20 minute read
Jacques Lieberman: A Conversation With The Artist
He later moved to Manhattan and continued his painting. His works were well-received. With this success he quit his job to become a full-time artist and gallery manager. Then, in 1988, the revolutionary Adobe Photoshop was introduced. Jacques quickly realized he could use the same color palettes and geometric design capabilities to create colorful art in a fraction of the time it took him to create a painting. His prints caught the attention of many art lovers. In fact, Jacques is one of the first artists to usher in the digital age of art.
Today, Jacques Lieberman enjoys his career successes with his wife Maribel (of MarieBelle Chocolates) and his daughter Angelina. New York Lifestyles sat down with the artist to learn more about his fascinating life and what he sees for the future.
Tell us about your childhood years in war-torn Europe and your move to Israel.
I was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and quickly became a young Jewish refugee of the Second World War. My parents fled to Puisserguier, France, in 1940. Soon after, when the Nazis invaded, my parents decided to send me away with an underground network of French people hiding and protecting Jewish refugees throughout the country. At the age of six, I kissed my family goodbye. It was the last time I would ever see them. I spent the war years with a French Protestant family who hid me. After the war ended, I moved to Switzerland, where I reunited with cousins and other relatives from France. After four years, I moved to a Kibbutz in Israel.
Yet another move. This time to New York City, where you call home. What were your first impressions when you first arrived?
After ten years in Israel, I came to New York to study architecture and design at Pratt Institute. My interest in art grew, and I heard that many artists established their studios in Soho; therefore, I wanted to see what it was all about. Soho was where I opened my first gallery and has been my home ever since. I still believe that Soho is one of the most artistic neighborhoods in New York City.
What were your earliest memories and your exposure to the arts?
When I was hiding in France, my family, who adopted me, gifted me a box of colored pencils. Gifts were not common in the household, so I was static about this gift. Every day I would sketch drawings that expressed the fear I felt. The drawings were my only outlet; my parents were gone, I was alone, hiding, wishing I could live a normal life. Art was the one thing I could hold onto after everything was taken away from me. Everywhere I went, I held my box of colored pencils. When my daughter turned five years old, I gifted her a box of the same colored pencils, passing on my passion for art.
Was there one person who influenced you the most?
Victor Vasarely was my biggest influence. He taught me that art did not have to be representational but rather abstract and contemporary. His use of geometric shapes was fascinating and impacted the Op Art movement. I identified with his art, and I would do anything to go back in time and thank him for inspiring me into the artist I am today.
When is your favorite time to create art?
When I first began painting, I would wake up at 5 am and start creating colorful shapes on huge canvases. It was the best way to start my morning. When Apple introduced the Macintosh, I was one of the first artists to use that computer with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Painter to create art. I was addicted to it; I would work 18 hours a day, starting at 2 am. Once I even worked for 24 hours straight. Art is the best way to start the morning.
How would you describe your art?
My art doesn’t represent anything other than itself. I can’t even describe my art or replicate it. Every piece is unique. That’s why I love it.
Today, artists are going down other avenues to showcase their works— including exhibiting at hotels, restaurants, and other venues. Have you ever considered this?
What’s interesting is until now, I have never promoted my art. Art is my passion and creating always came before selling. The fact that people want to see my art is incredibly heartwarming because I create art for people to love and be happy when they see it.
Tell us more about today’s art scene in NYC?
Most art galleries moved from Soho to Chelsea; many young artists are extremely talented and make me excited for the next generation of artists in New York City. Although many galleries have moved, I still believe Soho is as artistic as it was in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
What are your inspirations/reference points for creating art?
I adore shapes of all colors and sizes. With my background in architecture, I have learned about lines and how specific shapes complement each other. I love creating abstract art that doesn’t have a deeper meaning.
Have you ever considered working in different media?
Architecture has always been a passion of mine. I would love to work with sculpting and create abstract work.
What is it that draws you personally to painting?
I am fascinated with geometric shapes, and painting allows me to create shapes of all sizes and colors. If I make a mistake, I can paint over it and create a new shape. The possibilities are endless!
