How do you afford studio space in NYC? Find an abandoned dentist’s office in Chinatown…
I had moved down to Western North Carolina a few years prior to moving to NYC. I’d gone to study metalsmithing and work for a big ceramic’s manufacturing company (my formal training is in table ware and mold making). Never had any intention of moving to the city. Actually, I had the audacity to say “I’d never live there.” As if that option had ever been on the table and I was simply passing on it.
The few times we drove up to Manhattan as a kid, I had the Jersey tourist experience. Completely missing the culture, grit, and beauty that is the whole thing. As my luck would have it though, in 2021 I met a native New Yorker. He’d come to show me another side of the city and teach me how to move around there- fast and leave an hour early no matter what. It was a whole new world.
I moved into their East Village apartment. He and friends were renovating a building in Chinatown and the floor above them, an abandoned denist’s office, was completely empty and available for…me. I had a velvet blue loveseat, all my tools, too many ideas, and a desk fan. It was a little spooky, tiny, and perfect. Threefold began.
We walked to work Monday through Friday and ate lunch on the fire escape. I learned the city first by walking it, too scared to take the subway alone for weeks. I’d see the borrows by ferry, train, motorcycle, and bus. I got my deli order down and found where the best pastry was. I became someone who took their shoes off before going in the house. Started washing my hands possibly too much. Learned the importance of changing subway cars, about tunnels, and trains. How to buy diamonds, who to not sell gold to, who was in debt, who’d give me credit without a check, what CAD was, and wtf was up with lab diamonds. Finally I saw how everything in my head would turn into jewelry.
I could hardly believe my life. I struck gold.
From there, I’d blow through jewelry jobs (and jobs in general..rip). Always wanting to learn the next thing. Honestly I’m a terribly employee, not for lack of great bosses. Threefold has always been my priority so I did whatever I had to to make it happened. Eventually that meant leaving the city.
Me and my New Yorker parted ways last year, though I remain eternally grateful. Another move. I was back in a smaller city where my grandparents grew up. Less than enthused, ego checked, and heartbroken. I waved the white flag and ran back home to the ocean. Reality had different plans though and Tf began to grow in all the ways I had envisioned but could never fully materialize in NYC.
I’ve learned, by the grace of whatever is out there, I land on my feet. Threefold is not only the best evidence of that, its my favorite thing to do. Its a privilege, thank you for all the chances taken, connections made, time spent, directions given, loans, forgiveness, trial by fire, and support! Paying it forward, threefold.
The lunch spot.
The dentist’s.
