Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Very cool note from loyal reader Joshua Levy. Here you go:
My name is Joshua Marc Levy. I’m an art director, designer and illustrator in NYC about to move to Asheville in 2 weeks. I’ve worked with many artists over the years including AC/DC, Modest Mouse and The Black Crowes. My work can be viewed at www.JoshuaMarcLevy.com
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NYC is an amazing place, but over the past few years things feel very corporate and selfish. It’s been an 18 year run for me here and I feel it’s time for a major change. I ran into my friend Brian who I hadn’t seen in about 15 years in the park in Brooklyn. We filled each other in on what we have been doing after all of these years. Brian traveled quite extensively, and when he got to Asheville in conversation, Brian paused and said “You would actually love it there!”
I took it seriously and booked a plane down the next day. Within 2 hours off the plane, I sensed a strong self-sustainable community of real people, with real heart. Real love. Real love for music, for food, art, each other. Local, Organic….I was really impressed by your community and knew Asheville was were I was supposed to go to call my new home.
We have some family down there, and my wife, Amy Kalyn Sims, visited Black Mountain as a child to her grandfathers cabin every summer. My wife is a Photographer and Yoga Instructor. Her work can be viewed here: www.amykalynsims.com
With this move I will have more space to create larger paintings (which I miss dearly). I’m planning on creating a lot of art in Asheville.
My wife and I want to work with the local musicians, theatre, yoga and arts community, And feel we have a lot to bring and offer. We are packing up everything and moving down in 2 weeks!
Joshua, welcome to Asheville!
Sounds more of the same, Asheville just as original as anywhere else.
So, exactly what's the big deal about yet another New Yorker creative type moving to the mountains of Western NC? Nothing really as far as I can tell. People come here, and people leave about as often. Sounds kinda weird that this guy booked a ticket the next day, and then knew this was the place two hours after landing! The small city life works for some, not for others. But, good luck here, it's a beautiful part of the world……if only there was a vibrant economy here where people could earn a decent living!
NYC's loss is Asheville's gain. Enjoy him and Amy! We'll miss them here!
Wow, Poster #1: You sound quite jealous and stubborn. "Self-absorbed"? It seems like from what Josh says, that it's the opposite. Did you even read what he wrote? "Middle Aged"? It doesn't state his age. He could be 23, or 69?! We don't know. "Thinks he has discovered"…How do You know what He thinks or what his life consists of so far? Keep an open mind people! Don't trash artists who are supporting your own community with praise. Much respect to this guy and his girl! We wish you the best of luck with your move here. DT
Ashville, you're lucky to get this guy. I'm surprised this community-focused, committed, and absolutely tremendous artist has stayed in New York as long as he has!
OMG!!! Yet another, self absorbed, middle aged refugee from NYC thinks he has "discovered" a new beginning in Asheville.
Lol.