What is your ideal studio setup? Is it small and confined? Or an airy loft-like situation? My ideal studio setup is a large New York City loft, with huge windows—there needs to be light. All I need is a desk and a computer, no furniture, I need a space where ideas can flow.
JACQUES UPCLOSE
You don’t leave home without…
My pug, Willow.
Favorite Museum?
The Cooper Hewitt Museum.
Drink of Choice?
MarieBelle Dark Hot Chocolate.
Favorite way to relax?
Create art.
Favorite getaway?
East Hampton.
What book are you reading now?
Presently I’m writing my own biography.
What projects are you presently working on?
I am working on my own collection of silk and wool rugs handmade by village artists in Katmandu. The collection will depict my works of art. I am excited about this project. Not only am I using a different medium but it is a team effort with artists from Katmandu who have made the thread from scratch dye to fabricate the rug. I am also doing a collaboration of my art with MarieBelle Chocolates. My art will not only look beautiful on chocolate, but one will be able to taste it!
Your wife, Maribel, of MarieBelle Chocolates is the famed chocolatier with her signature artistic designs. Does your daughter, Angelina, show any artistic endeavors?
Art is an extremely important trait in our household. My daughter Angelina is an incredibly talented and dedicated pianist with over 11 years of experience. It is a family tradition to paint together once a week. It connects our family, especially in these uncertain times. I am blessed to have a wife and daughter who are both extremely talented and love the arts.
Tatiana Ottomanelli (daughter), Frank Ottomanelli, Mary Ottomanelli (mother), Francine Kunkel (sister)
The year was 1900 when Gennaro Ottomanelli arrived in America from Bari, Italy, and soon began selling cured meats from a pushcart in the West Village. At a time when pushcarts lined the streets and were typical sources for New Yorkers to obtain food, Gennaro’s hard work paid off. With the success of his growing business, Gennaro and his family often went back to his birthplace to visit. On one of those trips from Italy to New York, Onofrio Ottomanelli was born in 1917. When he was three, his parents traveled back to Italy, where he grew to learn skills that would remain with him for the rest of his life.
“It was my grandmother who taught him the skills needed to butcher,” Frank told us. With his honed skills and determination in hand, Onofrio returned to New York in 1937, taking a job at his uncle’s butcher shop in Yorkville. In the 1940s Onofrio opened O. Ottomanelli & Sons at 238 Bleecker Street. That location was perfect; twenty years later, he relocated a few doors down to the store’s present-day address. Eventually, a Yorkville store would take on the Ottomanelli name and go by Ottomanelli Brothers. Then came S. Ottomanelli & Sons Prime Meats in Woodside, Queens. While “all in the family,” the businesses remain amicably separate.
Onofrio distinguished himself from other local butchers and along with his brothers, provided both quality meats and game as well as superior personal service. One of those brothers, a young Salvatore, often delivered orders regularly to customers throughout Manhattan. One such delivery was to playwright Arthur Miller, who at the time was living on 57th Street. One day, a gorgeous blonde appeared at the door. Salvatore later found out it was Marilyn Monroe.
Onofrio and his wife had eight children, with four of the sons later working at the Bleecker Street store until his death twenty years ago. Like any good father, he taught his sons well. Frank remembers how his father, Salvatore, would instruct “how to scrape meat from the bones.” But it was not easy. He was young, and Frank remembers his father trying to encourage his son to learn the trade. To accomplish this, Salvatore persuaded his young son with a stop at the donut shop to sweeten the deal. It worked!
THE TRADITION CONTINUES
Frank credits Onofrio with being ahead of his time in many respects. The market was the first to offer fresh game. At the time when his grandfather introduced buffalo meat to New Yorkers, some fifty years ago, the New York Daily News reported on this new food sensation. Today, Ottomanelli’s offers not only wild game, but exotic meats, including alligator, kangaroo, elk, and even python. “One day, a loyal customer came in looking for rattlesnake for his Thanksgiving dinner table,” Frank recalled. No request is ever too much, he added. The customer placed his order and left happy.
