Nicole Dosso: New York, Henry Public, and the NYC Marathon

Nicole’s photograph of the Reclining Figure sculpture at Lincoln Center by Henry Moore

City: New York. We just returned from our annual end of the year holiday to sunny California visiting our two‐favorite people: my husband’s sister and brother in law. Every trip involves good food, late night laughter and an excursion along the Pacific coastline...this year, Big Sur. I will never grow tired of the endless drive and the crashing waves.

As we made our way to the airport and the close of another trip, the last song blasting through the speakers, pointedly, Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “New York New York”. This song always makes me smile. There are many places that I love, but I really love New York City. “New York New York” reminds me of my childhood, mostly my grandfather who was likely Sinatra’s biggest admirer. It also happens to be the song they play at the start of every NYC Marathon as you start your journey across the Verrazano Bridge. I am a New York girl.

Building: Sagrada Familia. I was in Barcelona only once in my life, in late August 2001. That trip has always marked a turning point for me. Just days before 9/11, I was laughing at a bar in Soho with friends looking through photos, reminiscing about all the amazing things Barcelona had to offer; the people, the food, architecture, Flamenco. I recall that night as an evening of innocence, the gift of being able to laugh out loud.

Book: The Camel Knows the Way – A Journey by Lorna Kelly. Lorna Kelly was the first woman art auctioneer for Sotheby’s who went on to volunteer in the slums of Calcutta alongside Mother Teresa. The books start’s with describing how she was...” dressed in Yves St. Laurent...beautifully tailored shirt...my hands and feet were newly manicured and pedicured, my nails a brilliant Cadillac Red. Finally, I broke the silence by breezily announcing, “Well, I’m here to help the poor!” Lorna Kelly’s story and her journey have inspired me over and over again.

Film: Goodfellas. It was actually my college roommate’s boyfriend’s favorite movie. As such, we watched it over and over and over to a point where I once could recite the lines. It is my favorite film by default as it brings to the surface great memoires of amazing lasting friendships.

Public Space: Christian Science Plaza in Boston. I was at this space once almost 15 years ago but I can close my eyes and still recall the majestic water feature with a perfect infinity edge in contrast to the splash fountain located at one of the far edges. Serenity and children’s laughter simultaneously, a perfect combination.

Architect: Zaha Hadid. It is always interesting to me that in conversation, people still refer to her as though she is still with us. Zaha Hadid was and is an amazing architect but she also spoke and speaks volumes as a woman in the industry.

Restaurant: Henry Public located in Cobble Hill Brooklyn. My husband and I are early evening Sunday regulars. We split an order of french fries and a turkey leg sandwich while sitting at the bar listening to the The Milkman and Sons, a blues and prohibition jazz band led by Marcus Milius. Sunday early evenings are full of familiar faces. There is something nice about repetition, continuity, and familiarity.

Artist: Ana Lucia Cano, a former colleague from SOM. I had no idea exactly how talented Ana was until she left SOM. Soon to become a mother, her beauty, genuine character and talent are limitless. We are the proud owners of an original titled Feather Mom. The drawing is hanging in our living room and I look at it every day. Ana’s future is bright no matter what she decides to do and I look forward to her creations and continued success.

Memory: November 6, 2011, the last 1⁄4 mile of the NYC Marathon. I am a New Yorker and for many years, I had looked on and cheered thousands of strangers battle through 26. 2 miles and wondered whether I could ever do it. I was not a runner - in fact when I decided to take on the challenge, I had never run more than a block and did not own a pair of legitimate sneakers. In 2011, I completed my 1st marathon through the 5 boroughs of NY. As I approached the last 1⁄4 mile I spotted my parents who were patiently awaiting my arrival. I wanted so badly to wave and call out to them but had only enough energy left to nod.

Object: Reclining Figure (Lincoln Center) by Henry Moore. Reclining Figure is a two‐part sculpture that is located at the reflecting pool adjacent to the Metropolitan Opera House. I lived on the Upper West side a few blocks from Lincoln Center from 1999‐2015. In the years before the plaza renovation and opening of the Lincoln Ristorante, the reflecting pool was quiet. It was astonishing to me that such an amazing space populated by Henry Moore existed in NY and I was alone. I spent many early mornings and late evenings quietly sitting on a bench with the Reclining Figure. In 2014 as part of a Park West Camera Club photography show titled, In Your Backyard, I photographed the Reclining Figure. The photos are with me today hanging in our home in Brooklyn Heights.