Studio Notes - NYC

This week in the studio I’m sure my paintings felt jealous while I walked the streets of the one and only New York City.

What a wonderful trip it was. Another notch on my solo traveling belt, a guarantee for divine inspiration and a reclaiming of sorts.

I have been to New York before, under different circumstances. This trip was entirely on my terms.

The last time I traveled by myself, I went to Austin, Texas for New Years 2025. I ended up moving there 3 months later.

So, I was curious to see what would come out of this trip.

And yes, I did look up apartment rates in the West Village today when I got home. And no, I will not be moving to New York (for now).

However, I will be actively manifesting that there’s a chapter in my life on this timeline where I can spend some substantial time in that city.

It’s 8 times the size of Austin. Statistically, there’s more to do, more to see, more to explore.

I stayed in a hostel called “Interfaith”. It was exactly what I needed as I braved the hustle and bustle of the city alone. It was run by hippies and they laid out many free fruits and vegetarian options on the table. I appreciated that. Plus, the water was freshly cold and filtered, also much appreciated.

I feel like there’s so much I could write about New York; I will need to titrate it out as it comes to me in waves.

For now, the brake dust of the taxi cabs hasn’t settled and I’m still acclimating to the sweet southern pace Austin.

I missed being called ma’am. It was only 3 full days, yet I noticed its absence.

As I inhale the dessert air, I feel confirmation in my bones that I chose the right home base in Austin.

In New York – I wasn’t friendly. I stayed guarded. I kept my energy inside myself as much as possible, in a city like that, it feels like you have to. Every man (or woman) for themselves.

To a degree.

Of course, in the Chelsea neighborhood, I found my people in the flea market. I let my guard down for the artists. Knowing there was a common thread between us allowed my shoulders to relax and my jaw unclenched when I spoke.

So, today’s studio notes aren’t dramatic.

Once the vignettes of the trip begin to come into focus, I’ll be able to articulate my experiences in more detail.

For now, I love the way that I came home, went to a jiujitsu open mat on two hours of sleep, then immediately put paint to canvas.

And my muse for the piece I’m working on – Catherine (Cathy) from Wuthering Heights. I watched the latest rendition of the film on one of my nights in the city. I wasn’t prepared to witness such a cinematic masterpiece!

I bawled my eyes out and felt terribly inspired.

This week I stepped out of my studio, only to discover that I couldn’t wait to step back in.

Grateful for Southern courtesy, New York grit, and the brilliant mind of Emily Brontë,

Sierra Koch

7-5-26