This fall’s artist-in-residence is already receiving a well deserved buzz at Bari. As our third artist, Teddi Rogers has transformed the space with her portraits. We love being a part of the local art scene, and to be able to share it with our clients.

Following Chris Choi’s footsteps, Teddi hand illustrated Bari’s totes designed by Veronica Menendez, bringing a new look for fall. Thank you, Teddi for joining the Tribe!

The portraits on exhibit at Bari capture incredible emotion, can you tell us a little bit about where your inspiration comes from?
I am inspired by images that evoke a feeling or experience for the viewer. I want to create an experience that connects the viewer to the art on a very personal and individual level. For my current body of work I am inspired by fashion photography. I choose images that I connect to, and find that, as a result, my piece takes on a life of its own.

We’re so excited for you to be the second artist-in-residence at Bari to collaborate with our in house designer, Veronica Menendez. I know this is a new medium for you, how has the experience been?
Working with Veronica has been a rewarding experience. After creating many illustration options, we chose a piece that was true to my style, referenced the fashion world that inspired the body of work I am exhibiting at Bari, and the cutting edge aesthetic of the Bari brand. Adjusting the the new medium with my delicate and detailed drawing style was difficult, but the end result is a beautiful tote that both Veronica and I are very excited about.

Bari loves the NYC art scene - are there any local artists that you love?
Michael Alan. If you are not familiar with his work you should visit www.michaelalanart.com. His drawings, paintings, sculptures, and performance art are truly unique. It is a significant body of work for the contemporary art world.

Do you have any other shows right now? Where else can we find your work?
I have a piece in a show at 950 Hart gallery starting today. You can visit their site athttp://950hart.com for more information. The reception takes place today, and afterwards the work can be seen by appointment only.
You can see my new work and updates on my career on my website www.teddirogers.com and if you would like to be a part of my listserve please send your address to teddi.rogers@gmail.com

Teddi, welcome to Bari! We are so excited to share our walls with you this fall. We already love everything you have brought to the table.

Looking for a trendy, lightweight and unique bag to throw your essentials in and hit the city on those hot summer days? We have the perfect solution. Our original Bari Totes are individually hand-crafted and designed to be both functional and attractive. In true collaborative fashion, these designer totes were conceived and hand-stitched by NYC designer Veronica Menendez and illustrated by resident NYC artist Chris Choi.

The totes were approached as blank canvases, simple and ready for a new, hip look. The same girl who graces the Bari Tribe wall served as the inspiration for the design and the studio logo was mirrored behind the drawing of the girl on each bag. Though the black and white paintings hung in the studio became the base for the artwork on the totes, some signature Bari blue was added to give a dash of life to the picture. A hint of pink also adds a feminine touch to balance the striking, powerful lines of Chris’ drawing.

Comprised of recycled polyester and recycled cotton, the fabric for these totes came from an organic textile company called Near Sea Naturals, located in New Mexico. Paint markers were the tool of choice, with color placement left completely up to Chris in the moment of design. This is what contributes to the individuality of each tote- while all seemingly alike they each still have an element that’s completely one-of-a-kind. Trimmed with rope handles and silver hardware at the ends, the total package is contemporary, artistic, environmentally- friendly and completely Bari. These gems are a must-have addition to your summer wardrobe, daily workouts, and weekends in the Hamptons. Love it.

Bags are available for purchase at Bari Studio… stop buy and pick one up today!

In addition to fitness and health, creative expression is another aspect that makes up the well-being of your mind, body and soul. Here at Bari we are committed to and passionate about the arts in New York City. We have turned over our walls to the arts, and will have different artists-in-residence each season.

We are so excited to share our space and soul with Chris Choi this Spring. His art is the first thing you see when you walk in and the last thing you see when you walk out. He also hand illustrated each one of the Bari totes we sell at the studio. We sat down with Chris to ask him a few questions about working and creating in NYC… here’s what he had to say:

How long have you been living and working as an artist in NYC?

I moved here in 2005 to to get my BFA at Parsons, The New School for Design. Since graduation I have been working as an artist and designer.

Where do you draw your inspiration from when doing large scale paintings and graffiti art, such as the one featured on the Tribe wall at Bari?

My inspiration mainly comes from music, color, architecture, and the female body.

What artists, both locally and historically, have inspired you and your work?

Many of the artists that have influenced me come from NYC, such as DJ Alex Lauterstein, Sonic Youth, Gerlan Marcel, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Robert Maplethorpe, Patti Smith, Nan Goldin.

Where else can people enjoy your artwork in NYC? Do you have any gallery exhibits coming up?

I am working with the new Cynthia Vincent store in Soho on 253 Elizabeth Street. There I’ll be creating a few interior art pieces and window pieces that will be up this summer. After that I would love to do a gallery exhibit… I already have the concept in mind.
Thank you so much, Chris, for all of those long nights and long hours of hard work and dedication. We’re very lucky to have seen you in action and have been able to share our project with you. Bari wouldn’t be the same without you.
For more on Chris’ work please visit his website at www.chrischoiart.com.