Category: Creative Projects (Page 2 of 3)

Claire Baek, Anna Deng, Cailyn Kitchens, & Gabriella Milata

Click here

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b1xD05JTN_MuYZ7iQTu_Rokm9qT_XRwjXZP-D4ARRt4/edit

In a friendly coffeehouse where relationships flourish,

I met my companions in a scented room amid the chitchat, as we had scheduled a rendezvous,

Dreams may grow in this cozy vacation

As I entered, the door sounded softly.

People of all kinds, in this busy environment, are speaking in a symphony of voices that sounds like a calm flood.

Each cheerful face carries a tapestry of tales.

There was a writer with a pen at the window.

In a quiet nook, constructing fantastical tales,

With a steaming beverage, the barista was next to me.

Making art with each cup, old as well as contemporary. 

The musicians tapped and sung in a corner booth,

Their tunes are like whispers, soothing. 

A student in a trance was also present by the counter.

Getting lost in literature and ideas, a peaceful dance.

When my classmates showed up, there was a roar of laughter.

Greetings and salutations from that padded chair,

We discovered our place in this cafe’s embrace.

a welcoming setting, a canvas for connection.

The scent of coffee, a soothing hug,

With talks, a cozy fireplace, and

We passed the time with coffee and stories.

Like lovely spring blossoms, life is served here in this cafe.

Our relationships became deeper as the day wore on and the sun fell, 

leaving no room for regret.

We discovered harmony and joy side by side in this vast and variegated tapestry of souls.

We thus discovered the charm of friendships anew in the lively company, both old and true, at this cafe where the world collided, 

different lives and tales, all interwoven and mingled.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZEtM2aojgNW7M83ulpi6paw7Ud5l1P2R_8rmTOKQTUk/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PF2ugHW6N036-X4VDG72H4mizDYocMW0MPsIjWT_74I/edit?usp=sharing

I chose to depict images of the people in my hometown of Port Jefferson, New York, that have impacted who I am today. I strongly believe that your view on your neighborhood is defined by the people, places, and things you surround yourself with. I also believe that your hometown will always have an impact on your life and I wanted to describe how these childhood friends and family and things have continued to be a part of my life today, even though I’ve moved to Manhattan for school.

The Macaulay website does not allow me to upload photos, so I have attached a link to a slideshow of the photos on my Instagram blog Instead.

This photo gallery highlights the side of the city that people tend to ignore due to finding beauty in different views next to it such as the tall and modern buildings that strike our attention. Some may actively dislike the scaffolding and construction sites that wraps buildings and covers sidewalks since it causes a minor inconvenience to their day and does not look very aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, the city as we know it and its maintenance would not be possible without the construction process, no matter how loud or inconvenient it may seem. Instead of only appreciating the final product once the construction is finished, we could remind ourselves that it is the backbone of the views that we are fond of.

It was fine before

when laughter could be heard

booming down the streets

as the moonlight hit the metal slide

It was fine before

when tree trunks and benches were interchangeable

and everyone looked forward to

floor mummies and freeze tag after school.

But it is better now,

now that helmets are hard hats

and jumping to “work in progress” are the new monkey bars

or “keep out” really just means “try to climb over” for the wise 8 year olds.

It must be better now that pink chalk

runs across the sidewalk

skipping over cigarette butts

and bubble gum pavements.

It is certainly better now

with our hands frozen in place

conveniently placed for our noses to be buried

right into our phones.

We touch the water to feel something,

anything other than the metal in our hands.

And as we do, we think of all the things that must have been worse before and better now.

I look at the fresh tomatoes from our garden,

hidden amongst Almond Joys.

Cavities and tummy aches, is it really better now?

I look towards the life I lead

and the ones they left.

My parents gave away so much

for me to have something better.

I wanted my project to reflect a problem in my community: three parks within the same area were all destroyed at the same time only to be rebuilt. They are still “work(s) in progress,” which means that we don’t know how long it will be before the kids of the neighborhood get to play in the new park, or if they will even still be kids by that point. I wanted to focus on different textures in my pieces, whoch is why I included the photo of a girl touching water to be able to feel something that is not virtual. I also wanted to focus on the color red, which represents my cultural background and the bloodline that keeps us connected. Together, all of these photos allow me to reflect on change and in what situations it is a good thing. I also focused on change through the lens of who decides when it is time for change and what that power dynamics looks like. My family decided to leave their respective countries to find a better life for themselves and for their future families, who didn’t even exist yet. The government decjded that it was time for change for kids in neighborhoods where, although change was necessary, nothing was done to give kids the chance to be kids. Every one of three parks nearby were shut down simultaneously, reflecting the lack of empathy or the lack of knowlesge about how these kids would be affected.

New York City is 302.6 square miles big

And best believe every piece of land is occupied

If not by skyscrapers and stores

You got museums, parks, and statues

It’s easy to get lost among the chaos

But, there’s certainly someone who’s willing to give you a tour 

For the city that never sleeps at night, there’s one guarantee

You’re never alone

Situation one

is where you’re most comfortable 

You are surrounded by friends and family 

You’re having fun 

You go watch the waters

You visit Little Island

You go to karaoke 

You go study 

You do this 

Together 

Situation two 

is where you are most observant  

You’re subconsciously surrounded by 8 million people

You see faces you may never see again 

You see people walking past you 

You see people having fun

You see people laughing 

You see people crying 

Though your friends are not around 

You are not alone 

You’re actually one step closer 

From making a new friend 

Situation three

is where you’re most reflective

You may find yourself in a barren place

You may find yourself feeling lonely

You may find yourself at peace

You may find yourself scared

You may find yourself lost

You may find yourself by yourself

But, you’re not alone

Our thoughts keep us company 

Though their company can bring joy or sadness

You’re never truly alone in NYC
You have your friends

You have strangers who can become more 

You have your thoughts

Be intentional with your time 

Whatever company you seek 

It’s attainable 

“Every time you see concrete jungle, you must find open spaces. And when you find open spaces, make it so people can get to them.”

Eduardo Paes

(HD photos can be found in the google doc since there is not enough storage)