The Ali Apple

Bubbley

2008-05-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

What makes you happy?

A sunny day? A beautiful beach? Being among good friends?

For each person there is something different that brings joy into their life. For many people, it's the little things that bring them the most enjoyment.

While walking along Broadway through the popular shopping area known as SoHo, I found someone with one of those "little things in life" happinesses.

What might that happiness be, you might ask? Bubbles.

Soho (1), NYC

Bubble Guns

Soho (2), NYC
Black and White Bubbles

Soho (3), NYC
Black and White Close-Up

Soho (4), NYC
Group Effort

GRAFFITI ART

2008-05-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

When walking around New York City, one sees a lot of artwork. From graphic designed commercial advertisements to fresco paintings along the sides of buildings. Art is everywhere!

A question that often arises in the "Art World" is this:

Is graffiti art or vandalism?

I think that it can be both, depending on the intent of the graffiti artist.

One definition of art from the Merriam Webster Dictionary reads: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects. If the artist sets out to execute a creative work of art, then I think that it is art. If their plan is to simply write their name, without striving for an aesthetic creation, then it is not art. The underlying aspect in this definition, for me, is the intent that one has.

But, in the end, there is no concrete black and white classification for this creative medium because it can be many different things for many different people. A look back at the Dada art movement is a clear example of this, with Marcel Duchamp's "Fountain" being the quintessential piece of "art".

Here are some photographs of local graffiti works,

what do you consider them to be?

Third Avenue, New York City

Dream

Lower East Side (1), NYC

Stickers and Texts

Lower East Side (2), NYC

Caged Creations

Astor Place, NYC

Musical Contours

EARLY VINTAGE DAYS

2008-04-14T04:36:00.000-07:00

34th Street (1), NYC

Patriot mornings on 34th street, with a vintage feel.

34th Street (2), NYC

Outside of the Helmsley Hotel, on 34th Street, in Manhattan on an early Saturday morning.

JUGGLING LESSONS

2008-04-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

East 22nd Street, NYC

Doesn't everyone have a hidden desire to learn how to juggle? Although some people can be self-taught (perhaps even in their own room, late at night, with tennis balls), it's comforting to know that there are always lessons available if need be!

IRISH IN THE CITY

2008-04-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

Lower East Side, NYC

Outside of a local pub in Manhattan, a little Irish pride is displayed for all to see.

GREENMARKET MORNINGS

2008-04-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

On a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday morning in Union Square, what most New Yorkers come across is the ever popular Union Square Farmers' Market, or as it is alternatively known, the Union Square Greenmarket.

Rich with fruits, vegetables, flowers, and treats of all kinds, this Farmers' Market is a popular staple for local New Yorkers. If you live in the area and love fresh organic produce, this is the place to be!

Most New Yorkers only see the crowded Greenmarket during its peak day hours, in all of its hustle-and-bustle glory. But before the local farmers and merchants can sell all their products, they must prepare for the day during the wee morning hours.

Shown in black and white and with a touch of haziness, I have tried to capture the true spirit of the Greenmarket Mornings.

LEAVING THE NEST

2008-03-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Downtown Fire Escape, NYC

New beginnings seen in a big city way.

SPRING IN THE CITY

2008-03-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

The first days of Spring 2008!

As the winter days are slowly coming to an end, Spring is emerging all throughout New York City. Flowers of all sorts can be seen outside local bodegas, local windows, and in the parks.

Warmer days are ahead!

Upper West Side, New York City

Union Square, New York City

Bryant Park, New York City

42ND STREET

2008-03-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

42nd Steet

Another day in the life, near Times Square.