Project Subway NYC finally launched an Etsy shop! From now til Cyber Monday (11/26), all prints will be on sale (20% cheaper than our original SquareSpace shop). Check them out, they make good Christmas Gifts!
IT'S HERE: THE ATLANTIC AVENUE - BARCLAYS CENTER PRINT!
By popular demand, the Atlantic Avenue - Barclays Center print is finally ready! After four visits and God knows how many sketches. Check it out in our gallery and shop!
This is Project Subway NYC's second attempt to look into stations in Brooklyn, hope to do more soon. Let me know in the comment which stations you want to see, and don't forget to follow us on facebook and instagram (@projectsubwaynyc) for updates!
Atlantic Avenue - Barclays Center Poster
sketch - cad - print - sketch again
SILVER CONNECTIONS
When I started Project Subway NYC, I did a (maybe not so thorough) search on the internet to see if anyone has attempted to do something similar. I don’t know how this escaped me, but recently I came across this clip from “Great Big Story”:
Philip Coppola has been drawing and documenting New York City’s subway system, one station at a time, since 1978. He has since published four books in a series called “Silver Connections”, which are available on newyorkboundbooks.com:
Silver Connections Volume I
Silver Connections Volume III
Mr. Coppola’s quest did get some press, but the reason that it does not get more attention, has probably to do with the fact that he tries to keep a very low profile. Luckily and coincidentally, two weeks ago there was a screening of the documentary about him, by director Jeremy Workman, and so I got to see him speak. I went and I enjoyed the film as well as the Q&A session a lot. Mr. Coppola talked about his process and methods, and the audience discussed both the scholarly and eccentric side of him.
Philip Coppola and Director Jeremy Workman
The film, called “One Track Mind”, is 30-minute long and is available on Amazon:
CAN I DO THIS?
Since I launched this project last year, many people have asked me the same question: Can you actually do that? As in, can you just walk around in the subway stations and draw the layouts? I have to admit I only assumed it was okay, but in hindsight I shouldn't have assumed anything. So as I resume my drawing drill, let's take a moment to review the MTA's rules of conduct here:
As far as I can tell, there are only two sections that could potentially have something to do with surveying and drawing:
Section 1050.7 - Disorderly conduct
Can't find anything in this section; andSection 1050.9 - Restricted areas and activities
The only provision I find relevant is this:
(c) Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted except that ancillary equipment such as lights, reflectors or tripods may not be used. Members of the press holding valid identification issued by the New York City Police Department are hereby authorized to use necessary ancillary equipment. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Part.
So, if I understood the rules correctly, as long as I do not use flash when I take my photos, and do not create any trouble, or cause any disturbance or interference to the operation of the train system, I should be fine.
This is a project I really want to continue to develop, and the last thing I want is to get into trouble. If you think I missed anything, please drop me a comment, thanks!