Jen Ray is a Brooklyn based artist and blogger. Her drawings are simple and yet very evocative, capable of establishing strong emotional bounds with the viewer. Her style is clean and neat, her colors as sober as they can be.
In the frenzy typical of NYC, she managed to create a world in where everything is at place, frugal, mild and therefore even more beautiful.
:: Why and when did you started Corduroy? Corduroy started in the fall of 2007. I’m also a photographer and was shooting a lot at the time and not taking time to make things with my hands. So Corduroy was a fun way for me to get myself to take time draw, paint, screen-print, and to connect with others and get my work out there.
:: Where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration can really come from almost anywhere, but some common things that get me going are animals, colors, patterns, nature, the city, and struggles.. Some days I just wake up excited to work, so I get my materials, go sit someplace, and let the process begin. I’m very process oriented, so many times I’ll only draw a bit of the thing I’m inspired by, and let the work take off from there. When inspiration is nowhere to be found, just try to start working anyhow, scribbling little things with no particular ideas or goal in mind, until something good comes out.
:: Who is your ideal buyer? I think art is (or should be) really personal, and I’d like mine to be bought by someone who loves it like a friend and really gets something out of it. I have so many random pieces that may not mean much to anyone else but are really special to me. I love to surround myself with them like a pack of pals that keep me feeling strong and happy. I hope my pieces can get this kind of reaction to those who buy them too.
:: What is your favorite NYC place? I live in Brooklyn and love it dearly, so my fav spots are basically all located there. I like to get tea or Stumptown coffee at Breukelen Coffee (they also make the best hot chocolate in town) and go sit in Prospect Park to draw or read if it’s nice out. Walk down to Blue Apron and get some cheese and good bread for lunch. When I head to the city I almost never miss a chance to check the MoMA, get some great espresso at Zibetto on 6th Ave on the way, and hightail it out of Manhattan. I also like Williamsburg a lot, there are tons of great diners where to eat and then I love to have a Guinness and a Fernet at my favorite bar, Maracuja on Grand St. Williamsburg is full of things to do and see too: most of the times I also stop by Cinders Gallery to see what’s new; then I get something good to read at Spoonbill and Sugartown; and then –maybe- I go see a band at Zebulon before heading back to Crown Heights. When I do that, I usually end my day by getting a late night snack at one of the fine Caribbean places on Franklin Ave on the way home. As you can see, I can make a good day by heading to some of my everyday favorite places…
:: Do you think New York can still be considered the place-to-be for young creatives? Definitely! There’s so much freedom for creatives in NYC, and so much beauty and life to be experienced. But the city can also step all over you and make you feel trampled and alone. I think it’s important not to build it up into something it’s not- every place is what you make it. So if young creatives can do their best to stay grounded and focused while taking advantage of all the amazing people, opportunities, and inspirations around them, I think it’s a place unlike any other for building a life as an artist. My advice? Be always patient and open.
:: Where do you shop in NYC? I don’t do a lot of shopping, but when I do it’s mostly for food and art supplies. I’m lucky to live a few blocks from the Saturday Farmer’s Market at Grand Army Plaza and I can blow through some serious cash on fresh produce and cheese there. The Brooklyn Flea Market is always great. And Williamsburg has many cute shops for anything you want. I also love the Pearl art supply store on Canal St. and can spend a lot of time there.
:: If I say Italy, you say…? Food! Wine! Beauty. Though I have not been. I hope to go next year, and welcome suggestions from any of your readers on where I can find their favorite food, wine, and beauty.
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