What a week, huh?
Coming back up for air with art, music, and food to take your mind off everything else
This week we’re sharing the coolest listening party to go to, featuring new shopping pop-ups, highlighting wine events & a dinner party series and introducing you to our cool friend: Shantell Martin.
Ramen Ishida
Photo by Eric Medsker
The team behind Michelin-starred omakase Kosaka + neighborhood hand roll spot Maki Kosaka have partnered with chef Yohei Ishida to bring his beloved ramen destination, Ramen Ishida, to Chelsea. Like its LES sibling, this new location offers Ishida’s signature Tokyo-style shoyu and miso ramen, along with an expanded kitchen menu of tsukemen, takoyaki, karaage rice and more in a significantly larger, 42-seat space.
The Bar at Quarters
One of the most beautiful spaces in Manhattan just expanded their hours…and offerings. The Bar at Quarters transforms one of the many rooms at the Chinatown space into a café and bar. Tuesdays – Saturdays they’ll offer daytime service from 11a–4p and Thursday through Saturday the bar will be open until midnight with Apéro Hour from 4-5p. The Bar at Quarters is already a hot spot so plan accordingly and book a resy here!
Meet Shantell, the world-renowned artist, mentor and collaborator, creating an unmistakable visual world with her trademark line style, illustrating a flow of storytelling between her subjects and inspiration. Her journey includes collaborations with prestigious institutions such as MIT Media Lab, NYU Tisch ITP, and Columbia University’s Brown Institute, as well as choreographing for the Boston Ballet. Martin's art explores themes like intersectionality, identity, and play. Unconstrained to just one medium or artistic discipline, Shantell Martin leverages fine art, technology and design to share her ideas and create meaningful experiences with her audience.
How did your career as a multidisciplinary artist begin?
My journey as a multidisciplinary artist started with a move from London to Japan. In Japan, I found myself deeply involved in the music and club scene, where I began experimenting with live performance art. This environment allowed me to explore spontaneous drawing, which would become a significant part of my artistic language. It was in this space that I really honed my ability to express myself freely through art, and that foundation has shaped the work I do today.
Tell us about what informs your design style!
My design style is informed by an internal compass that guides me to create work that feels authentic and bold. Minimalism is key, and I’m always seeking to balance simplicity with meaning. It’s not just about aesthetics but creating work that speaks to me on a deeper level, whether through line, space, or color. My approach is intuitive—each piece starts with a feeling and unfolds naturally.
What’s your favorite part about the New York creative community?
What I love most about the New York creative community is its proactive spirit. The artists here are collaborative and unafraid to push boundaries. There's a sense of openness to new ideas, and people are genuinely eager to connect and work together. New York has a vibrant, dynamic energy that constantly inspires me and pushes me to think beyond the traditional limits of art.
Do you have any upcoming or current projects you're working on? We loved your storefront installation and collaboration with Brompton earlier this Fall!
Thank you! I grew up in London, so I'm very familiar with Brompton Bikes - it's been a part of my fabric and culture. When I was younger, Brompton was very elusive in a way. I would see people riding their Bromptons, folding them up and taking them around - it always came with a sense of wow for me, so I'm super excited about this opportunity to collaborate. I love that the brand is 50 years old, and now I get to apply my art and be a part of that history. It's really incredible to become a part of the Brompton legacy and bring my own history into the fold as an artist. I like to think of myself as a big kid with a serious side, rather than a serious person with a playful side. What keeps me young is this ability to PLAY and bring play into the serious parts of life and work. I wanted to demonstrate that within the bike. When you play - you're taking time to connect with your truest self - which opens you up to being able to answer big existential questions like who you are, what your purpose is, and what you're doing here. I think when we are able to connect with our younger self, that is what really propels us and reminds us why we're actually here and what we want to achieve. I'm also working on public art installations that merge art and community, such as a new mural project in collaboration with local institutions. Next year, I’ll be choreographing a project with the Los Angeles Ballet, which I’m really excited about. I want to focus on more public speaking and performance. I’m always excited about collaborations that allow for meaningful engagement with the community, like my recent work with Brompton where we kicked off with a really cool event in their NYC store.
Are there any artists (past or present) that are an inspiration to you?
I draw inspiration from the artists in my community—those I've had the privilege of watching grow and evolve over time. It’s inspiring to see people I've known for years continue to push their creative limits and define their own paths. I’m not only inspired by well-known names but also by the creative thinkers I collaborate with every day. There’s something magical about seeing growth happen up close. I actually have a podcast, What’s the Point, where I interview some of the people that inspire me the most.
Follow Along:
Shantellmartin.art
@shantell_martin
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