Christopher Jagers

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Week in Review

This was our modest booth at CAA. It was simple, but served us well. People seem to understand the idea quickly. The major universities are understandably cautious, but are still interested in moving forward.

Interestingly, no one actually wanted to play on the computers - perhaps they didn’t want to feel “trapped.” In the future, we will probably just use an explanatory animation. Luckily, we don’t need much to sell the idea: an online system for gathering applicant portfolios. Actually, we are struggling to keep up with the demand. Here we come!

Below is an image from CAA’s prep room for exhibitors, check out the equipment, whoa.

This is another factor working in our favor: 35mm slides are being phased out, and projectors have been canceled completely. (And Powerpoint has been a standard for years) This convention looked like they bought all of the remaining projectors - keep fighting the good fight, ha!

It snowed the whole time, which I loved. Even though I was usually carrying 50lbs worth of equipment and luggage, the snow made me feel athletic and contemplative simultaneously. I also love how the snow seems to “erase” the landscape, leaving unlikely cues to the hidden terrain.

I stayed with my sister (above) for the first few days in Williamsburg. I was so impressed with how she has adjusted within only a year. She has a beautiful apartment, a good job, and many friends. She moved there with nothing - now look at her! I’m jealous.

I stayed with my good friend Evan for the last few days. That’s him above, proud of his new scarf. To the left is the view out his kitchen window. He lives further out in Brooklyn, but has HUGE pristine apartment with an extra room.

I wish I had more time to spend with everyone while I was there, but was very busy schmoozing for my business. Luckily I was able to visit the painting studio of HiLow, and had a great time talking about painting, the art market, and how artists live and work in NY. Some NY artists wonder if the sacrifice is worth it, particularly when so many “outsiders” are getting shows. Is it hard to get noticed in NY? I’m curious to hear stories. HiLow, PUT YOUR WORK ONLINE!
I was also moved by the pride New Yorkers have for their city. I have never seen anything like it. But I can understand - I fell in love last week, and aim to live their soon.

This was a picture taken by my friend Ryan, on our long 5 hour walk across the Brooklyn bridge and up the East side. This walk was one of the highlights of my trip.

posted by cjagers at 08:43pm