Like his father, Frank only buys hanging meat—never boxed. A typical day starts early in the early morning—4:30 am is not unheard of—to fulfill orders and visit wholesale meat markets in Brooklyn and the Bronx. “I’m dealing with some of the same vendors that my father dealt with in the 1940s,” said Frank. “We’ve been doing it so long and have relationships going back four and five generations. That means that we get to select the best quality.”
Not surprisingly, S. Ottomanelli & Sons Prime Meats—as with all Ottomanelli markets—is a great place to get advice on which cuts to buy and how to cook them. For example, if burgers are on your menu, they will suggest a blend of meats for you, and will grind it on the spot. If you are planning a stew, they’ll suggest the perfect meat to purchase.
The Ottomanelli name has survived as they have sliced and diced their way through lean times, eras of excess, the rise and fall of dietary whims like the soy-loving ’70s and present-day Keto diets. All things are taken in stride with unflustered, steady hands.
Frank said his partnerships with small farmers result in a customer who can choose from a conscientious delight of lamb, veal, and pork, as well as free-range birds. In essence, it’s an art that bridges the wide gap between the animal in the field and the kitchen.
Today, a fourth-generation is blooming. Earlier this year, Frank suffered a bout with COVID-19 and was unable to work. Faced with this dilemma and the possibility of laying off his employees during the pandemic, his 21-year-old daughter, Tatiana, stepped up and saved the day. “She was amazing at the way she coordinated and managed the market to remain open so effortlessly,” said Frank. That included the market continuing to service many New Yorkers who have been waiting the pandemic out on the East End of Long Island, with delivery all the way to Montauk. “It’s good to know the Ottomanelli tradition will continue.”
Frank says that his grandfather was ahead of his time in many respects. The market was the first to offer fresh game when no one else did.
THE DIGITAL AGE
“Right now, people are thinking about their health. They want premium quality all-natural meats that are antibiotic-free, steroid-free, and growthhormone free,” said Frank. “I am making it easy for New Yorkers who are concerned about going into a shop right now to access that.
“Go online and order a prime-aged porterhouse steak—or any specialty item—and you’ll always receive Ottomanelli’s signature custom service right up to delivery to your door. Your meat will be fresh cut and delivered same day by an Ottomanelli driver. That’s why when you buy an Ottomanelli steak, you’re buying a taste of New York history.”
Joe Alvich, Frank Ottomanelli, Andrew Clarke
SCENT FROM ITALY
Jasmine Leather, Eau D’Italie’s latest fragrance arrives on the holiday scene accompanied by a fascinating history dating back to the Florentine Renaissance. Evidently, back then it was customary to scent gloves, vests, and other leather items. Topping the list of essences was Jasmine, found to pair bewitchingly with leather. Today, notes of elemi, saffron, patchouli and cedar ensure Jasmine Leather will be one of the season’s most coveted new fragrances! Info: beautyfrontier.com.
FEET FIRST
When I was growing up, every Christmas a new pair of slippers would be waiting for me under the tree. Having let tradition slip through the cracks, I’ve decided to share the slipper convention company known for its wool felt slippers handcrafted in Nepal exclusively by female artisans. High-quality and cozy, Nauseni’s slippers also reflect Nepal’s cultural heritage. Info: nauseni.org.
STYLE WISE
Bangs with their own frizz agenda set me on the path to find a flat iron that would keep them from going rogue, but when I let my hair grow I wanted a tool that could also curl. NuMe’s Megastar Hair Straightener has lived up to its multi-thumbs up reputation on both counts, as well with such added tame-and-shine goodies as infrared heat and an ion booster. That said, all that’s left is to ask yourself: “Who wouldn’t want stellar hair?” Selfie time is now!
with my favorite people this year vis a vis Nauseni, a socially savvy Info: numehair.com.
