Heidi Klum. I don't have a television and even if I am near a television you prob. won't find me watching reality television. So I don't know how Ms. Klum acts on her show(s). Or if she served as inspiration for Mr. Cohen. I suspect he is taking a stab at her. However what I know of Heidi Klum otherwise, just makes me think of her as a German national treasure (albeit she is now a naturalized US citizen as well). She seems like an open & warm person who cares greatly about her family. She seems like someone who makes the best out of everything and tries to do the best she can. She seems like a good sport and like she has a good sense of humor. Sure she is hyper and silly at times, but she is a model and an entertainer, and not chancellor or president. Cut her some slack. She's come a long way.
To me Heidi Klum is representative of modern Germany. Her upbeat, straight-forward and comfortable-in-her-own skin personality reminds me of close friends back home.
And I have much affection for Heidi Klum for that reason. I like what she exports and thank her for it.

Amy Stein

2009-07-09T09:11:00.010-04:00

© Amy Stein

I am a big fan of Amy Stein's work and Amy herself.
You can catch her lecturing at the Museum of Photographic Art in San Diego, California tonight:

Amy Stein Lecture
Museum of Photographic Art
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-238-7559 (Phone)
info@mopa.org
July 9, 2009 -7:00 pm

And here is some additional imagery by Amy to enhance your Thursday:

© Amy Stein

Home: Maria Passarotti & Others

2009-07-08T09:51:00.006-04:00

Dead House, Dead Tree, Apparition © Maria Passarotti

'Home' -- is such a central theme for many artists. Perhaps because 'home' is so intimately related to identity - another core issue.
My friend Maria Passarotti is currently showing work at Susan Eley Fine Art , in an exhibition titled Heading Home. The opening reception is tonight.

Susan Eley Fine Art
Heading Home
46 West 90th Street
2nd floor
New York, NY 10024

Through September 13, 2009

Opening Reception: July 8, 6-8 PM

Featuring live poetry readings by two award-winning poets
Ada Limón & Jason Schneiderman

Sari Bari Kantha Blanket

2009-07-06T23:57:00.008-04:00

Last week I received my Kantha or Sari Blanket made by Asha, a woman at Sari Bari (see above). This throw is great in so many ways: the colors & Kantha stitch detail is beautiful, it's recycled and the proceeds go to Sari Bari, which in turn helps give women like Asha a new start. Right now Sari Bari is sold out of additional blankets but you can still find a couple via www.freesetbags.co.uk. Or put yourself on the Sari Bari mailing list.

Thursday This & That

2009-07-02T01:59:00.004-04:00

Photograph by Ray Bidegain/courtesy Alex Novak/Vintage Works, Ltd.

Alex Novak has returned from Europe with an extensive collection of new photographs. The images are viewable (& available for purchase) at www.vintageworks.net - along with many other great vintage & contemporary works. The image above is an exquisite example of the collection, and one that has rekindled my interest in still-lives.

Artist Sandra Juto has moved her blogging to a new address: www.sandrajuto.com/blog/.

And Liz Kuball is today's' Nymphoto Conversation!

So Wrong, Yet So Good

2009-06-30T00:45:00.008-04:00

I haven't laughed this much at a movie in a long time

Genius. But certainly not for everyone. Owen Gleiberman is an astute & fair critic and he wrote a balanced review for The Hangover, which you can find on EW.com.

Beautiful Letter

2009-06-28T01:07:00.005-04:00

I received from my goddaughter today. She lives on the other side of the pond and I miss her, but just thinking of her makes me smile.

she has an artistic sensibility, I think! © Nina

This Weekend (Off The Wall)

2009-06-27T22:54:00.011-04:00

if you look closely you see the double rainbow © Rita

It's Pride weekend and 40 years since the Stonewall Riots.

It has been raining so much in New York that everyone is sick of it. And this morning at last the sun came out.
So when the clouds gathered later in the afternoon, and the rain came once more, most New Yorkers were exasperated.
But after the downpour my friend R. spotted a double-rainbow (!) in BK!
How fitting for this weekend.
The rain passed and it is a beautiful night in New York, with lots of people out celebrating Pride.
I just took a quick walk and was happy to see the Presbyterian Church on lower Fifth flying the gay flag.

