You can take the boy out of the country.......

I arrived in Bayshore early on the morning of January 4th. It is a bit like arriving on another planet - and if you're like me the first week will be a bit strange and hard - but it gets better. By week two - you'll really be living it up. Here is a brief account of what I've encountered in the first 7 days.

ULAE STUDIO: First Impressions


A photo of Jasper Johns suspended above the offset presses in the main studio.

In the first week I have already learned so much. I have spent a better portion of my time at the studio picking the brains of the printers about their current projects and processes. This takes initiative and a little gumption. It's easy to feel like you are in the way as an intern - but just make yourself available and try to get to know the people around you. If you seem uninterested you will be ignored. Generally, everyone is very nice and fun - so be yourself, but remember why you are here. You will be running some errands, taking out the trash, and doing the dishes - but my advice is, do these things quickly and regularly. Sweep and clean whenever it needs to be done - don't wait for someone to ask or tell you to do something. Make it known that you are eager to work. Your attitude during the first week will make a big difference. However - be sure to set aside some time each day to get started on a project. Many interns do not accomplish any original artwork here - which is a shame, because when you see the facilities you will realize how unique this opportunity is. So treat it that way - and the printers will take a shine you right away. This internship seems nebulous because it is what you make of it. Ask questions, ask if they need help - and make it known you are here to learn about what they do. I have already made progress towards two etching plate and am grinding a litho block with the help of the printers. They are awfully busy - but have made it a point to help me start projects. Litho is new to me, and Jason has been great about helping me understand the offset press in the studio, and the litho press at the house -- where you will be living. More about 5 Skidmore Place below.

5 SKIDMORE PLACE: Home Away From Home

There is a fully functional litho studio in the center of the house. Get started on that block, baby!! When you first arrive you will likely be overwhelmed by the amount of art and literature surrounding you. There are plates for Rauschenberg etchings, Cy Twombly etchings and countless litho blocks in the studio area. I can't imagine a creative individual not flourishing here - this place is inspiration at every turn. There are three studio spaces, a sun room which has become a sort of reading area, and beautiful kitchen and a great patio. There are three beds, and a huge basement for laundry - but which is transitionally becoming a fourth studio area. I have my materials set up there. Word to the wise: bring lots of stuff to work on. Get busy right away and keep yourself occupied. This place gets a it lonely. You will have a TV and DVD in your room, and a insurmountable number of art books. If you know people in the city - that is great. They can help you get around and get you out of the house on the weekends. The first week will probably be a bit strange - until you get used to the sounds of the house. It can get pretty spooky and dismaly isolating. do yourself a favor a get out as much as you can, try a new restaurant every night (Babylon has a zoning ordinance that allows NO chain restaurants!) or get some fresh fish and cook up a nice meal on this massive range. Remember if you get bummed or lonely that it gets better, and most interns have felt that way at some point. You are really close to the beach - so weeknights could be good for a night time beachfront mosey. You will be living the life after you get adjusted.

NYC: Just go!

Don't be scared of the city - just know it will take a little time to get used to the transit. All your travel is covered (I will post a breakdown of the Intern budget below) as long as you keep it reasonable -- carry a bit of cash with you and always keep a train schedule with you. Make absolutely sure you know when your last train is coming back. It is about one hour and fifteen minutes to Penn Station. From there you can get around with the subways - get a Metrocard at the station. If you use cash, keep every single receipt or ticket stub. It seems daunting - but you'll get it. I have generally limited my trips into the city to the weekends. The commute isn't long, but getting around and back to the train on time can get damn tiring. You will be expected to be at work at 8:30 every morning. Be sure to get a Not For Tourists Guide - you can get them at Borders or Barnes & Noble - and this little book will make getting situated much easier. It contains maps of all the Villages and townships, and plots all bus, subway and train routes for the city - including your train, the LIRR. The best place to catch a train is Babylon - about a five minute drive from Skidmore House. Grab a LIRR train schedule and keep it on your person at all times. Cabs can be sketchy here - make sure to carry cash for this. (In general I would say having your car here is a must. All of your auto expenses are covered for your drive up and your stay. It will very hard to get to and from work without your own means of conveyance.) As for the city - you will want to go every night. Bayshore and Islip are a bit boring. Make a list of your key destinations, look them up in the NFT Guide, and plan accordingly. Your time here will fly by - so don't put things off too long. I highly recommend the Strand book store - one of the country's largest. The art book section is pretty mind blowing. More next week!