VANITY FLAIR
Sometimes only the crème de la crème will do, and following an informal poll of my besties, the consensus is that makeup brushes should come with a flawless guarantee. Veil Cosmetics Pro-OnThe-Go Brush Set—an assemblage of five indispensable tools—is spot on. The quintet of buffer, foundation, cheek, concealer, and lip brushes, with cruelty-free, faux-mink bristles (mega-soft!), not only do their job impeccably, they have “the look” aka trendyclassic! Info: veilcosmetics.com.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
While evening bags are sized for credit card, lipstick and phone, day bags are way bigger. Make that, were. Due to shorter jaunts and more at home time, “less is more” is now key. Still, we have stuff. Marcher’s Pia and customizable Petite Pia clutches to the en vogue rescue! Exquisite lines, European leather, posh linings, and space+ for essentials make Pia a knockout must-have. Do not hesitate to gift and/or treasure—truly a five-star find! Info: marcherstudio.com.
LIBATION INFATUATION
Looking for an ingenious way to dazzle Mom or your BFF? Consider the limited-edition Spa Girl Spritzer Set featuring a 750ML bottle of Spa Girl Cocktails Vodka, a 375ML bottle of StGermain Elderflower Liqueur, and a 1-liter crystal carafe. As for the cocktail itself, this mixologist dream drink—crisply decadent, bubbles included—is free from excessive sugar, carbs, and calories. Even the presentation is beguiling—all in all, the whole package. Cheers! Info: spagirlcocktails.com.
LUNAR ATTRACTION
To steal from Monty Python: “And now for something completely different…” Moonglow Jewelry’s belief that every moment has a moon. The site even helps you find the moon phase that matches a special date corresponding to several stunning pieces. My wedding anniversary led me to Lovers in the Locket necklace (two Swarovski crystals wrapped in a circle of rose gold). In short, expect to find a piece that unlocks a meaningful memory. Info: moonglow.com.
DESIGNED WITH PRIDE Even though Piccolina’s Trailblazer Tees were originally created “For Little Ones Who Dream Big,” their inspirational artistry now comes in adult sizes and if your nice list includes a mom, grandma, teacher, etc., you’ll so want to explore this wearable portrait collection celebrating historic female visionaries like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Maya Angelou and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Extra points if you go for mommy & me tees! Info: piccolinakids.com.
PHOTO FORWARD
The Buzz: The Ricoh Theta SC2 360-degree camera is pegged to be a white-hot seller this holiday season. The Reasons: It’s user-friendly (not just for pros and perfectionists), highperformance, high-res and adaptable. Also, it’s sharable, with rapid wireless transfer. All this in a lithe, hand-held body with multi-functional display. The tech info is well laid out on the website and I urge you to check out Face Mode, Night View, and Lens-by-Lens Exposure. Info: theta360.com.
ON POINT
The nostalgic thrill that comes from stepping away from the keyboard and picking up a classic writing instrument is both palpable and powerful—totally the case when I penned my way across a crisp sheet of paper with a fountain pen from FaberCastell’s Hexo Collection (named for his hexagonal aluminum shaft and cap). Also in ballpoint and rollerball, these pens are, well, inspired! Info:fabercastell.com
FOOTWORTHY
Unique becomes a rather flimsy adjective when attached to Taft’s Rome Boots, each pair boasting a seminal design, the leather enhanced by four staggeringly different coats of paint and stain. Made in Spain or Portugal, the boots are given life by “generational shoemakers” who clearly pride themselves on perfection. As for style, think casual, formal, you name it. Info: taftclothing.com.
WRITE AWAY
Once you’re ready to gift a posh pen, might I suggest partnering it with an equally posh journal? Hadron Epoch Light Steel Grid Journal is my personal choice with its linen stock, contemporary grid format, back pocket and timeless cover. Its enticing bullet format—for quick notations, ideas, and planning—also shines when composing the first paragraph of the novel you’ve been
noodling with for ages. Info: hadronepoch.com.
STREAM ON
Man cave ready or family friendly, welcome to Amazon’s All New Fire TV Stick. With Alexa Voice Remote, this new device amps up your apps and TV volume as it serves up half-a-million films and TV episodes. This latest edition (upping the ante 50% from its previous incarnation), is billed as “Struggle-free, tinker-free and stress-free”—I concur, and that’s saying something coming from stress central! Info: amazon.com/amazon-devices.
