alternative newspaper "23rd Street," which featured interviews with members of the bands that she loved, including The Ramones and The Sex Pistols. Now, she's busy painting images of the Chelsea.What do you do?
I'm an artist
My first visit was way back in the summer of 1981. My last visit was October 9-15, 2005. It rained and rained and rained ohmigod, I thought it would never stop...then I tried to find the symbolism in it, and I figured out how water symbolizes the subconscious. I paint colors flowing in liquid all the time, and I'm a water sign. I don't know exactly what it all means, but it was a wonderful thought at the time.
What brought you to the Chelsea?
Sid, Nancy, and Dee Dee Ramone
When you last visited, had things changed drastically from the first time you visited?
Yes. And no. First big change I noticed were the big black and white checked tiles in the halls were gone. The lobby was a different color. The furniture was different. The big glass over the desk gone. The phone booths were still there, the elevators were cleaner but in the same places. The lobby-to-first-floor stairwell still there. The big black heavy doors were still in the middle hallways, most of them, I think were the same doors. I hated that scaffolding all over the outside. I even notice the dry cleaners is still across the street! And I loved the art store was right across the street. I don't remember that being there before. Sitting in the lobby, it felt different, which I didn't like at first. But later, it got better. However, being deep within the heart, in the halls, it felt the same.
Do you think the Chelsea Hotel has a creative spirit?
I think some of the people who are creative bring the spirit into the hotel and it is receptive. Being there opens some people up, the ones who believe and plug in. But it's a two-way street. Just going there isn't going to give you anything you don't already have.
How has the hotel influenced your art?
It didn't until last year. Now I draw the halls--the extra color and flavor I feel in the halls. I'm trying to capture that. I'm very surprised at the outcome. I can't help but credit the Chelsea in helping me...the Chelsea and my Guides who are/were there.
What's the best/worst thing that has happened to you at the Chelsea?
I've actually only had good things happen. I guess the worst thing would be when I have to pay Stanley the bill!! Yeow.
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