Hello Sun

I spent part of the weekend editing down The Stories from This Chinese Life on the site after talking to several smart friends about how I should present such a broad project. Their advice? Less is more for the website.

I also added some images from Breathing In which has never made an appearance on previous versions of the site because it looked too different, and in my mind, a separate project. Breathing In and Ann (my late collaborator) are both near and dear to me so why not share it? I'd love to bring it to a larger audience at some point so that's still a goal.

The editing work is ongoing, but that's my job. And I'm happy to be thinking about such things.

Today I'm heading down to Florida, where I met Ann and my husband Ross nearly six years ago. After such a dark winter, Ross and I are looking forward to meeting each other there, some sun, and seeing our sweet family from London, CA, and PA. Fun times coming up. Catch you later.

Wild Flowers

Wild Flowers, Norway.

Is it too early to crave spring yet? This Liberty pouch is on my desire list.

Tiny World

Legos, Stockholm, Sweden.

It's been a while since my Breathing In project with Ann.  I'm working on posting a portion of it on the new website.

We just watched Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture. Her sense of humor is great and her depiction of her generation of 20 somethings is spot on in many ways. I can't help but admire her parents' loft in that "I can't believe you live there" NY real estate envy sort of way. Looking forward to trying her tv series Girls.

Breathing In

Here's the press release for one of two of my upcoming shows this month. If you did not receive it by email and want to be on my mailing list, please let me know. If you don't want to be on my mailing list, please let me know. I'll try not to hold any grudges. Hope you can make it!



Rona Chang: Breathing In

April 23 – June 18, 2011
Opening Reception: Saturday April 23, 4 – 6pm

Reading with the poet Ann B. Knox: Saturday May 21, 2 – 3pm
RSVP to homefrontrgallery@gmail.com

The Homefront Gallery is pleased to present Breathing In by Rona Chang, a collection of photographs taken over the last ten years. This exhibition celebrates the publication of the book Breathing In, a collaboration with the poet Ann B. Knox. It highlights the images and words that emerged from “like ways of seeing” the world’s “patterns, strangeness and delights.”

A flick at the eye’s edge
and it’s gone.
It was probably nothing,
but no, it was
something…

-Taking Shape p.22

Photographer Rona Chang is a recipient of En Foco's New Works #14 Fellowship. In 2011, she was awarded a grant by Queens Council on the Arts with public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs for her series Moving Forward, Standing Still. Ms. Chang is a finalist for the 2011 Rome Prize. In 2007 she was an associate artist at the Atlantic Center of the Arts residency under the guidance of Thomas Struth. Her work has been showcased online and has exhibited both nationally and internationally. After receiving her BFA from The Cooper Union School of Art she worked as a photographer for the Asian Art Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for nine years, where she photographed all of the Japanese woodblock prints, Indian paintings, and Chinese handscrolls in the collection. Her work can be seen on ronachang.com.

Ann B. Knox is author of two books of poetry, Staying Is Nowhere, SCOP-Writer's Center Prize and Stonecrop, Washington Writers' Publishing House Prize. and two recent chapbooks, Reading the Tao at Eighty (Finishing Line Press), and The Dark Edge, (Pudding House Press). Individual poems have appeared in many literary journals such as Alaska Quarterly, Nimrod, Poetry, The Green Mountains Review. A collection of short fiction, Late Summer Break (Papier Mache Press), was selected by Barnes & Noble as one of their Discovery Books. She received an MFA from Goddard/Warren Wilson and for eighteen years edited the literary journal, Antietam Review.


The Homefront Gallery
26-23 Jackson Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101
347 827 0553 homefrontgallery@gmail.com thehomefrontgallery.com

Gallery Hours:
Thursday – Saturday, 12 to 6pm and by appointment

Holiday Exchange

I've been gearing up for Christmas since September, mainly due to the fact that I've been organizing and making items for the Holiday Exchange that opens at The Homefront Gallery next Saturday. In addition to all the great artists Crystal and I pulled together for the show, I'll be showing some new prints from my Breathing In series, including the one below that I shot in Sweden over the Summer. I'll also be selling a selection of my soap that I make in very small batches. The flavors will be bamboo charcoal soap infused with tea tree oil, peppermint and rosemary and an herbal floral soap with grapefruit and Valencia orange oil extract. These are gentle soaps that are vegetable oil based. They are actually quite labor intensive to produce (I've spent many weekends devoted to these soaps) and will be sold at a super reasonable price. There will also be a small batch of cyanotype gift tags, perfect for those that enjoy topping their presents with something unique. All of the important info below.