Now I am back at home with the windows wide open and I can still hear cars going by blasting M.J. songs.
But let's not forget Farrah, also an icon and someone who helped raise awareness to the plight so many face fighting cancer.

Sweet

2009-06-27T00:01:00.002-04:00

The one and only Larry © Corvallo

It's the little things that make life good. Here are a few things I observed or heard that I thought sweet.

Candace making Strawberry Preserve with Jasper.

My husband remembering the fuzzy fur on our cats when they were kittens.

Morran.

Larry.

Kai taking me on night nature walks.

A.B. & E.S.

Wish I Was in London...

2009-06-26T00:01:00.003-04:00

so I could spend time with my friends and see:

©Camille Seaman

An Exhibiton of Photographs by Camille Seaman
The Last Iceberg
-through July3, 2009

Hoopers Gallery
15 Clerkenwell Close
London, UK

A Love Story & More

2009-06-25T01:42:00.005-04:00

Tuesday Night at Cinema Village © Nina Buesing Corvallo

Last night my husband & I finally went to see "Herb & Dorothy". This documentary film is all about love. It tells the love story of Herbert & Dorothy Vogel, and the story of their love for art & collecting art. The movie is also a love poem to New York, because where else could their story have been possible?!
If you are a mush like me, interested in art and/or New York, this movie is for you.

Thursday night is Art Night in New York, so take a page out of Herb & Dorothy's book and attend some openings.
Here are two exhibits in Chelsea to check out:

© Minette Mangahas , Flash #23, 2008,Ink and silver pigment on paper
x 18 x 12 inches

Paraphrase
Arario Gallery
521 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-206-2760
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 25 6 - 8 pm

"Arario New York is pleased to present "Paraphrase", an exciting group exhibition featuring newly commissioned works by Aakash Nihalani, Cui Fei and Minette Mangahas. The exhibition will be on view June 26 - July 24."

&

Two Cowboys #2, from the series Eyes of Salamanca. © Juliana Beasley

Summer Salon of Emerging Photographers
Daniel Cooney Fine Art
511 West 25th Street, #506
New York, NY 10001
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 25 6 - 8 pm

Photographs by:
Juliana Beasley
Felix R. Cid
Bradley Peters
Rebecca Schrock

Congrats Juliana & Minette!

Something Postive, Something Different

2009-06-21T20:45:00.012-04:00

Ahhh...the power of positive thought. As I said yesterday I was determined to spend some time today outdoors, taking advantage of the wonderful city I live in - rain or shine.
And I did and the weather held until we returned home.

Wanted to share a few things:

First up: you can find work by the talented Patrick Romero in the current issue of Ahorn Magazine. You can re-visit my conversation with Patrick, by clicking here.

And Jane Tam is exploring. I love the self-portrait (below) that Jane recently took in her parents' kitchen - it's timeless and contemporary. And also really soft, subtle and pretty, yet it has lots of details to observe.

Self-Portrait in the Kitchen, 2009 © Jane Tam

And at last: This August The Textile Museum in DC will exhibit:

A Lady Found a Culture in its Cloth: Barack Obama's Mother and Indonesian Batiks
August 9-23, 2009

Not sure if I will be able to make it down to DC, but I sure would love to see this. I love Bali and its art & crafts. I brought back a mini-collection of batiks myself when I was there and Ida and I even took a batik-making class. Anyway, I hope to return to Indonesia, it's such an amazing place.

Sunday: Rain or Shine

2009-06-20T23:46:00.006-04:00

If you live in New York you know that we have had un(s)(r)easonably wet, cool and grey weather. It's been a bit much, even though the flowers in my window boxes are growing well. My mood not so much. So I decided tomorrow I am taking advantage of the city -- rain or shine and getting out of the house.
I plan on checking out The Garage in Chelsea and Make Music New York.

Friday This & That

2009-06-19T22:13:00.006-04:00

Film: My friend Aza's movie "Momma's Man" will be available via Netflix starting July 7.

courtesy KinoInternational/Azazel Jacobs

Photo Books: Juergen Teller: Marc Jacobs Advertising 1998-2009. It's Juergen Teller, 'nuff said.

