Olek The End Is Far

A dream room... A masterpiece of Olek!

The opening of The End is Far, Crochet Artist Olek's latest exhibition is one that I will forever remember.  I saw Agata Olek's last show in 2011, see post here, and while that show inspired me this one completely blew me away.  The numerous multi layered crochet panels, covered objects, were stunning, but the live swinging mermaids took Olek's opening to another level!  

The End is Far symbolized so much growth and achievement for Olek following a very eventful year, where she was placed on house arrest  after a dispute with an aggressive guy in a London bar.  Between court appearances she was able to create, exhibit, and learn internationally, making 2012 her most prolific year as an artist to date, despite her trying creative and financial circumstances. With that said, this show felt like a complete celebration of her freedom, and reminded us all how precious and incredible that is.  

Don't MIS The End is Far at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery, February 23- March 23, 2013.  Learn more about the exhibit and artist here.  

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

Guarding the door before the opening!

Swinging mermaid at the entrance of the gallery!

Crochet Buddhist Skeleton, my favorite piece!

Oh the mermaids!!!

My favorite saying. 

Swinging away...

Panoramic of the incredible room, live mermaids included!

Me, thrilled after seeing the show!

Our elevator person upon exiting!

Olek herself!
Image from Online Source

Essex St Academy Rooftop Graffiti

Essex Street Academy is a public school on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  But it isn't just any public school, it is one of the most innovative schools I've ever come in contact with.  They are part of a coalition of schools that is exempt from taking the NYS Regents Exams and instead have students present extensive projects- this lends to more a interesting and creative style of teaching and very engaged students.  

A Panoramic View of the ESA Roof!

I think the graffiti art/skate park roof of this school pretty much says it all.  This open air space transports you beyond the hustle and bustle of the city streets.  Wanted to share some photos of the incredible work that artists have contributed to the space.  

How can we transform spaces, education, and our every day lives?

Essex Street Academy is certainly headed in the right direction!

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

Parsons students entering the rooftop.

Me in Valentines Day pink, matching the graffiti!

Strong Images

Graphic Graffiti

Skate Park on the roof of a High School?!

Colorful Creativity

Friends and I on the roof!

Karen Walker Fall 2013 Runway and Sunglass Cover Girl!

Ilona Royce Smithkin in Karen Walker Forever Campaign
Shot by Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of accompanying 92 year old cover girl, Ilona Royce Smithkin, to Karen Walker's Fall 2013 New York Fashion Week show at Pier 59! Karen Walker's collection 'New Rose' was accessorized by her stunning collection of eye wear. The Karen Walker eye wear campaign, Karen Walker Forever, was shot by Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style.  He photographed four of his favorite subjects for the campaign, Ilona Royce Smithkin and Linda Rodin sat front and center at Monday's runway show!  

Ilona completely surprised!

Once you arrived at the runway you quickly realized that Ilona was the star of the show, as she was on the cover of every large look book that was placed on each seat.  

Karen Walker Showing Ilona the look book for the first time!

 It was a treat to meet the talented and stunning designer, Karen Walker, from New Zealand!

Ilona and Karen Walker

See more of the fabulous Karen Walker Forever Campaign here!
Her eye wear is absolutely fantastic.

The bell of the ball, Ilona, being interviewed!

Runway about to begin!

See more of the gorgeous collection here. 

Ilona's Interview with Isacc Hindin-Miller from New Zealand

* Notice the Fabulous Karen Walker Sunglasses, Hat, and Feathered Glove! They were all part of costume changes that I helped her with.  Love you Ilona!

It was a wonderful whirlwind, that never would have happened if I didn't go to that first Strand book signing.  Continue to go places and meet people, as you never know what incredible people you will find!

Enjoy, 

Margo Isadora