Lifestyle

5 Queens, NYC Artists You Should Know

Published

3 years ago

October 29, 2021

Queens is probably one of the most under-discovered places in New York. It is usually known by sports fans all over the world because of the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, home of the annual US Open tennis championship. As well as Citi Field which is another sports complex, situated in the Park. But most people are unaware that Queens is also home to many great, emerging artists.

Some of these talented artists in Queens are mentioned below:

AJ Lavilla

Born in Iloilo, Philippines, AJ Lavilla is a self-taught artist, currently based in Queens, New York. He was introduced to art at the age of eleven and learned a great deal by observing the works of his favorite artists which include Picasso, Murakami, Basquiat, and KAWS.

AJ Lavilla’s main interest is in street art and graffiti. His work is unique in the sense that he uses pop culture icons and vivid colors to bring his art to life. He is also known for the use of inspirational quotes in his work. The Queens artist has graced many walls of New York with his murals, including the World Trade Center.

OG Millie

Kamille Ejerta, known more popularly by her street name OG Millie is another Filipino American artist. The New York artist is widely known for the amazing art that she creates despite being visually impaired. Art became her safe escape after she suffered a vision-threatening emergency.

Her art can be easily identified in a sea of paintings because of its uniqueness. She uses vintage decorative mirrors as a canvas to paint portraits with acrylic paint. She is also a mural artist and her work can be seen on walls throughout New York. Her paintings are an embodiment of old school meets new school. OG Millie’s art focuses on colorful portraits of iconic figures.

Shaun Lee NYC

Shaun Lee NYC one of the most talented artists from Queens, New York. Specializing in a broad style thats unique enough to distinguish. He started developing his art career at a very young age, which prompted him to participate in many programs since a child. He has showcased work in art shows all around the world, from Paris, to Quebec, and Montreal. To residences in New York Cities night clubs such as the Freehold NY.

The Queens artist is widely known for his unique art style which includes unique shades of red in majority of his canvases. However diverse in his mediums with ability to control a spray-can like a brush. He currently has murals displayed in the heart of Queens and has plans to create many more. His artwork is popular for converting traditional art ideas into contemporary pieces.

Savior Elmundo

Savior Elmundo is a New York artist, dancer, and filmmaker. He is well known for the 3-D letter work that he started experimenting with, in 2015. Since then, the 3-D letters have become his trademark. His art icons include Dali, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Matisse, and Frida.

Elmundo loves playing with different textures and he does a lot of message work. His art can also be identified by his logo, ‘Make Art’. According to him, his logo represents all forms of art and is a simple way of reminding people to make art.

Turtlecaps

Turtlecaps is a Queens-born graffiti artist. He started practicing his art in the late 1980s by drawing on streets, train tracks, etc. True to his name, Turtlecaps, his main character is that of a turtle.

This character is made up of a turtle shell, with Mickey mouse shoes, a spray can cap for a head, and a wind-up key at the back. The Queens artist spends his time painting murals of his representative character on the streets of New York, with various adaptations.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.