The Homefront Gallery

26-23 Jackson Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 www.thehomefrontgallery.com


Sailboat and Lace Rona Chang

Holiday Exchange
December 11, 2010 – January 29, 2011
Opening Reception: Saturday December 11, 2-6pm

Join us on December 11 for the opening of “Holiday Exchange” at The Homefront Gallery. “Holiday Exchange” is a group show featuring affordable art and design objects in the spirit of collecting and gift giving. In addition to drawings, photographs, paintings, sculptures, watercolors and video, we will have furoshiki, wood block prints, soap, jewelry, lamps, origami ornaments, magnets and zines for sale. All of these unique items are priced within the range of $2 -$300. Come and shop for your holiday gifts at The Homefront Gallery!

Artists:
Jae Hi Ahn, Lisa Candage, Rona Chang, Elaine Chow, Amy Finkbeiner, Jeanine Hart, Geoffrey Hutchinson, Pixy Liao, Noah Lyon, Ross Minzenberg, Sarah Morgan, Laura Napier, Kim Parr, Maria Passaroti, Mike Perry, Patricia Silva, Hidemi Takagi-Bastien, Jane Tam, Jacqueline Taeschler, Jennifer Viola, Jenna Wainwright, Jennifer Williams

The Homefront Gallery’s hours are Saturday and Sunday 12-6pm and by appointment. For all inquiries contact Crystal Kui at homefrontgallery@gmail.com

Fernando y Aldo

Chemistry Rona Chang

I have a confession. I am thoroughly addicted to the Mexican soap opera La Fea Mas Bella (The Mexican Version of Ugly Betty, which was originally a Columbian telenovela). My obsession started this summer when I watched the first two discs, in the name of learning more Spanish. I get a disc from netflix and can watch 3 episodes on each side of the disc. This week, I have already stayed up two nights watching the 3rd disk, and have the last and final disk on my queue. I have a burning desire to see what happens so I can get my life back when I'm done watching this show. Um, the worst part is that I currently have a huge crush on Fernando Mendiola and Aldo Domenzain- two of the lead male characters that Lety (the ugly one) is in love with. Fernando is dark and handsome, loud and selfish. Aldo is fair and kind, the sweetest character, and is so dreamy... Ay Dios mio!

Chinese Sundays

Hornet's Comb Rona Chang

I have discovered that all Chinese people wake up early on Sundays, at least the ones that use the pool. Sheesh! I had a 9am swim date with my friend Crystal. We shared a lane with four others- that's SIX to a lane, in case you needed help counting. Um, we've decided that in the future, we'll go later in the day, to avoid the aggressive splashers. One nice thing about Flushing early in the morning is that it's fairly empty. After our swim, we went to have fresh warm soymilk at the Flushing Mall. Yum!

ps- don't forget that it's election day!
pps- this weeks photos will be from my summer in Mass.

To be a Shaker

Hancock Shaker Village Rona Chang

This is the last photo from Hancock Shaker Village. If I were dressing up for Halloween this year, maybe I would be a Shaker. I never dress up, I just can't seem to get into it. Maybe it's because I never dressed up as a kid. Ok, that's a semi-lie. I was Strawberry Shortcake in second grade. The costume was too small and borrowed from my best friend Mimi. When I visited Hancock, I really put myself in the setting and thought that I could be a Shaker, in terms of aesthetics and communal living, not religious belief. The communal kitchen was to die for. I would have liked to make my own yarn, knit and make linen out of flax.

For those of you heading out tonight, be safe and have a blast for me.

A little Astoria in my week

Towels, Boxes Rona Chang

Last night I trekked, well actually got a ride from Geoff to go to Titan Foods (a large Greek supermarket) so I can pick up 9 liters of olive oil. I buy a motherload of oils every year around this time. Most of you should know what it's for. Titan is a great place to pick up olive oil, they have a whole aisle devoted to it.

And two nights ago, my friend Alison and I had a grand 'ol time in Astoria. Eating from the kitchen of Moustafa El Sayed who runs Mombar. I really, really want to go to Egypt. I keep listening to podcasts about traveling to Egypt. I will get there but for now I will satisfy my wanderlust by eating.


