nyc in the spring: surtex

Victoria Day weekend translated into a (very) short visit to NYC—early arrival on Saturday,  early departure on Tuesday.

Considering the season, it was impossible not to think about the movie "You've Got Mail", in which Joe Fox, delivers the perfect line to Kathleen Kelly: “I hope you feel better soon. It’d be a shame to miss New York in the spring.”

NYC always provides the perfect playground to take a break, while nourishing the artist within—hardcore city girl speaking, can't be helped. It's not a cliché, it's the truth, spring in NYC is unfailingly fabulous. Rain or shine, it is always conducive to stroll along, and keep at it throughout the day. Sketchbook open, camera prompt, senses at the ready.

This year, the main purpose of being there was to attend Surtex, the yearly marketplace for textile designers. Along with Surtex, two other shows take place: The National Stationary Show, and ICFF, all housed at the Javits Center. All very different and extremely inspiring.

Memory fails, yet I believe my last visit to Surtex was almost 10 years ago (!!!).

My succinct (unassuming) opinion: It is smaller (all three shows are), yet it is still relevant, worth considering exhibiting. The biggest change was the art work itself, In the past, not too long ago, showing digital artwork was a major no-no, a hara-kiri of sorts. Nowadays, most of the work is digital, definitely, catching up with the times—the textile industry took its sweet time on this matter. It was refreshing to see some hand resolved designs in a few of the booths. Don’t get me wrong, I believe technology is a mighty tool, however, it is important never to forget that the hand is, indeed, mightier than the stylus (or mouse—not my quote, btw). It is all about balance.

From left to right: 1-Surtex--It was most uplifting to see Kate cheerfully surrounded by her artwork. She was most definitely in her happy place. 2-NSS--Belle&Union is a relatively new business with smashing, beautiful products housed in a magnificent display booth. Said booth was designed by the very talented Liz, who was sitting very pretty inside this marvel helping Meg out. I had not seen Liz since my last visit to Savannah in 2008. It was such a surprise and treat to see her after all these years! The Savannah connection working at its best. 3-ICFF--Serendipity, that is how I feel about finding ROLLOUT, a remarkable wallpaper studio, right in my neck of the woods (!!!). So lucky.

If textile design is what defines you, make sure to visit these shows—all of them pertinent and of significant impact to any creative endeavour. Be there, at least once, and see how it fits in your professional experience. You may want to be a part of it time and again.

Update: June 26, 2012, Nora Ephron “exits”. From the “You’ve Got Mail” quote, it is evident I am a fan of her work—a huge one. Very sad news, however, she left us an extraordinary legacy.