Space Program Europa at the YBCA

January 25, 2017 in Journal

I haven't been up for writing over the past week or so. I have some serious new administration blues that seem to worsen with each press release. So until I get my attitude together and figure out a way to contribute positively I will post about other's beautiful contributions to society! Today I want to share with you a few photos from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) in San Francisco.

Sharing this feels particularly relevant for me considering all of the political actions against the federal science agencies and anyone federally funded in the sciences (especially working on climate change and sustainability). As a climate scientist who relied on federal dollars for all of the research I have ever been involved in I feel the hurt. I hurt because this work, work seeking to help humanity and the most vulnerable communities do not receive significant funding from other sources, certainly not from private one. So this post is dedicated to the determined scientists out there, inspiring hope, art, and a better society for all on a daily basis. We shall resist, we shall overcome.

Landing Excursion Module (LEM), a 1:1 model of the Apollo lunar module

While at the YBCA I examined in depth Tom Sachs' third Space Program, Europa which ran through the 15th of this month. In the introduction to this work Sachs writes,

In our age of disaffection, the sculptures in this exhibition are also objects of love that support the rituals of studio practice, all things analog, and the handmade. Their meaning is born out of action in time - the original act of their making, and later their use, charges them with purpose beyond art for its own sake.

That's it for my little glimpse into this intricate exhibition and truly hope you get to see some of Sachs "postindustrial mashup of high and low culture" (as he has said) in the future! Save a few hours to if you do, it is very thought provoking and such a spectacle to see.

How to Spend a Weekend in San Francisco

January 18, 2017 in Journal

Weekend trips are so hard for me to plan, there just ins't enough time to see all I want to see (story of my life)! So I put this little guide together of my hit list of places to stay, eat and see from my recent trip to the Bay Area.

Stay

My first two nights I stayed at the Kimpton Buchanan Hotel, a super cute boutique hotel at the nexus of Japantown, Fillmore and Pacific Heights. Stylish and super hospitable, this hotel was offered a wine happy hour in the lobby each evening which is a added bonus! On my last night I stayed at the recently renovated Tilden Hotel. The Tilden is simple, budget friendly and located within walking distance of downtown and shopping districts.

EAT

San Francisco has many great restaurants, all of which I was dying to try! But between all of the running around and the conference I attended there were three stand out meals from my visit. One brunch spot I really enjoyed was Sweet Maple. Sweet Maple is in between the Pacific Heights and Fillmore neighborhoods and truly feels like an institution there. The all american menu gave me diner vibes with a Californian-freshness. One morning I popped over to Oakland (another place I am dying to get back to!) for brunch at Flora with friends. Flora is a stylish, art deco spot with an elegant and delicious menu. Finally, Akiko's Sushi Restaurant. Althoughquite the splurge this is some of the best sushi I have ever had (this coming from someone with a Japanese Grandmother!). I suggest sitting at the sushi bar and asking for omakase (chef's choice) and just letting them know about how much you'd like to eat/spend (scope out the menu ahead of time to get a feel for the prices.) Then sit back and be spoiled!

Do

If you've been following me here you know how much I lovemuseums and my first recommendations won't surprise you. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is a contemporary arts space that aims to show socially impactful exhibitions while making sure it is affordable for all to see. On my visit I had the fortune of experiencing Tom Sachs' Space Program: Europa in all of it's toolshed fusion glory (read more here!). Just across from YBCA and the Yerba Buena Gardens it is nestled in is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Unfortunately I didn't get to pop in on this trip but I definitely will next time, I noticed they have several Richard Serra works (which I fell in love with since my visit to Dia: Beacon!). And finally, the de Young Museum of Fine Arts. From the architecture to the art within, the de Young is a must see destination. Read (and see) more about it in my last post.

As far as the traditional sights, I made my way to the Painted Ladies, drove down the crooked Lombard Street, and admired Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge. Honestly, the painted ladies and Lombard street are tourist traps. If I had it to do over again I would spend more time hiking the trails on either end of the bridge.

And thats about it! Tell me, what have or would you do in in the Bay Area for 48 hours?

The de Young Museum

January 13, 2017 in Journal

Situated in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is the de Young Museum of fine arts, known for near panoramic views of the city as stunning as its collections.

On my first day sightseeing in SF my first stop after brunch was to this museum. I was eager to see the beautiful gardens, building and of course artwork and this turned out to be the perfect activity for what was a very chilly morning.

The majority of the museum is contained in just a few floors with wide, geometric galleries that transition one to the next with such ease that I would forget where I was coming from by the time I arrived at the next exhibition.

As a visitor to the city I was very eager to see the views from the museums twisted tower. From the glass walled observation deck I admired the hilly, yet very flat and brightness of San Francisco (a stark contrast to my tall and grey New York).

After admiring the view from above I was eager to see the sculpture garden I have been glimpsing through the gallery windows all morning. From there I could admire the work of architects Herzog and deMueron against the bright blue sky. The sharp geometry of the building and perforated facade created so many dramatic and subtle shadows as we approached midday.

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A morning well spent in the company of lovely art, inspiring architecture, and beautiful foliage. What more could I have asked for!

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View of San Francisco from the deYoung Tower

San Francisco in Pictures

January 11, 2017 in Journal

In December I was giving a short talk at a conference in San Francisco for some research I have been involved in (yay! my first oral presentation!!). Since I was already making the trip to the west coast I extended my stay to include the weekend. Here is a tiny taste of what I packed into those two days!

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Isn't this city so pretty?! Very different from NYC thats for sure. Look out for my San Francisco weekend guide, I will be posting it later this week!