Devrah Silverstein
1973-1975
177 Duane Street
I was painting "full time" worked evenings doing paste ups and lay outs, proof reading at printing houses on Vandam streets, and worked intermittently as an assistant to Ralph Humphreys and Richard Serra
The sense of community, excitement, innovation...and that the world was being renewed!Everything was possible and energy was boundless!
The sense that financially it was difficult to get ahead, and the reality that so much was transient, and slowly it dawned on me that for most of my fellow artists the only sense of commitment they had was to their art.
I went on a spiritual journey, and evaluated what was important in my life, 10, 20, 30 years from now...and it had to be greater than having a one man show, or artistic recognition.
Walking the streets at night. Visiting the Kerns on Reade St, over Thomas Azzaraos nut shop, walking down Leonard St, strolling down the crumbling closed West Side Highway...walking at dawn down to Hudson Street and down to piers where the Petrol a sloop used for sailing school and go on early morning rides. Dancing at Barnabus Rex till it closed and the days and nights were endless!
The conundrum of balancing art, family, spirituality and finances still exists. But my life and future are greater than anything I could have imagined or "created" on my own. I try to live my life aesthetically and remain open to new experiences, possibilities and renewal.