Wonder Walls at Coney Island
Summer has always seemed like the shortest season to me. It's true that time flies when you're having fun, but I never saw summer vacation months the same way since I've graduated (because they no longer exist). This year, summer flashed by and I haven't had as much time to go on photo-ventures. So, before August is completely over, before Labor Day officially marks the end of summer, I ventured my way out to the one and only Coney Island.
Summer has always seemed like the shortest season to me. It's true that time flies when you're having fun, but I never saw summer vacation months the same way since I've graduated (because they no longer exist). This year, summer flashed by and I haven't had as much time to go on photo-ventures. So, before August is completely over, before Labor Day officially marks the end of summer, I ventured my way out to the one and only Coney Island.
Though Coney Island is not a new place to be, I still find it thought provoking, fun and a place I can find inspiration. I'm not always there for the rides, definitely not there for the beach, nor am I there to see fireworks in the summertime. This year in particular, I went for the art-- walls and walls of ART. Per usual, I went early so I could beat the crowd. Below are just a few of the ones that captivated me, but there are at least 30+ walls to see.
This isn't just "street art." It's beyond that. It's a compilation of work from several artists, some that happen to be graffiti and street artists, but many are contemporary with a voice about this generation. It is lively, and it just happens to be murals in the streets.
And the best part...Smorgasburg is at the center of it all, surrounded by the vibrant work. I circled the area twice and of course because the sun was beaming, I chose a chair under the shady umbrella and entered an inviting conversation with a dear friend, discussing everything that was in our vision before us, and our vision of the future.
This summer has been filled with deep thought about whether destiny exists, and whether I truly have control over the path that I take. Do I choose to go down that road, or do I take that road only to see where it leads me? It's a lot of thinking and overthinking, but I've learned that this is probably every twenty-something. The waters are murkier, but all I can do is let go of the rope and let my life float on. Where to next? I haven't a clue. I didn't know exactly where these murals were located in Coney Island, but I walked the boardwalk, visited the Wonder Wheel and eventually found what I was looking for all along, after a wander down another street.
Forget the map, leave it at home. There's nothing you can do except take life one day at a time. Even when there aren't any more classes to take, life is schooling me year after year.
...and we'll all float on OK.
<3,
Laura
Travel Diaries: St. Maarten - Entry Two
Well, it only took me 3 months to put together this video, but better late than never!
Here's a recap of all the wonderful activities, on AND off land!! Looking back, this trip was truly one of a kind! We went ziplining at Loterie Farm, jet skiing and parasailing at Orient Bay, snorkeling at Creole Rock, swimming in Pinel Island and Anguilla ...and MORE.
<3,
Laura
PS: Make sure you do my GoPro justice and watch it in HD! :)
July 15 Update: I had to make little tweaks to the video and it now includes location tags so you know which part of the island we were exploring. :) Anguilla section also edited. ENJOY!!
Lavender by the Bay
I've always wanted to visit a flower field-- and dream of being in Holland surrounded by tulips, which I will one day make happen. BUT in the meantime, here's Laura in New York City. So, when I discovered I could drive a few miles out east and pretend to be in Europe, I had to make it happen!
I've always wanted to visit a flower field-- and dream of being in Holland surrounded by tulips, which I will one day make happen. BUT in the meantime, here's Laura in New York City. So, when I discovered I could drive a few miles out east and pretend to be in Europe, I had to make it happen!
Lavender by the Bay is filled with 17 acres of English and French lavender-- truly a flower lover's dream come true. Located in East Marion, New York, it is quite the drive out to the tip of Long Island. From Queens it took two hours, but it was extremely worth it! (Thank you to my favorite brother who did the driving!)
It was a cloudy day, but I was blessed with sunshine when the rays cracked through the thick clouds and unveiled blue skies on Saturday. Lavender aroma filled the air and while it is known to be a stress reliever, it was the sight that soothed my mind. The flower field blooms in three waves and I arrived at the beginning of lavender season. To find out more about the three blooms, click here.
I happened to visit the farm during its first wave, called the First English Bloom, which starts mid to late June. During my visit, only a section of the many acres were filled with varying shades of purple and white flowers. The owners actually recommends people visit early July, during the second wave, because that is when the farm looks most impressive with its French lavender.
Though I didn't go during the "recommended" time, I don't feel like I missed anything. Open 9AM to 5PM and seven days a week, I wanted the field to be empty when I arrived. I got there at 9:30AM with hardly anyone there, some grey skies and buzzing bees. With only a few acres of purple, it was still enough to get gorgeous photos!
During the summer blooming season there is an $8 entry fee to walk in the fields. It becomes credit that can be used in their store. You can buy lavender in various forms: dried, potted, fresh-cut, you name it! Beyond that, there's lavender scones, lotion, soap and even HONEY made from the farm's own beehives. Where there are bees, there are beehives with sweet, sweet honey.
Although bees in general are terrifying when they fly undesirably close to you, I was happy to see them pollinating, feasting, and doing what bees are meant to do. I'm not an expert on the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) where an estimated 10 million honey beehives have mysteriously declined over the last six years, but it doesn't take a scientist to realize that this world is changing. It has been changing for centuries.
While the cause of CCD remains unknown, there are theories that lethal amounts of pesticides and fungicides play a role in their decline. In recent articles, a small parasite may be to blame for the worldwide decline of these bees. This is all sad news to hear and even more devastating to believe.
