Author Archives: danielle.mulder

Fashion for Fun (Photo by: Jakob Layman)

Fitting In

Two years ago, I sold everything I owned except for two small suitcases, bought a one-way plane ticket, and came to New York City. After spending the first 22 years of my life as a tan, blonde beach resident in sunny Jacksonville Beach, Florida, I was ready for the exciting pace of big city life.

I swore to all my friends I was going to land in the city, dye my hair black and immediately start smoking cigarettes. I wanted to “fit-in” and look the part of a New Yorker. Well, two years later, my hair’s still blonde and cigarettes are $12 a pack. Needless to say, neither “blending” method ever happened.

What I’ve learned in the time I’ve spent in this obnoxious place that 8.4 million people call home, is that every stereotype the rest of the world casts on New Yorkers (let’s face it, the island of Manhattan is not part of planet Earth), is just a misunderstanding of what it means to live here.

Just New Yorkers being New Yorkers. Photo by: Danielle Mulder

Standing Out

There’s no need to fit-in to a city where individuality is what makes each of us a New Yorker. And the collective of crazy characters who fill our streets that aren’t afraid to stand out, is what makes this place so special. So for now, I’ll hold on to my blonde roots (no pun intended), and semi-clean lungs.

New Yorkers aren't better than everyone else, we just dress like it. (Photo by: Jakob Layman)

The New York City transit system exposes its riders to an array of sensory experiences: crying children, unpleasant smells, and blaring mariachi bands. What the cynical New Yorker may not always notice is the vast display of art that lies underground in many of the city’s subway stations.

According to MTA’s website, one percent of the budget for “eligible” city-funded construction is spent on art projects to improve the aesthetic of public spaces and incorporate details of the above ground communities.

The Art

"Vasi" 2011 Faceted Glass by: Callie Hirsch. Photo By: MTA

Beneath Central Park at the Fifth Avenue/ 59th Street station on the N/Q/R line, is a menagerie of glass mosaic animals that can be found at the Central Park Zoo. The artist, Ann Schaumburger, completed the project in 1997.

Fifth Avenue/59th Street. Art by: Ann Schaumburger. "Urban Oasis." 1997. Photo by MTA

In addition to murals, paintings, and bronze sculptures, artistic architectural elements are incorporated in some of the city’s stations to enhance the visual appeal. At 14^th Street/Union Square artist Mary Miss uses the color red to highlight original beams, structures and glass encased art that dates back to 1904 when the station was originally built.

Grand Central 42nd Street. Art by: Daniel Sinclair. "Fast Track." 1991. Photo by: Danielle Mulder

New Yorkers can expect even more visual stimulation in the future as more stations are renovated. So for the cost of a “card swipe,” commuters can enjoy a unique selection of art and history, as well as get to their destination (and without delays . . . hopefully).