Vol. 30 — September 25, 2020
WHAT’S NEW
This week we’re highlighting new music out this week, sharing our guide to Upstate NY, and introducing you to a cool new friend: Ester Kislin, founder and creative director of Sounds.
CULTURE CORNER
LISTEN
Is Fall/Autumn the perfect time to listen to music? If you’re into moody jams like us here are five great ones out this week:
- Emily A. Sprauge (aka. Florist), Star Gazing (Single)
- Fleet Foxes, Shore (Album)
- Lomelda, Hannah (Album)
- Faye Webster, Better Distractions (Single)
- Adrianne Lenker, anything (Single)
LOOK
Even in better times it was easy to forget how to dream and imagine. Cool friend Annika Hansteen-Izora recently shared a beautiful illustrated guide to communal dreaming. Check it out on Instagram.
READ
Are you still quarantine crafting? The NYT Style Magazine has a quick and easy guide to brighten your room...all you need is a blank lampshade and a little bravery. Check out the guide here.
BEST OF
We recently left the city for only the second time in the last 6+ months, but we came back with a loooooot of cool stuff to share with you. Head over to our website to read our Upstate NY round-up (Catskills & Hudson Valley).
COOL FRIENDS
Ester Kislin
Meet Ester, founder & creative director of Park Slope, Brooklyn design studio and store: Sounds.
How did Sounds begin?
I dreamt of Sounds during the first trimester of my pregnancy. Although I was feeling creative, I couldn't continue my studio practice as a painter and ceramicist because I was working with toxic materials. My sudden change in circumstance led to a turn in a different direction. I called on some of my childhood dreams -the ones that felt more pure- less affected by my education and experiences in the art world. I wanted to turn my focus on others rather than just myself. My goal was to create a beautiful, ethical and sustainable world for the new person in my life, a world filled with accessible and functional art.
We opened the store and cafe in 2018 right before Paulie was born and later opened the product development office in Autumn of 2019. It was important for me that we create and not just sell products. The most important aspect of our brand is that we stick to our core values, whether with buying, supporting other brands or creating our own objects.
What's your favorite part about the New York creative community?
New York is amazing because you can find anything here. There is an endless supply of creative, inspiring and hardworking people. The city and its inhabitants persevere.
My favorite part about working with New Yorkers is how open and excited everyone is. With small scale personal projects the 'Jaded New Yorker' mentality melts away. There's less ego involved around the creation of functional handmade objects. These items are designed for the consumer, the maker and the world, not just a select few. I love that the community around Sounds plays a large part in what we carry and make. We are always listening to our patrons' feedback and recommendations, tailoring our products to the communities needs.
What's inspiring you right now?
I'm inspired by makers who are taking strong social, ethical and ecological stands. It's really easy to get something made but unfortunately making things sustainably or ethically is very challenging. I deeply value the hard work and endurance it takes to make something the right way.
Nature brings me constant light and energy, Paulie inspires me to keep moving forward everyday.
Follow along:
www.shopsounds.nyc
@shopsounds on Instagram
DINER REVIEW
Phoenicia Diner
Phoenicia, New York
Our Rating: 4.5 of 5
When to Go: For breakfast! Before it gets too cold!
What to order: Eggs your way with crispy potatoes, and crispier bacon. Get the cheesy grits on the side and grab a magnet as a souvenir.
PALETTE
Vintage books in Hobart, NY
