Author Archives: Y&P

About Y&P

ELIZABETH RECHTER: New York City Who inspires you? Map makers, Vincent van Gogh, and Jack Keroauc Best advice ever received? Traveling is the best thing a person can do. What’s your vice? Running late. How would you define love? Spontaneous!

The American Reader

Reader Logo

The American Reader, is a monthly subscription-only literary “reader” of fiction, poetry, translation and criticism. TAR “is dedicated to reestablishing the role of literary discourse in the conversations of members of Generation Y.” It was created in response to our culture’s current literary terrain. The young editors make sure TAR is witty, edgy, and current while remaining erudite.

The New York Times ran a feature on Uzoamaka Maduka, the Princeton graduate who created TAR, and described what she started as “proof that even in this iPhone age, some paper-based dreams have not died: bright young things, it seems, are still coming to New York, smoking too much and starting perfect-bound literary journals.”

We spoke to Arielle Patrick (Director of Publicity, at The American Reader) about her views on reading in our generation.

[Y&P] What do you want readers of The American Reader to take away from the publication?
[Arielle Patrick] I want people to stop saying that young people don’t read in print anymore. We do. But print reading has its own place in our routine. Many people wonder why a group of young, plugged-in intellectuals would consider launching a print publication in a digital era. We know our generation thirsts for content immediately, and we fill that need with our website. I’m especially proud of our partnership with Salon magazine. Check out some of our hottest on-line content here at Salon.com: http://www.salon.com/topic/the_american_reader

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What NYC literary figure, past or present, do you admire?
Tom Wolfe. I remember when he came to my high school alma mater, The Chapin School, to speak at one of our commencement ceremonies. As always, he was clad in that crisp white summer suit. My favorite of his works is The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. He took a lot of risks writing that book in 1968, and I admire him for that.
Which do you prefer: Kindle, iBooks, Nooks, or books?
Books. I like the visceral experience of reading. I barely know how to use my iPhone and don’t own a tablet.

 

 

Top 13 of 2013: Mac Bishop of Native(X)

Little Wound

Little Wound, Patrick Dean Hubbell

Mac Bishop, CEO of Native(X), is no stranger to Native art.  Growing up in Oregon, Mac was exposed to Native culture and community at an early age. Bishop told Y&P, “my Grandpa collected Native artwork and I can remember admiring the intricate designs as a young boy. My family also runs a business [Pendleton] that has worked with tribes for over 100 years making trade blankets for ceremonies and rituals. My dad’s Umatilla tribe name is Tsitskaneewushuthla, meaning ‘One who rides with blankets.’”

Bishop went on to tell us, “Native artists and designers are underrepresented and under-acknowledged in today’s fashion and art industry,” and it was his desire to change the industry’s view and create awareness of Native arts. This led to the creation of Native(X).

Chip Off the Block

Chip Off the Block, Jaque Fragua

Native(X) works with Native American artists to tell their stories and market their designs. Buying art and other items through Native(X) helps support not only the artists and the concept of the company, but also helps fund art classes for children on reservations.

Y&P chose to feature Mac Bishop in our Top 13 of 2013 list because of his entrepreneurial abilities that go beyond self-interest. Bishop has created a platform for talented artists to get recognition and fund aspiring artists to have access to the education needed to continue their success.

Enjoy our interview with Mac Bishop below, and be sure to visit Native(X).

[Y&P] What was the biggest challenge starting Native(X)?
[Mac Bishop] Earning the respect of the Native community was and still is challenging. Anywhere I go, I received with a bit of skepticism and rightly so, given the recent historical injustices. That doubt is overcome when I show what I’ve accomplished and explain my goals.

Lifestyle, Troy Whitehorne

Lifestyle, Troy Whitehorne

When you first started out, you received some negative feedback about not being a Native and thus are “exploiting indigenous culture for financial gain.” How do you perceive this view? Do you think a person has to be “part of the group” to ignite a movement?
I listened and took time to understand the concerns. Social media acts like a system of checks and balances–if the Native community doesn’t like what I’m doing, they’ll let it be known. It’s amazing what the community has been able to do with recent Paul Frank, Urban Outfitters, and Victoria Secret controversies. Caleb Dunlap originally questioned my intentions three years ago. Since then we’ve developed a great friendship and I see him as an adviser.

What are your favorite styles of Native art?
I first started working with traditional NW coast artist who make “totem style” prints. Being from the NW, this was the first Native art style I was attracted to. I then went to the Santa Fe Indian Market and it opened my eyes to different regional styles. The diversity in color, medium, and inspiration is pretty incredible. I’m working with a lot of contemporary artists from the SW right now.

Red and Yellow, Patrick Dean Hubbell

Red and Yellow, Patrick Dean Hubbell

What are you looking forward to this spring?
Planning a road trip to the Chickasaw Nation, Alaska, Santa Fe, and then back up to the Umatilla Reservation! I’m hoping to connect with artists and designers across the nation. Also, want to explore the country.

To those visiting Portland, OR…what is a must-see?
The Columbia River Gorge. Rent a car and drive! And then get out and hike.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Always order a burrito bowl with tortilla on the side at Chipotle if you are going for volume it is probably number one. Number two is surround yourself with people that give you happiness and make you a better person.