I know this blogpost took an unexpected turn. At first I thought I'd share what a beautiful experience I had at Lavender by the Bay. I did not expect to mention the death of honeybees, but I realized that what I am seeing in my visions today may not be the same as what future generations will see. One of the most beautiful things about a garden is the life that it attracts. Where there are flowers, there are bees, and many more insects that thrive in this ecosystem.
I am just one girl trying to find the beauty that exists in this world-- and we are losing a lot of beauty. The worst part is, I don't know if it can all be saved. We've got 99+ problems and CCD is just one of them.
I'm grateful for the existence of Lavender by the Bay and I'll be back to absorb its beauty again.
<3
Laura
"Please Touch the Art" by Jeppe Hein
"Please Touch the Art" is Brooklyn Bridge Park's latest outdoor art installment by Danish artist, Jeppe Hein. He isn't kidding about wanting you to get active with his work. There are three main parts to this collection: Appearing Rooms, Mirror Labyrinth and 16 Modified Social Benches. I love that this was spread throughout the park so that you can explore and find each piece on your own.
"Please Touch the Art" is Brooklyn Bridge Park's latest outdoor art installment by Danish artist, Jeppe Hein. He isn't kidding about wanting you to get active with his work. Spread across the park are three parts to this collection: Appearing Rooms, Mirror Labyrinth and 16 Modified Social Benches.
Appearing Rooms
This one unleashed my inner child and I had just as much fun as the kids behind me! There are four chambers to this installment and they're timed so that you have a few seconds to walk in without getting wet. Each chamber takes turn surging a water barrier until all walls are up and you're surrounded! You'll get a little sprayed, but you won't be soaked when you stand at the center of a room. And, If you're like the kids playing behind me, you can also not give a damn and charge right through the walls because it's only water after all!
Consider this a warning! These photos were taken at 10AM, and it got extremely crowded by noon! This became a water park for the little kids suited up and ready to charge in their swimwear.
This one is located right at the entrance of the park, so you can't miss it!
Mirror Labyrinth
When you say Labyrinth, I think of a maze, but this was most definitely not a maze. It's much smaller than I imagined, but still very cool to walk through! The shards of metal mirrors are placed in circular pathways that guide you without getting lost or confused. I enjoyed seeing pieces of other people's reflections as I walked through and saw my own. This definitely makes you think of the world you're surrounded by and how beautiful each piece can be. If only this could be bigger!!
The mirrors are located near Pier 3 of Brooklyn Bridge Park so you'll need to walk a little deeper to get to this one!
16 Modified Social Benches
Last but not least (and certainly the most spread out) are the 16 bright, fun and very orange sculptures. They are inspired by the average social bench, but with twists and turns. You can sit on them, but comfort was disregarded in some!
I did not walk through and look for every bench, but you knew one was coming up ahead because of its obnoxious color! You really can't miss it.
"Please Touch the Art" will be available until April 17, 2016! Touch everything and look for all the benches! (Click here for the Map)
That's all for now! Happy Memorial Day!
Love,
Laura
Kamri, The Gallery and My Inspirations
Today my work was featured in a gallery where I met some of the most inspirational people.
I thank my parents, my family and friends. Thank you to everyone who came to the gallery today and thank you to all who have inspired me, influenced me, and supported my photography.
Kamri
Today my work was featured in a gallery where I met some of the most inspirational people. And by inspirational, I mean this young and beautiful girl, Kamri Carter.
"Mom...According to Us" shared artwork that ranged from paintings to poetry, photographs and more. 100% of all art proceeds from this gallery went to #StephsGirls. Stephanie Lee is survived by her two beautiful daughters, Kamri and Marchelle. Although the gallery was for them, I realized that it was a beautiful experience that was very much for me, too. I thank Kamri and her family for giving me the chance to explore my work and to share my love and compassion for flowers, nature, and anything that catches my attention. This was a beautiful chance to share what are in my visions.
The Gallery
But before I continue...here's a look at today's gallery. If the title cannot be clear enough, the gallery was all about our definition of "Mom." Vicky Jordan of PureWorks put together such an amazing and well curated gallery.
My work:
Moms are constant gardeners as they shower us with unconditional love.
No matter what season, they nurture us so that we bloom into our best selves-- in the heat of summer and in the dead of winter. These photographs were taken during all four seasons of New York City: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. "Love" is the flower that is never out of season.
The turnout was amazing and I am truly grateful for every single person who stopped by-- from all walks of my life. Even though my mom is overseas and she couldn't be here today, I was blessed with all the people who did come through. For that, I thank you all!
My Inspirations
My parents have been an inspiration to me and are truly the biggest supporters. It was after I selected my photos that I realized how often I photograph flowers. Interestingly enough, three out of the five photographs I submitted were taken in my very own backyard.
To others, it is a modestly sized garden, but to me, it was always very large and filled with dreams. I grew up playing in it and occasionally watering the plants. I have summer BBQs there and not to forget...I feed my blood to all the mosquitoes that I can't fend off there, too! My father tends the garden and he is a huge reason why I grew up surrounded by beautiful green grass and flowers that bloom from Spring through the end of Summer.
When I got home today, and right before the sun completely set, I lit a little something to remind myself of how far I've come and to continue to spark my dreams. This garden is not much, but really it is all I need. My father always says that he's sorry he couldn't give me more, but I don't need more. My parents have given me everything that I could have ever imagined and that is already all the more that I need.
I thank my parents, my family and friends. Thank you to everyone who came to the gallery today and thank you to all who have inspired me, influenced me, and supported my photography.
<3,
Laura
