Catasterist » brooklyn

Project Neon

Kirsten — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:26:56 +0000

Greetings from Project Neon headquarters. What you see above is my nifty new neon sign, which is going to hang in the window of the Project Neon show at the City Reliquary. If you are in New York, you should come:

Project Neon
Opening Friday September 23rd
7p – 10p
The City Reliquary
370 Metropolitan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Also at that show we’ll be celebrating the launch of the free Project Neon iPhone app. In order for that to happen, we need to submit it to Apple in the next couple of days, so I’ve got quite a bit of work to get done (not to mention getting ready for the show). On account of that there will probably be radio silence around here for the next couple of weeks, but I look forward to catching up with everything after that, and I hope to see you at the opening!

Nostalgia

Kirsten — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:41:47 +0000

There is an amazing (though slow-loading and annoyingly formatted) page over on TrainWeb.org about the Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal, which was located on what is now the East River State Park in Williamsburg. I first knew it—in the early 90s when I moved to Brooklyn—as a dump (allegedly “recycling transfer station”) that was only partially fenced, and that not very convincingly. When we wanted to be near the water to watch Fourth of July fireworks or just find a rare August breeze, we’d head over there to wander amidst the ruins of the old railroad terminal.

The N 8th Street Gantry (photographer unknown)

Of course I’m pleased there’s a real park without the garbage and mess where everybody can watch the sun set behind one of the most amazing views in the world, but I’m a little sad that nearly all traces of the former Eastern District Terminal are erased (though a sign does explain the history of the place). Take a look at these photos–they’re worth the wait.

Collections, Part 2

Kirsten — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 22:16:13 +0000

Collectors’ Night was fun! The turnout was great despite the crazy hail storm, and there were many people very interested in my volvelles. The slanted boards I made for them even held up to being pressed, leaned on, and sat upon (during the presentations), which was more than I had hoped for. And there were many cool collections on display (including small collections in jars at the bar). You can see a few snaps on Flickr. A fun time all around. Thanks, City Reliquary!

(For some reason I didn’t take great photos of my own collection, but here’s what it looked like before I straightened out the boards!)

Collections Collected

Kirsten — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:19:02 +0000

Heading over to the Knitting Factory soon to show off my volvelles for The City Reliquary’s Collectors’ Night. See you there?

Welcome to 2009!

Kirsten — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:12:39 +0000

Yesterday I bought some cava (that we didn’t even drink yet!) at this liquor stop near work with lovely neon signs:

Then to welcome in the new year last night, Paul and I went to this fantastic Brooklyn tradition, the steam whistles that the Cheif Engineer at Pratt collects and hooks up to the steam feed from the engine room every New Year. It was LOUD! and cold, but did I mention LOUD! And steamy. And there was a calliope conrolled with an electronic keyboard. The engine room was closed to visitors sadly, but we could peer in through the windows. It’s in a beautiful building (it’s an historic landmark building). A great Brooklyn New Year’s Eve. (Here are some better pix−I was too cold to be a good photographer.)

Here’s wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2009.

On a Wintry Day in Brooklyn

Kirsten — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 03:14:24 +0000

A butcher shop I hadn’t noticed before with wonderful signs:

…have I mentioned I love neon?