08 April 2016



An interview with Simone Shubuck,
an artist based in New York whose work is infused with dreamy abstraction and vibrant bursts of color.
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+ Background
I'm an artist living in NYC. For many years, I supported myself by working as a floral designer but now I just focus on my artwork and keeping up with my energetic son which are two really big jobs. I live in Chelsea and have a studio in Dumbo.

+ What inspires your work?
My experience working with flowers was never intended to be anything other than a fun and creative way to make money but the stuff I learned from the flowers (and business side) profoundly affected me. While I don't have my hands on the flowers in a daily way, their information, colors, and forms are an infinite source of inspiration I quite literally draw from daily. Botanical images as ideas, and also, music. Without music, I can't do a thing.

+ Favorite colors?
Kelly green has been on me for a while. I can't shake it. I try and it doesn't work. Salmon. Kelly green and salmon together are pretty great. 

+ Could you describe a typical day?
Wake up at 6:45 am. Make coffee and pack my son's lunch, and help him get off if my husband takes him, or take him if it's my turn. Either way, I head to the studio afterwards and stay all day unless I leave in the afternoon to exercise 2-3 days a week. Home around 6 pm. We like to cook and stay home or go out about equally. If I'm out I will come home to check in and see my son for a few hours. 

+ Favorite spots in New York
I love the many community gardens in New York. Liz Christy is the original on Houston and Bowery. It has really hung on through so many changes.

I love Dashwood Books.

I always want to linger and hang with the crew at A Détacher. Everyone and everything is so infused with Mona's true, beautiful, and clear creative vision. I love that there is one of those stores and not a global chain or that it's one of many. It feels like a very unique and special experience to be there where they work and sell things, both ultra contemporary and very old school at the same time. 

+ Favorite books and magazines
Bon Apétit (of course!) 
World of Interiors 
Porter
The Signature of all Things by Liz Gilbert.
Also, her self help-y book, Big Magic.
It helped me tremendously thinking about and navigating my own creative process. I know people make a big giant eye roll because of Eat, Pray, Love but she is really so damn good and really has a generous spirit to her readers which was the genesis of Big Magic. 

+ What are your spring essentials?
Apparently, a very warm coat and hat (lately, it's been like 30 degrees here!) but hopefully soon a trench and some new Gucci loafers I am dying to rock that were a gift from my husband.

+ Idea of a perfect, spring meal
Spaghetti with ramps and breadcrumbs made by my husband.
Sitting in our garden with some extremely cold rosé.

+ Favorite music
I'm a hip hop, jazz, and R & B fan, but I love everything. Right now, the Life Of Pablo is on repeat. I can't help it, I love Kanye. I've also been pulling out random CD's I still have around, and found a gem, Purple Night by Sun Ra. There is such an insanely good astral but still swingy and straight version of The Stars Fell on Alabama that makes me crazy with joy.

Dreaming of... 
Summer! Sipping a Bellini in Italy this summer with my family and friends. 

+ Favorite pieces in your wardrobe?
I am really too lazy to make an outfit so I live for a one piece. I have great ones by A Détacher. 
I'm either in Birkenstocks or 5" Alaia platforms.
I have loads of Jane Mayle's older pieces and newer bags. So excited she has recently relaunched. 
I bought myself a 1972 rose gold day date Rolex a couple of years ago with some art income I had been saving. My husband made fun of me and says a gold watch is for retirement but I doubt I will ever retire so I took it as an advance and a reminder to keep at it.

 (Top L) A current scene from Simone's studio in Dumbo, (Top R) A drawing by Simone    
(Bottom) Simone's spring floral arrangement 
  
Thank you, Simone!
View Simone's work at http://simoneshubuck.com/

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