The Cultivated Home

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. In a city of over 8 million residence, there is plenty of junk. But the flea market located on 25th between 6th and 7th Avenue feels like a carefully curated collection of treasures. Located inside a parking garage, this flea market is easy to miss. But if you follow the small sidewalk sign into the garage, you discover two full levels of booths.

On any Saturday or Sunday, one can search for hours through the various tables piled with costume jewelry, vintage photos, frames, lighting, artwork and furniture. Or you can always find that perfect set of deer antlers to hang in your apartment. The two best times to go is either early Saturday morning, or late in the day Sunday. Without a doubt, you will be leaving with something.

We are currently obsessing over the work by Eliza Stamps. Her show, Being and Nothingness is on exhibit at the Mehr gallery by Petra Projects. Eliza’s work is based on geometry, repetition and design, yet all of the final products created are part of a plan to map out an idea, express a period of time, or to tell a story entirely imagined. Each piece, whether textile or drawing comprises thousands of miniscule seed forms — either created by the stitch of a needle or by the renderings of pen.

These seeds then form a cohesive whole, reminding us of the basis of all existence. The textiles are framed in thick walnut, some even as deep as 7 in. They are indeed textiles, but take on the role of even sculptures, gracefully floating against the wall. The textiles are especially interesting in their design, in that they are round, whimsical creations made with the thread, yet posted into a very structured form, the frame.  There is an incredible balance between art and design, which is why they are wonderful for not only art collectors but for decorators.  Even in the walnut frames, they appear light and comforting. Continue Reading