024. Wildly specific gift guides for art people
Bringing my gifting skills to the substack.
It didn’t really occur to me to do a gift guide for the substack (despite very much working in/around the gift guide industrial complex), especially because I have no desire to monetize this project. The thought of creating a ShopMy account and doing affiliate links is like… I just can’t do it right now. Which is not even the point of a gift guide anyways!
BUT I thought it would be fun to put together a quick one for the art people, by an art person, roughly broken up into a few key archetypes I’ve made up in my mind during my current BFCM (“Black Friday Cyber Monday” for those who don’t work in marketing) psychosis. In reality, all of these are good gifts for all people (IMO), but it was a fun creative exercise to do it this way. Happy holidays, happy shopping, happy gifting!
If you’re looking for current gallery recs, you can still check out my recent favorites in Chelsea and Tribeca x
Guy Who Is Really Into Film & Photography
Metrograph membership includes their online streaming program, which has some gems!
Bluray Player and Criterion Edition of The Piano Teacher (subtle nod to Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value and also good for him to learn something about female desire this holiday season)
“I Love This Banana Bread!” — Jacques Derrida Film Forum magnet
I have yet to see performative male Climax Books merch-wearing, but it would probably work on me :)
Richard Prince’s early photography from the excellent Karma Bookstore
Subscription to Aperture Magazine
Wolfgang Tillmans Louisiana 1996 poster
A MoMA Yankees hat if he somehow doesn’t already have one
Upper East Side Mom Who Used to Work in Contemporary Art & Lowkey Has Freaky Taste
I haven’t read this novel yet and am dragging my feet for some reason but I will. Supposed to be very fun and snarky art world critique.
I’ve made this woman up in my mind but I think this Bella Freud tee is what she would wear under a fur coat for school drop-off.
Yoshitomo Nara large porcelain mug and some fancy beans from Maru
Anything from Gohar World, but especially these gloves and this wine bottle apron for cosplaying housewife.
Paul McCarthy filthyyyyy mock children’s book from Climax
Incredible framed Barbara Kruger piece—YOU’RE RIGHT AND YOU KNOW IT AND SO SHOULD EVERYONE ELSE!!!
Pratt MFA Who Loves Psychedelics & Wears Eckhaus Latta
Dansko professional clogs in white (look great splattered with paint/glaze/etc.)
Sign up for Robin F Williams’ newsletter to get details on ordering prints in time for the holidays, directly from the artist!
Emotional Eating (the Dimes cookbook published by Karma)
Diane Arbus monograph (and anything from High Valley Books in Greenpoint… take them on a shopping spree and tell them to wear their weirdest outfit for the iconic IG posts)
SC103 Links Tote in this stark black & white color combo, from which pens and things will be constantly spilling
Something cute from ENORME’s upcoming pop-up sale (12/13-14) with artists Joelle Yu and Michael Leach
Quirky Third Wave Feminist Aunt Who Loves The Planet
Georgie O’Keeffe and Her Houses: Ghost Ranch and Abiquiu for the ultimate crunchy mystic interiors inspo
A funky spiral hair clip from a cool brand she’s never heard of (in plant based cellulose, of course)
Nature-inspired incense holder by Somsack Sikhounmuong, plus a discovery set of Binu incense in the most delicious assortment of bathhouse inspired scents: Cypress, Green Tea, Hydrangea Tea, Sandalwood, Seascape, Seoye Ink
Freaky floral pleats by Julia Heuer are sure to delight
Tangerine has A LOT to offer for eco-conscious gifting, from my favorite Everyday Oil (out of Black Mountain, North Carolina) to Living Libations skincare to all things Baserange (maker of wardrobe basics)
Scary Sexy Downtown Art Ho
Auto Studio’s perfect new bag WITH the Ponytail in her own hair color (co-founded by the artist Connor Marie Stankard)
The Artist’s Way Workbook because she’s been meaning to do this for five years but hasn’t had the time. Grapefruit by Yoko Ono because she actually needs something weirder.
Colina Strada rhinestone & stainless steel water bottle
The issue of The Paris Review with an Issy Wood bunny painting on the cover
Nadia Lee Cohen’s forthcoming photo book, Holy Ohio, available from Dover Street Market and IDEA (both in London, love) mid-December
Canvas “BALLET” duffle bag from artist Shannon Cartier Lucy’s web store (you can also inquire about prints - I have one framed and adore it)
BRICK to help her kick crippling iPhone addiction
Future Collectors (Children)
MoMA Uno game to subtly teach them the modern canon whilst also beating them at Uno
Crayon rocks and a huuuuuge roll of paper for endless scribbles
Gorgeous Japanese watercolors from Yoseka Stationery - both classic and “nuance” colors
The best gift of all? Sharing ART BREAK with a friend. And it’s FREE. x
Taking 1 million notes 📝