Art Exhibit: I am looking forward to the upcoming "The Female Gaze: Women Look At Women" (JUNE 25 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2009) exhibit at Cheim & Reed. The roaster of artists included is serious and includes many of my favorites: Louise Bourgeois, Sally Mann,Julia Margaret Cameron, Kara Walker, Shirin Neshat, Hellen van Meene & many more talented female artists.

Soap: My friends C. & J. gifted lovely lilac scented soaps to their guests at their wedding. We love this soap! It is made by The Soap Guy.
I think the secret is the simple ingredient list: olive oil, coconut oil & soybean oil. Great stuff that agrees well even with dry and/or sensitive skin.

Have a great weekend and eat your vegetables & whole grain foods.

Digest

2009-06-18T20:32:00.008-04:00

© Nadia Sablin

Been busy catching up with some work stuff.

But here are a few things I wanted to mention. My friend Rona just did a conversation with Nadia Sablin for the Nymphoto Conversations series, which you can find by clicking here.
And my friend Jane has some great interviews coming up, so keep an eye on the Nymphoto blog.

Five Naked Men © SandraJuto/Smosch

The talented Sandra Juto is revamping her portfolio website and she has knitted more butt crack characters (siblings to Mr. Bompa). They - and other great stuff- are available in her shop and going fast. I think these 'naked men' are genius :).

My friend Emily wrote a very insightful review of her Santa Fe portfolio review experience. You can find the post titled "My Review of My Review", which you can find on her blog by clicking here.
I don't have time to expand now, so suffice to say that I very much agree with what Emily is saying.
And APhotoEditor had a great Q&A a short while back with photo rep Deborah Schwartz, which you can find by clicking here.

And at last I wanted to say that I still very much enjoy Rescue Me and that I think Nurse Jackie looks promising. Edie Falco is simply great -- some of the other characters however are a bit over the top so far, but they prob. will work themselves out.
I also watched the season premiere of Weeds (catch it free at sho.com) and wasn't so into it. Clearly I like shows that mix drama & humor (such as Rescue Me & Nurse Jackie) however the season premiere of Weeds was possibly too much drama for me.

Beautiful World

2009-06-14T03:04:00.019-04:00

all images © Nina Buesing Corvallo

Maybe you don't have a choice in what you become. Or maybe just some of us don't.
I know many who say they have a calling -- whether it is music or medicine or whatever.
I can't speak for those who have a calling to be a health care professional or a firefighter or whatever.
But I know a little about being artist.
It's not easy. All the cliches are somewhat true. We are tortured. Successful or not , we can't shut off our brains. It's a pain in the ass.
However I suspect our highs are as good as our lows -- and they are intense.
One of the best summers I ever spent was spent in Woodstock --after 9/11; spent with friends who share an understanding and who don't ever judge.
And I knew every minute how good of a time we were having. As our friend Ferdinand was saying (over and over) when he came up to visit: " I am having such a good time right now". I think we all kinda felt like that. Knowing full went that it was a magical summer.
And like a band or even like a album that summer just fused circumstance and people together to a perfect mixture.

all images © Nina Buesing Corvallo

Life & Art

2009-06-13T00:55:00.002-04:00

Found this on Taschen's YouTube page:

courtesy TaschenBooks

Nice if You Can Get It

2009-06-11T23:59:00.004-04:00

the status board at Mount Sinai--keeping loved ones informed.

