FINALIST: Sixpoint Brewery 5th Annual Art Show
“I’m going to New York!!” I impulsively exclaimed during a quiet song at an outdoor concert amphitheater… I also may or may not have followed that up with a ‘Holy F*ck!!’. Awkward? Sure. But also no. I was too busy throwing my hands in the air and dancing, while re-reading my email to make sure my eyes were seeing correctly. And yes, it was a quiet song playing. I will say I received happy smiles. Genuinely, I respect my surroundings. This is not my usual behavior, as this was an unusual email! Do you know how many emails I have received in the last 6 months that start with ‘Greetings Molly, unfortunately…’. This one is special. This is one for the books! Actually, this is one for the cans! Cheers! To NYC I go!
A private art exhibition is calling my name, along with 24 other artists, as we are among the Top 25 Finalists for the 5th Annual Sixpoint Brewery Art Show. YEAH SAY IT AGAIN!! Top 25 WOOT! I had written ‘NYC Sixpoint Show’ on my calendar before I created my artwork. I just felt like I was going to be there. Pretty wild.
ARTIST STATEMENT / TITLE: VOLUME UP
My art piece 'Volume Up' showcases the vibrations of New York City. I illustrated the NYC skyline in the style of a sound wave. The city has its own unique music. An orchestra of people talking, horns beeping, the rumble of the subway/ the dinging when the doors shut, live singing on the street - all coming together to celebrate the sounds of the city. I named my artwork 'Volume Up' to bring attention to the music influence as well as a reminder to crank it up a few when it comes to your self-expression. A 'Beer is Culture' flag is flying center stage, as this message amplifies what it means to take in your surroundings, to embrace them and each other. The world needs art and community and thrives on originality. Sharing a beer with a friend and doubling down on your unique self provides so much life and fuels inspiration. The star of the show in my artwork, the vibrant pigeon, is a tribute to standing out and following through with what it means to be uniquely you. I wanted to show respect and represent the pigeon, as they are iconic to NYC. This colorful and fearless bird shows us how awesome we all can be. Music notes float throughout the work to create movement and continue the focus on the music of (city) life. The duo of music and beer is incomparable. To highlight the diverse energy and culture of NYC in my work, I gave special attention to detail specifically on the pigeon. The pigeon is wearing headphones as some people do in the city. Everyone's experience is their own. Their preferred soundtrack, whether it's a band in their ears or the bus brakes screeching - it all adds to their story. (I personally enjoy the authentic city sounds.) My line work on the pigeon is true to my style and reminiscent of city graffiti. The layers of color remind us that in every corner of the city, you can find art. You can be the art! The pigeon's shoes don the Sixpoint logo as a playful nod to the brand. The Sixpoint star in the sky is designed with the same concept as the skyline sound wave. When sharing a drink with friends, the energy in the room elevates. The sound wave logo acts as the sun radiating good vibes for this energetic outdoor scene. Playful and simple are the surrounding swirls that carry levity within the piece. This element represents waves of music, energy and memories, both had and to be made. I drew them loosely to not compete with the rest of the work. Also, in an age of AI, I am enjoying work that is obviously authentic and far from perfection. It made me laugh to think that this style of swirl is what Van Gogh would have doodled on an iPad in this day and age after a few Hazy IPA's. I drew all of this artwork with my pointer finger by the way. Just something about me. lol Anyhow, beer is culture!! Sharing time with a friend and having a drink on the fire escape, outside in a crowd for a live music event or while painting; a beer always brings out inspiration. Thanks for hanging out! :)
I created my artwork on my iPad with just my pointer finger. Yes I’m sure you have questions. Moving on. I started during daylight hours. Looked up a bit freaked out when I realized it was nighttime. I submitted before the deadline at midnight. Overwhelmed, brain-melting, happy and all. I found out two days later that the deadline was actually for the following month. And then it was extended after that. Truly this became the earliest I had ever submitted artwork, although it felt like the most last-minute. I kept putting it off because I felt like it was going to take a lot of time. Is that not the dumbest thing you’ve ever heard? I have screenshots on my phone from 2024’s 4th Annual Sixpoint Art Show. I didn’t enter that year or any before. It’s okay. But I think I’m awake now.
Hailing from Red Hook in Brooklyn, NY !! Sixpoint is the craft beer of your city heart’s dreams. Give me the hazy all day-z, baby! Cool fact: Sixpoint Brewery is a sister brewery to my hometown brewery Southern Tier Brewing Company. It feels so good to feel like I’m home in Brooklyn, too.
Beer IS Culture. Pigeons rule!!!!!! Story time: I was visiting Manhattan and noticed a pigeon. (duh) But this one was not looking too great. The weather was sweltering. Can you imagine being a pigeon in a feather sweater, claws to the pavement, like a small cat that can fly? Well, imagine it. Anyhow I purchased a water, poured said water into the cap for a teeny pigeon bowl and placed it next to them. They immediately started to drink it. It was a beautiful moment.
I am always looking out for the littlest of creatures. Saving bugs from my outdoor paintings or spending an hour-plus gently peeling a spider’s belly off an obnoxiously sticky sticker in the Lowe’s garden department. You have to be aware of the life around you and take note of the needs and share your love. Not everything you do in life that is kind will be returned to you. And that’s good. We need lessons. We need balance. Why am I rambling? Because I’m excited and I have a point. Directly after my pigeon-saving duties, I took a few steps to the corner with pride in my eyes. But here’s the catch- there was something else in my vision. A stranger oblivious and tripping on more than his feet, stumbling right towards me, mumble-talking loudly, with lips bouncing and spit flying… a drop went into my eye. It was a whirlwind of weird and ‘why?!’. I poured the clean water from the bottle directly into my eye and down my face right on the corner of Pigeon Blvd and Spit Street. I Love You, New York. Seven stories a block. If the pigeon hadn’t of been thirsty, I wouldn’t have gotten the water that obviously saved my lyyfeee. Keep your eyes open, unless somebody is too close. Then close them.
Deets on the disco, Drinks on the distro:
THURSDAY AUGUST 20TH @ 7PM
TOP 25 FINALISTS GALLERY SHOWING - SATELLITE ART SHOW 279 BROOME ST, NY, NY
AFTER-PARTY & AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENTS @ 9PM - SOUR MOUSE NYC 110 DELANCEY ST, NY, NY
Feeling nerdy and wordy… and a little birdy. I can’t wait to make this trip, to see goregous NYC and have my artwork displayed on Broome St. How special. I’m looking forward to viewing everyone’s artwork. What an awesome pre-bday gift to me. Ahhhh! Let’s gooooo!!!!!
