The Artist's workspace was created by changing the layout of her residence which was built in 1896. Walls that defined a small bedroom, a hallway and the original living room were removed to make one large space measuring 30 x 13'.
During this renovation which evolved in stages, all radiators were removed and the double set of sliding doors that led to the what is now the master bedroom taken out. That adjoining wall was eventually closed, curved, and painted in blended tones based on the Rudolf Steiner method.
To provide a more airy and light environment, the bulky, overpainted Victorian molding was taken off, but recycled in all cases.
Corners and right angles were curved while archways above the entrance way and four over sized windows were constructed from the reusable wood.
The original soft yellow pine floors have been sanded and left in their original state.
Additional galleries: Kitchen, Living Room/Dining Room, Bedroom, Bathroom/Hallways.
For the artist, the most difficult aspect of this renovation involved making adequate wall space. The 1000 square foot apartment contained enough bulky molding to build a small wood cabin. Although reluctant, to give into modern times, after 20 years, the artist felt there was no choice but to reconfigure the apartment entirely. She would have to seal at least two walls up, remove five radiators, rip out all the molding, and eliminate 13 doors and six transom windows.
"There were just too many apertures in this apartment and no wall space, at all.Originally the 1,000 square foot apartment had 14 doors, 15 windows facing outdoors, 7 transom windows, and 5 radiators.Now there are 2 doors, 14 outside windows, 4 interior windows, and one 'alternative' door, for the bathroom. As for the radiators I yanked them out and installed one nice long retro. Now that global warming has reduced NYC winters, those heavy metal heaters are just not that necessary."
"Apt 2C has been my garden of Eden where I reside with my pet parrot, Mini Max A Reeno Bambino who seems to love it here as much as I do.
I have painted in this space, created most of my photographs here, produced articles essays and now a book. As for Mini Max- she spends most of her day in her tree singing along to BB King."
Additional galleries: Kitchen, Living Room/Dining Room, Bedroom, Bathroom/Hallways.