CLEAN SWEEP When it comes to shaving, it appears the 1800s were well ahead of the 2000s. To wit, instead of clunky, eco-dubious aerosol cans, savvy retro dudes simply lathered up a shave bar (by hand or brush) and zingo! It’s razor time. Unwrapped Life Shave Bars have brought back this compact cost-saving item (1 bar equals 3 canisters) and the end result is an amazing combo of close, clean shave, and hydrated skin. Two thumbs up! Info: uwrappedlife.com
TOOLING AROUND
Patio Chef Update: Cuisinart’s Deluxe 20-Piece Grill Set gives pros and wannabes the wherewithal to razzle-dazzle guests with steaks, hot dogs, vegan burgers, corn-on-the-cob, or any other sizzling idea/recipe on the menu. Smartly organized with stateof-the-barbecue panache, the sleek storage case boasts stainless steel tongs, spatula, skewers and more, including a show-stopping digital fork with LED light for dining when the sun goes down. Info: cuisinart.com.
DRY AND MIGHTY
Since rain, wind, and snow seem to retain their forecast status every winter, an umbrella that’s wind-resistant and keeps both downpours and snowflakes at bay is imperative. Should it come backpack-size, all the better. The Weatherman Travel Umbrella checks off every box and even provides the techno-fab Weatherman Droplet, an optional Bluetooth tracker with in-app maps to track strays. Lost umbrellas? Fugetaboutit. Info: weathermanumbrella.com.
ALL IN GOOD TIME
Wristwatch fanatics are a restless bunch, scouring shops and the Internet for vintage and cutting edge. My latest find, the
Thomas Felice Modern Art Collection,
marks a singular melding of the artistic and practical. A gallery of interchangeable bands adds colorful panache to a quartet of watch faces named “Art,” “Craft,” “Abstract,” and “Picasso”. Said to be inspired by New York City, these timepieces absolutely capture the city’s vibe! Info: thomasfelice.com.
TWO MUCH
OF A GOOD THING
If your laptop isn’t multitasking, you totally need SideTrak. Seriously, how did we manage to survive without this staggeringly awesome portable monitor technology that turns a measly onescreen matrix into a two-screen power force that doubles workspace and kicks excessive document overlap to the curb. Sleek and lightweight, SideTrak now comes in a Swivel version that allows it to rotate horizontally or vertically. Wish list complete. Info: sidetrak.com.
SOUND EFFECTS
Colorful, foldable, and cushiony, LilGadgets Headphones are what kids really, really want, and, since they reduce outside noise and raising the volume, The Menagerie of all menageries stands out even with Melissa and Doug’s
parents are good with them, too. The included SharePort smartly allows kids to share a device but not headphones! Info:
ANIMAL KINGDOM
lilgadgets.com. spectacular world of interactive playtime and toys. Huge, stuffed and staggeringly realistic, these hugalicious companions can be domestic, wild, or fantastical, Good luck picking just one. Info: melissaanddoug.com.
PAWS FOR STORYTIME
A Very Lappy Christmas by Carolina Henrich is equal parts adventure, teamwork, and love. Starring family of Finnish Lapphunds, recruited to save Christmas when several reindeer go missing, the book is full of heart and sure to become an annual family tradition. Info: happylappies.com.
PLAY NICE
What toddler wouldn’t want to build a toy airplane, race car, or even a city? Skipping the dicey sharp edges and tools, Stick-OCity makes it possible with a variety of shapes fitted with rotating magnets that magically take hands-on creativity to new levels! Info: magformers.com.
SMALL WONDERS
Winter at Hogwarts is, of course, magical. Which no doubt inspired the wizards and witches at Funko to create Mystery Minis: Harry Potter Snow Globes, an adorable bunch of tiny favorite characters, encased in glass and utterly collectible. Best. Stocking stuffer ever! Info: funko.com.
HOW TO BUILD
A BETTER TOY TRAP
Tidy kids who enjoy putting toys away— maybe three on the planet, and certainly none that I know. But in the, “OMG, I can actually give the gift of neatness,” corner is Rice by Rice Raffia Toy Baskets, colorful, themed and kids actually love— and use—them! Info: ricebyrice.us. •