Last week I had minor surgery at the excellent Mount Sinai Medical Center and a friend of mine had more serious surgery at the Ear, Nose & Throat Infirmary. Both of us were surprised - and really grateful- how kind everyone at both hospitals were. I have written before about how I think manners are important. Being kind and compassionate to strangers and kin alike allows society to function. In a medical context good bedside manner is imperative, because of course treatment is more likely to be successful if the patient is at ease. One is also more inclined to seek treatment early on if one is comfortable (financially & mentally).
To get good care and stay well you have to also trust and be comfortable with your physician -- and I think it is helpful if at least one health care professional knows you and your medical history.
I am fortunate to afford insurance that allows me to get comprehensive top quality care.
I get to choose my doctors, maintain a relationship w/them, I am covered world wide and my plan includes dental. It costs me between $650 to $800 a month currently, depending on how the Dollar holds up against the Euro. That's a boat load for me, but I am happy to pay it. And I just hope I can keep affording it.
My phone is 4 years old, my computer is ancient & ugly and my couch is second hand & really crappy, but I have outstanding health insurance. Works for me.
As an expat I am covered through a private European carrier that specializes in insuring people in my situation.
I am lucky to be in a position that I can afford my coverage and that I have access to this insurance plan. What I spent monthly would not nearly buy me the same coverage with an American insurance company.
I have had my ups and downs financially. Once I had to hock some of my photo gear to pay my premium, but I didn't really mind. As a European the notion of not having access to proper medical care is just not imaginable.
In New York health care & insurance is particularly expensive.
Last week I mentioned Atul Gawande's New Yorker article "The Cost Conundrum" which speaks about the high cost of health care in this country.
Apparently President Obama also took notice of the article.
I do hope things will change with this administration in regard to health care.
In the mean time I am counting my blessings.

Rescue

2009-06-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

This weekend I was food-shopping at my favorite market, the Fairway in Red Hook.
Also shopping for food were the Red Hook Raiders, the local firefighters. It is a cliche but I do think most firefighters are hot :) Clearly most of them are fit, but I think at heart what makes them attractive is their bravery and that they serve the community.

Talking about New York and fire fighters, I have been watching "Rescue Me" on Hulu, I like it and I am glad it is filmed in New York.

Happy Anniversary, Loves!

2009-06-07T02:03:00.006-04:00

@ Aperture

2009-06-05T03:37:00.003-04:00

New York, New York:

All the Days and Nights, Doug DuBois
Artist's Talk and Book Signing
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
6:30 pm
FREE

&

Dan Winters
Talk, Book Signing, and Reception
Thursday, June 11, 2009
6:30 pm
FREE

Aperture Gallery
547 West 27th Street, 4th floor
(between 10th and 11th Avenues)
New York, New York
(212) 505-5555

Enjoy!

2009-06-05T00:30:00.005-04:00

I am taking a little break.
But before I go back on my hiatus, I wanted to share this work by Camilla Engman with you - which I am delighted to say just arrived from Sweden at my house. If you are not yet familiar with Camilla's work, visit www.camillaengman.com & www.camillaengman.blogspot.com.

Hanging Dog ©Camilla Engman

New York & Philly

2009-05-31T23:17:00.005-04:00

I love stories of people reaching out to one another. Here is a great story about New York family by Sarah Kramer for The New York Times series One in 8 Million: "May Wong Lee: The Adoptive Mother", with great photos by Todd Heisler.
And Zoe Strauss is busy in Philly setting up Camp Straussundbloom. Send a postcard!

Thursday This & That

2009-05-28T08:50:00.006-04:00

Tonight from 6-8 PM is the artist reception for NYMPHOTO PRESENTS @ SASHA WOLF GALLERY. I am really excited to show my work alongside so many great women artists and I am thrilled that we were able to put together two great exhibits this year.

Klea McKenna who showed work in the first exhibit at Sasha Wolf is featured today on the Nymphoto Blog as part of Nymphoto Conversations. We have had some great conversations recently, including ones with fellow Nymphoto cohorts Rona Chang and Candace Gottschalk.

My friend the talended Jon Shireman has opened an Etsy Store which is great news. Jon is not only a fantastic photographer he is also a master technician, so you know you'll get an outstanding print. Check it: Photographs for Sale.

And I read two great pieces in this week's New Yorker: "Hell's Kitchen" by Stephen Faris (a must read for any lover of New York) and Atul Gawande's "The Cost Conundrum" (I recently had my first real interaction with the American Healthcare System and thus this really struck a cord).

I am also looking forward to next week Thursday when Will Steacy's "Down These Mean Streets" opens at my Alma Mater:

Gulf & Western Gallery
New York University
721 Broadway
NYC
Opening Reception Thursday June 4th, 6-8pm

Looks to me like Will is just getting better and better.