As a designer, many times I am both. Not by choice!

I emphatically believe that design is not art. But defining the difference between design and art is a lengthy debate not to be had via this venue.

I am passionate beyond belief for my work … Trust me, just ask some of my clients. My level of specificity borders on the insane. Some may say well beyond that border! Regardless, there is a fine line to tread between these two “personas.” And even though clearly drawn in the sand, the struggle still exists as to which side I must tender.

Here’s the thing … “Love” in this world is cheap! While I do generally agree with this, I have a hard time believing that “love” can’t necessarily pay the bills. Herein lies my struggle.

I don’t usually post this type of thing, but this is so perfect I just had to share!

A while back Jen and I shot some before pictures of a soon-to-be renovated  apartment at One 5th Ave. And as we were leaving, we took a couple of silly snaps with the camera remote control in hand.

A still life shot Jen and I set up for the Gallery Church … Fruit.

Above is a photo of the Hudson River taken with my phone one early morning. I had stepped out of the studio to contemplate, and in this moment I found some clarity in the fog.

So, what would purity in the city look like? How visible would just a small amount of purity in the chaos and distraction of New York City? That was a recent question in my mind. Through a somewhat strange, off beat mental journey I came up with white balloons filled with helium. You don’t usually see a big bunch of balloons in the ciy. And when you do … Well, there is something refreshing about that sight.

I walked around Manhattan for a few hours toting my 25 balloons, camera and some light gear. And let me tell you … What an experience! I had more random conversations, smiles, giggles, waves, gestures, and hellos in those three short hours than any other three hours in my life!

New York City is such a surprising place.

You just gotta love this! Beautiful stripes bleeding out onto the busy, nasty sidewalk of Chelsea. A great break of color surrounded by the cold grey pavement of Manhattan.

Apparently there are so many Starbucks in NYC that they are now taking it to the streets and have an army of coffee trucks. You can literally find a Starbucks on every other block in Manhattan. Jenny and I were down in Tribeca doing a photoshoot at dusk when this bright blue truck rolled by. I just couldn’t resist.

I’ve been digging back through photos for Jonathan, and came across this beauty! J Rich is a super-laid back guy, but this portrait is just intense.