Lisa Cooley owns her eponymously named gallery which is moving to a bigger space on Norfolk Street this month.
How did you inititally get interested in contemporary art?
I got butterflies in my stomach going to the Menil Collection when I was 14 years old. I was really rolled-over by a John Cage exhibit called rollywholyover.
What’s the first artwork you bought or were gifted?
The first things were trades with people you’ve never heard of. A new purchase that I’m in love with, is a John Fahey painting I got from Audio Visual Arts.
What is behind the move to the new space on Norfolk Street? And what will you miss about the old one?
We have to grow with our artists, and they are becoming more ambitious and more determined by the minute! They needed more space, so I figured out how to get what they needed. I will miss our great floors at Orchard Street, all though I won’t miss moping them (splinters).
An upcoming show you are really looking forward to seeing?
To be honest, I can’t wait to see our new exhibition in our new space. I have no idea what it will look like! Also, Christies is showing a group of Forest Bess paintings at Rockefeller Center – I want to see that.
Artist quote or words to live by?
Dale Cooper: “Harry, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a catnap in your office chair or two cups of good hot black coffee.”