Ceiling at Mombar

And this article from the NYTimes about Thomas Keller (the chef) and his dad, Ed Keller spoke to me. Here are some of my favorite quotes from What the Last Meal Taught Him:

In the cookbook ("Ad Hoc At Home"), Mr. Keller leads with his heart. He dedicates it to his brother Joseph and lays out in loving, exacting detail the recipes for the last meal he made his father. He reminds readers that life is better when you eat together with family and friends.

“I had him with me for some really meaningful moments before the accident and I didn’t have that as a child,” Mr. Keller said. “At the end of the day when we think about what we have, it’s memories.”

Memories are what Mr. Keller strives to create with all his food. And food memories are something he said he cherishes about his last years with his father. Especially that last meal.

While I too never spent that much time with my dad as a child, I savour all the time we spent together during my summers and visits and conversations we had when I was a young adult. Those memories will serve me for the rest of my life.

Oh so nice

Sweeper Rona Chang

I finally tried out the Parks and Recs pool in Flushing Meadow Park. It's oh so nice. While it's heavily used, it's well maintained. There's 10 lap lanes all the time and a wall of windows so you can see daylight! And what a bargain if you can get to one, especially if you are over 55. I have to trek a bit to get there by train but while it's still halfway decent out I'm going to be a trooper and try to go 2x a week.

(Shakers make the nicest brooms. Almost makes me want to sweep.)

Queens Crossing

Two Dresses Rona Chang

Have you noticed that I've been blogging up a storm lately? I'm not quite sure what this is fueled by since I feel like I only have an audience of five. My number one reader and faithful commenter is Nina. (Thx for the support Nina!) For those who visit and don't comment, feel free to drop me a line and say hi.

I've been slowly getting back to my blog reading, which means being reattached to the hip with Apartment Therapy since they have a gazillion great interior design posts with loads of pics. It is exactly what I need now that I'm gathering inspiration for THE apartment. While I was on AT Friday, I saw a link for an awesome Ikea dresser hack. I wandered into the blog for me, for you written by the brilliant Ikea hacker, Kate Miss. I started reading her blog, I was drawn in as I always am by (food) the awesome pics of her mini pumpkin pies. Half an hour and several clicks later, I was completely hooked on for me, for you. And lucky me, I realized that I was going to the same open studios in Flushing that Kate Miss was making those mini pies for! Ooh baby!

I got to check out my friend Lisa's awesome (I overuse this word, I know) new paintings and her video and we all had some pie. I actually had the apple pie which was yummy. I wanted the pumpkin too but I didn't want to be too greedy. It was a fantastic rainy Friday night.

Setting up home and dreaming of dogs

Basket Making Workshop Rona Chang

While setting up home I've been dreaming of having a dog. Really dreaming. Last week I dreamed that I had a German Shepherd name Papa. In my dream his name was pronounced in a very French way. I have no idea where the name came from since that would not be my first choice. Though that's the kind of dog I really want. I've expressed it here before. I just don't think now is the right time, you know, moving and all. So last week, when I was perusing the "free" section of craigslist I found two weimaraners up for adoption. They are my second choice for dogs. I really wished I lived near a big park. Then I would instantaneously make the commitment. As of now I'll keep dreaming.

Gathering Supplies

Basket Making Supplies Rona Chang

I'm in the process of rereading and re-bookmarking all of my Domino magazines for apartment inspiration. I need all the inspiration I can get my hands on. I'm wondering if there's another interior mag I should subscribe to. I never go to the magazine store, so I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations. Nothing high-end, something like how Domino was approachable with a mix of styles and budgets. Maybe Real Simple? I already get Martha Stewart which is great but not exactly my style of decor. I like the style of the homes in Dwell but I'm not entirely smitten by the magazine. It's slightly cold for me. Has anyone read Living, Etc.? I've never flipped through it so I'm wondering if I should go look at a copy. What do you read for design inspiration?

Gray, White, Wood and Red

Wood Rona Chang

Sooo, I've been thinking about renovating the new apartment to be. It'll be three more weeks until I close and can get in and make actual measurements. It's been half a year since I've been inside the apartment. I took some photos but not enough. I have some room measurements that we made when we tried to figure out the square footage of the apartment but I don't have a floor plan. It's a bit frustrating this whole process is taking such a looong time. Good thing I was distracted and living in Mass. for most of the time.


