My Werner Jampen's "Strange Fruit" 15 August 2008 Video Interview

After my 2 July video interview with artist Werner Jampen I would return on Friday afternoon, 15 August 2008 for a second interview.

While we discussed several of his past, current and ongoing projects including the "What's Inside The Pants" series, a renewed interest in abstraction and his book editing which I refer to as book de-struction as well as the process by which he engages in his projects ... this particular posting brings attention to my compilation of excerpts from the 15 August 2008 session pertainining to "Strange Fruit".

Which, inspired by books that he read on the Afro-American / Negro slave experience Werner's "Strange Fruit" series is a tribute to Nina Simone and her version of that song by that same name.

Click the above image to view my Strange Fruit - Werner Jampen - 15 August 2008 video compilation. Other videos from the 15 August 2008 session will be posted later.

My Review of Nisos Restaurant in Chelsea NYC at Yelp

Though I have passed by Nisos Restaurant many times when, in recent years, that I have visited NYC since Chelsea is where I usually stay when visiting NYC ... it was not until last Labor Day weekend when my partner and I stayed in Chelsea that I ate at Nisos for the first time.

Click image to read my review and photos of Nisos Restaurant at Yelp.

Here is my Chelsea - 8th Avenue - NYC (September 2007) photoset and NYC September 2007 collection.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 22 August 2008

Street Vendor in front of CVS at Dupont Circle West

Street Vendors / WDC 2008 Series

NW WDC . Saturday afternoon, 16 August 2008 Photo Walk

2008 Friday's Photos of the Week

"The Hand", commissioned for the 1968 Resurrection City on display at the Historical Society of Washington DC's Grounds

Most who know me are aware that hands are one of my most prolific themes and, therefore, would not be surprised of my interest in the hand sculpture that I happened upon, for the first time, on the Historical Society of Washington DC grounds during my Saturday afternoon, 16 August 2008 photo / video walk.

Situated on the south side of an historic landmark, the Carnegie Library, on Massachusetts Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets in NW Washington DC ... since when taking several photos of the sculpture I did not observe a plaque nor inscription pertaining to its sculptor I went inside of the District of Columbia's Central Library to inquire of the staff any information pertaining to the hand sculpture.

Unfortunately, the security guard and receptionist with whom I spoke were not able to assist me with such details and, therefore, suggested that I contact the administrative office on Monday or during the week.

Having searched the internet for "hand sculpture Historical Society of Washington DC" over the weekend with no positive results - I made a telephone call to the Historical Society of Washington DC yesterday morning, 19 August 2008.

After explaining the nature of my call to the telephone receptionist she referred me to a more informed staff person who sounding almost as fascinated with the hand sculpture as I ... shared with me that the sculpture, known as The Hand", had been commissioned by Southern Christian Leaders Conference (SCLC) leader Vincent deForest for the Poor Peoples Campaign's Resurrection City 1968 encampment on the National Mall.

And, in fact, during a conversation with Mr. deForest regarding the history of the piece he had informed her, just last week, that he could not recall the name of the sculptor.

It was after that telephone conversation that I then searched the internet for "the hand - Vincent deForest - 1968 Resurrection City" and located the most informative article entitled "Forgotten sculpture memorializes African-American struggle" by Diana Kohn of the Takoma Voice.

When I send this posting to the staff at the Historical Society of Washington DC I will inquire as to when "The Hand" was installed on the grounds of the Carnegie Library and how long it will be on display.

Click the above image to view my ongoing The Hand (1968 Resurrection City), Commissioned by Vincent deForest, - Historical Society of WDC / Carnegie Library photoset which will be added to my Public Art in Public Spaces 2008 collection.

Displaced Artists Return To F Street

After first blogging of Mike Berman's pending return to F Street in March 2007 I learned last August from Berman that the Downtown Artists Coalition was then still in negotiations with 'the powers that be' for F Street artists studios at the Carroll Square Complex.