 

Bike in Style: Eleanor’s Bikes

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Biking has always been a speedy, green way to get around NYC. Now, with the start of Citi Bike
 New Yorkers will have much more of an incentive to pedal up and down the avenues. Don’t worry, you won’t have to wear your sweats, Eleanor’s NYC has you covered with their stylish biking apparel and accessories. Be sure to check out their site and read our quick interview on biking.

Q: What are a couple bike rides/routes you would recommend to New Yorkers who don’t usually bike in the city?
A: I would definitely recommend a ride on Governor’s Island for a picnic with friends.  You can take the ferry over with your bike in tow, and the island is a great car-free spot to take in beautiful views of the city.  The Island has an interesting history but because it’s a bit off the beaten path not too many New Yorkers have taken advantage of this hidden gem.

Q: What is the hot accessory for bikers this spring and summer?
A: We’d probably have to go with these bicycle baskets by House of Talents.  They’re beautiful, one-of-a-kind baskets, handmade in Ghana.  They’re handsome, sturdy, and come in a handful of colors that are great for spring (we’ve been digging this peacock and red palette lately).  Best of all, the brand provides economic opportunities to its employees and donates a portion of its profits to a scholarship fund.  In sum, looking cute on your bike has never felt so good.

Q: What has been your favorite aspect of Eleanor’s NYC?
A: We have some pretty amazing customers.  Have the opportunity to meet so many amazing women who share our passion for biking and interest in design has been so rewarding.  It turns out that a lot of lady cyclists are pretty discontent with the majority of bike accessories out there; they’re looking fo pieces that say “chic French girl” rather than “Tour de France.”  We love when customers say, “I’m glad you exist.”  It’s also been amazing to curate a collection of our favorite things… all we do is search for and look at beautiful objects.  It doesn’t get much better than that.
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A few Results from Sotheby’s Prints Auction

Here are a few results* from the May 2-3, 2013 Prints auction at Sotheby’s NYC.

*Hammer price with buyer’s premium.

Andy Warhol, 1979, “AFTER THE PARTY”
$20,000

Andy Warhol, 1985, “LIFESAVERS”
$56,250

Richard Diebenkorn, 1986, “GREEN”
$395,000

David Hockney, 1973, “SUN”
Did not sell

Jasper Johns, 1969, “Bread”
$28,125

Claes Oldenburg, 1990, “Profiterole”
$5,938

To Boston, With Love

All winter we got carried away
Over on the rooftops, let’s get married
All summer we just hurried
So come over, just be patient, and don’t worry
So come over, just be patient, and don’t worry

So come over, just be patient, and don’t worry
And don’t worry

Try
Try
Try
Try

No I don’t want to battle from beginning to end
I don’t want a cycle of recycled revenge
I don’t want to follow Death and all of his friends

No I don’t want to battle from beginning to end
I don’t want a cycle of recycled revenge
I don’t want to follow Death and all of his friends.

And, in the end, we lie awake, and we dream of making our escape.
And, in the end, we lie awake, and we dream of making our escape.

Catch Marco Benevento back home in Brooklyn on 4/20

NYC, be sure to catch Marco Benevento on his TigerFace tour when he plays Brooklyn Bowl on Saturday, April 20th. 

Where:
BROOKLYN BOWL
61 Wythe Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 963-3369

When:
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
Doors: 6pm
Show: 8pm

Tickets:
$10 Advance
$12 Day of Show
21 & Over

“For the last several years, pianist, sound-sculptor and songwriter Marco Benevento has been amassing an extensive resume of composition and collaboration. His studio albums have set forth a vision that connects the dots between Explosions In The Sky and Tortoise on one side, Brian Eno and Brad Mehldau on the other. In the live setting, his performances reverberate with pulsating dance rock energy, which has led to numerous high profile appearances, ranging from Carnegie Hall to Celebrate Brooklyn, Newport Jazz Festival to Bonnaroo.

Benevento took a major step forward with the recent release of his critically acclaimed new studio album, TigerFace. The ten-track collection is painted in a myriad of sonic colors, shimmering with acoustic piano, synths and analog keyboards, while the songs themselves are seemingly conceptualized from every wisp of melody, hook and cadence that’s ever tickled his ear. Recorded and mixed by Tom Biller (Silversun Pickups) and Bryce Goggin (Pavement), TigerFace features a stellar cast of musicians recruited to help capture his ideas, including drummers Matt Chamberlain (Pearl Jam), John McEntire (The Sea & The Cake) and Andrew Barr (The Barr Brothers), bassists Dave Dreiwitz (Ween), Reed Mathis (Tea Leaf Green) and Mike Gordon (Phish) and saxophonist Stuart Bogie (Antibalas, Superhuman Happiness). For the first time on record, Benevento presents vocals, inviting Kalmia Traver (Rubblebucket) to sing on the infectious dance rock rave-up “Limbs Of A Pine” and the pastoral psych rock meditation “This Is How It Goes.” Other standouts include the angelic Arcade Fire meets The Flaming Lips anthem “Eagle Rock,” the soaring garage psychedelia of “Going West” and the piano riff rock jaunt “Escape Horse.”

As anybody who’s seen Marco Benevento perform can attest—with eyes closed, smile wide across his face and fingers free-flowing across the keys—the pianist is a satellite to the muse. Indeed, TigerFace, is the commitment to this pursuit; a record that rides the yes wave and in the process becomes a soundtrack for fellow travelers with their eyes set on the horizon.”