Angled Wood Rona Chang

These photos are exteriors of barns from Hancock Shaker Village which has been a huge design inspiration. I'm dreaming of redoing the floors in a herringbone pattern or just an angled pattern but in reality, I need to get into the apartment and see if the parquet floors need to be redone. My recollection is that they are fairly scuffed up, but maybe they really aren't and I don't need to spend a ton of time and energy to redo the floors.


Red, White Rona Chang

While I will be on a budget, the one renovation I know I can afford is to repaint the whole apartment. It's now in hideous colors of puke (I'll post some photos to demonstrate). It's a darker apartment than the current one I'm in. It's on a lower floor and has less windows. I want to brighten the whole place up. So going back to yesterday's post about wanting to be Scandinavian- I really am going to pursue that wholeheartedly. I want to paint just about everything white. But I am thinking about dark grey- charcoal grey with red, a mustardy yellow, and a medium colored wood as accent colors with bits of neutral colors like flax and heather thrown in.

We have a great long yellow couch from the 50's that's sitting in P'burg right now that will be making the move into the new place. I'm thinking of pairing it with that rich charcoal grey wall I'm dreaming of, along with my Poul Cadovius shelving. We also have a flokati rug that I may or may not lay down. It does seem a bit hairy to upkeep. I guess we'll decide on that when we get a good vacuum cleaner.

I guess I'm just putting together some ideas for now and will figure it out slowly as we go along. I plan on doing all of this reno on a budget and green by getting as many of my supplies as possible from Build it Green NYC. I think lots and lots of apartment posts will be forthcoming.

Growing Up, and Becoming Scandinavian

Feet in the Air Rona Chang

I've decided that it's high time to grow up. Physically I mean. I've always worn flats because I like the way they look and I tend to trip in heels and never got used to them. But earlier this year, I started having foot/ shoe trouble. I went to the podiatrist and he basically recommended that I wear some heels and get a custom orthopedic shoe insert made (kaching $$$500). I've been buying shoe inserts instead and while it's gotten better, I still haven't gone for the the height. This summer I realized that clogs might be the answer, they are higher but not tippy. Cool Swedish girls like Camilla wear them and have been wearing them forever. A whole population of people can't be wrong, right? My new boss T was wearing some Dansko ones and I asked her about them. She said they were great. Clogs are kind of clunky but I went and tried on a couple of Dansko Professional Pull-Up Clogs and think they could possibly work but are slightly pricey. So I'm considering those or a pair of vintage ones (the set back is that I can't try the ones I have my eyes on online). Anyone have clog wisdom they want to let me in on? I'm all ears at this point. (All other wisdom taken too.)

Homemade Life

Homemade Life Rona Chang

I think one person has had a huge (actually gigormous) influence on me over the past year. I am going to give her some credit. Let's hear a collective round of applause for Molly Wizenberg (or you can read why's she's so amazing in my book first). Ms. Wizenberg is a regular contributing writer for Bon Appetit magazine, where I first discovered her work earlier this year. Maggie (my very nice best friend) gave me a gift subscription to BA for Christmas. I flipped through the first issue I received in the mail and thought, "Great, good recipes, I can use this." When I started reading it, I was very drawn to one particular article, one that Molly Wizenberg had written. Her style and contributing portion is to write a personal story/ experience in connection with a recipe or a food.

That particular story was about her father's love for rice pudding and how she never liked it until after he passed away. I was touched. I think I cried. In fact, I'm sure I cried. As someone who has lost her father, I really enjoyed the story about rice pudding that is (amongst other things) her connection with her father (an avid cook). Unfortunately my dad was not an avid cook. In fact, he barely had a kitchen (that's another story I will tell one day). That story stayed with me and I soon began to look forward to the issues of BA every month and read Molly's stories first.

Over the summer, I ordered A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table, Molly's first book and have been slowly savouring it ever since. She also has a popular blog, Orangette. She's been on a bit of a hiatus there though since she's busy tending to Delancey, a pizza joint her and her husband opened recently in Seattle. If Delancey were in NYC, I would be there singing her praises. Anyhow, I just wanted to share my hero, Molly Wizenberg. I hope you look her up and read some of her words. They are encouraging in a warm and open way.

Dry Goods

Dry Goods Rona Chang

I am very lucky to have the chance to present the latest two conversations on the Nymphoto Blog with Keliy Anderson-Staley and my mentor, Christine Osinski.

Exteriors

Exteriors Rona Chang

Bedroom

Bedroom Rona Chang

Barn Chairs

Barn Chairs Rona Chang