And each time that I've since walked pass the Carroll Square Complex in the 900 block of F Street I have looked up to the second and third floors to see if Berman's studio was completed.

Well, in a Monday 18 August 2008 press release Downtown Artists Coalition announces that displaced artists will return to F Street at 6:30 pm on Friday, 5 September 2008.

Called F St Arts the studios occupy the 2nd and 3rd floors of the preserved and rehabbed townhouses that are incorporated into the development. Paintings, photographs, sculpture, crafted jewelry, and wood furniture are some of the artwork that will be featured in the space. Artists will be producing as well as displaying work.

F St Arts will hold quarterly open studio events, in conjunction with the gallery located in the Carroll Square lobby, as well as other functions. Studios are open by appointment only in August. Public hours of operation will be announced in September.

Click the above image to view my Michael Berman photoset.

Here is the Downtown Artists Coalition press release dated Monday, 18 August 2008.

Aioli Gourmet on P Street at Dupont Circle West

After my second video interview with artist Werner Jampen on Q Street in Georgetown which took place Friday evening, 15 August 2008 ... hungry ... but not in the mood for cooking once I would arrive home, yet, cautious about eating out in restaurants since, in recent months, I often experience difficulty when swalling food I took a stroll down P Street at Dupont Circle West and stopped in at Aioli Meditalian Gourmet to check out its take-out menu.

Though in the process of my Dupont Circle West - P Street photo walks I have observed Aioli Gourmet many times since its October 2007 opening ... this was my first visit.

Having worked in the catering industry for many years I remembered the occasion that Bill Homan of Design Cuisine explained to me what aioli was. But, on Friday night I could not remember what it was. These kind of details always interest me.

Not one for pizza, I mentioned to the very friendly server that I was interested in an entree take item to take home. He mentioned that with the exception of one of the items which I now do not recall which one it was ... all pasta entrees which normally cost $12 were at a $9 special ... for that evening.

After some contemplation I ordered the Chicken Piccata, in lemon and butter caper sauce. While the sous chef was preparing my take-out I took a look around. And was impressed with the openness and brightness of the space.

After a little more than five but less than ten minute wait, when presenting me my order, he placed a coupon in the bag that will afford me $1.oo off my next meal at Aioli. When I inquired of a take-out menu he informed me that they deliver within a six block radius.

Expressing that I live in SW DC I joked "I guess you want be delivering to me!".

Joking back he replied "I guess not".

Once home, after first placing a bed of Organics Brand Fresh Herb Salad mix in a large salad bowl which I squeezed a quarter of lemon over, then adding a little more than half the pasta and then a little more than half of the chicken medallions, I topped the dish off with some of the capers that had been included with the meal as a garnish.

Added some olive oil and within minutes ... sat down to a tasty, healthy and organic meal.

There was enough left for a repeat of the same for brunch on Saturday afternoon before I stepped out for my Saturday Photo Walk.

After my Chicken Piccata entree, I definately will be returning to Aioli Meditalian Gourmet to try out other items on its menu which includes salads, paninis, fresh pita wraps, pasta and ravioli and brick oven pizzas. As well as Meditalian gourmet desserts.

Beverages include turkish coffee, expresso shots, cappuccino, latte, nescafe, natural chai tea, natural iced tea, organic hot tea and hot cocoa.

Salads, pastas, sauces and fresh deli cuts may also be purchased by the pound.

According to its carry-out menu, Aioli uses fresh, organic and natural ingredients from local farms and suppliers whenever possible. And, in all their cooking, only filtered water is used to ensure freshness and taste.

The prices are very reasonable And I give the service top marks as well.

Located at 2153 P Street in NW Washington DC, Aioli Gourmet is open from 11 am until 8pm on Monday through Saturday. And from 11 am until 6 pm on Sunday. Telephone at 202-558-6188.

Deliver within a six block radius.

Click the above image to view my ongoing Aioli Meditalian Gourmet photoset.