Silent Barn: Brooklyn’s Latest Collective
Arielle Avenia — Stewdio Tenant -Aftermath Recycled Art Supply Store
-How long have you been living in Brooklyn?
2 1/2 years
-What brought you here?
post art-school identity crisis, a shoddy internship, and a best friend offering $400 rent in Williamsburg with promise of adventure
-What do you find to be unique about the artistic community in Brooklyn?
You can start your own thing and not completely bankrupt yourself. Also, with a little persistence and courage you can go out and find “your people”, which is how I came to known people from Silent Barn and beyond.
-What are some of your inspirations—both in your art/career and just in your everyday life?
Upon touching down in NYC I was deeply touched by Goodbye Blue Monday, Swimming Cities Collective, Rubulad, and the vestiges of punk in the East Village (Mars Bar, ABC No Rio). These are places that create environments for creativity and unique experiences for participants. The art is visceral, theatrical, slap-dash, and ephemeral- which is what I have always been interested in utilizing in my own work.
I find people who make their own way in the city while supporting themselves hugely important and inspiring. My first job in the city was working for a woman who has had the same store front on St. Mark’s since the late 70’s, my 2nd job for a self-made couturier, my 3rd job for an independent artist, and so on. They made me believe that I can do it too.
-Do you see yourself staying in Brooklyn?
Between a diamond-in-the-rough apartment, a business partner, a partner in crime, and project space at Silent Barn- I imagine I’m going to be staying put for a while.
-What’s a perfect Brooklyn day for you?
Any bright warm day when I don’t oversleep and can ride my bike comfortably, get errands done before lunchtime, and spend the rest of the afternoon sewing in my living room with loud music on. Seeing a show with friends at night, maybe hang out on a roof or in someone’s back yard with a beer.
-What are the challenges inherent to being an artist in Brooklyn?
Finding and maintaining a way to make money without pulling all of your hair out. Having enough room, time, and money to make the art you want to make. Finding a community of artists whose ethics align to your own and whose aesthetics that you respect; admire.