There are many headlines about what the Big Apple is like for artists these days in this so-called "post-pandemic era." But how many times are artists themselves actually asked? We caught up with Spanish artist Marina Ogalla for insight into the life of a young immigrant performer living in New York City today. Here's what she had to say:

What do you most want readers to know about you as a human and an artist?

Being honest, I have never known how to describe myself. I have always considered myself a bit of a contradiction. I wanna work all the time and focus on my art, but I also wanna travel the world. I want to be in NYC, but I want to be home. So, contradiction would be the first thing. I also consider myself very hard working. Once I get an idea in my mind or a goal, I work for it, and I never give up, no matter what happens. 

Those very much describe myself as an artist, chaotic and messy, as most artists are, but a very important thing to know about me as a human is that I care. I care about my family, my friends, and I will love them, help them and fight for them. ​

Damali Abrams the Glitter Priestess is an artist, educator, and practitioner of folk medicine born and raised in Queens, NYC. In her own words, Abrams describes her artistic practice as “Interdisciplinary, pulling from Black feminist thought in order to create mixed media collage, handmade books, and community engagement. Black feminism is steeped in inclusivity and intersectionality. As a result, my work privileges various forms of knowledge, including traditional research, metaphysical practice, cultural heritage, and oral histories” (Abrams). Damali Abrams is one of the five artists in residence for AnkhLave’s 2024 Garden Project on Governors Island. She’s also a member of SEQAA (Southeast Queens Artist Alliance), and has been the recipient of numerous grants, residencies, teaching opportunities, and more. You can read more about some of her previous accomplishments on her website, or AnkhLave Art Alliance’s bio page for the 2024 Garden Project fellows.

By Some Gold Pun LLC

Artist Statement:
The worst part of starting out a new talent or skill is being bad at it. No one likes an “I suck” period, as crucial as they are to getting decent at anything. It’s embarrassing, sitting alone in a room with your new guitar, desperately trying to churn out some semblance of "Hey There, Delilah." There’s nothing to feel good about in the prerequisite most amateur of amateur hours other than “Well, I haven’t quit yet.” That’s one of the lucky boons Don’t Mind If I Don’t grants me. Because even when I’m struggling at something, if I complain about it loudly and incessantly enough, it will be entertaining. God bless you, television. ​

-Aaron Gold