Y’all ready for this?

 
Benny Andrews - Ogden Museum

Benny Andrews - Ogden Museum

 
 

After a recent pause from Blank White Space (a nice way of saying I had to go off and earn some serious money to fund my kids’ Nike addiction), I’m back with a vengeance. And the reason I’m back is because of you guys. 

It's time, to write your book about your bonkers life and give the youth some inspiration! Your blog is bloody brilliant, what can you not do?!!!! Joe Maclay 

“I’ve been thinking about you and the loss of BWS (the loss for all of us fans and you) and wondering about how you can fulfil your yearnings. Yes, do have a long think and be boosted by people still wanting you.” Sue Dixon 

As a single mum of two beautiful boys, I have never had time to “find myself”. I have always thought of it as one of those self-indulgent luxuries you only read about in magazines.

Today I'm lost in New Orleans and I love it. I have travelled the world since the age of sixteen.

Bar Marilou

Bar Marilou

Travelling alone is new to me. The world is indeed a very small place. My inbox started pinging the minute I landed. Last night I was out with @alton_barber_best_dressed_man he lives in DC but was home in New Orleans seeing family.

@alton_barber_best_dressed_man (I'm going to say it as often as I possibly can) gave me a guided tour of all the bars and nightlife. He kindly put Bar Marilou on our list places to stop off for champagne. It was provocative, sensual and carefully curated (a bit like him). I found it hard to concentrate on how the art was "hung" so I popped back alone this afternoon to take look without the distraction of Alton.

Sexy Hang

Sexy Hang

I love the confidence Bar Marilou has when displaying art. It's definitely a "sexy hang" but that's NOLA for you. @alton_barber_best_dressed_man and I danced the rest of the night away at Cafe Negril on Frenchman Street.

If you have a passion it is amazing how kind and willing to help people are. I can't imagine travelling without my love of art.

Tomorrow I'm meeting @vincente.weber for a tour of his studio. Keep checking our stories. Let's hope he is not as handsome as @alton_barber_best_dressed_man otherwise I'll be popping back there as well.

And “finding myself” well, my love of art helps me every step of the way. I'm never alone, I'm surrounded by artists that love to connect all over the world.

Here are my hot tips for Nola:

Yoga: Free to be

Coffee: Congregation

My two favourite galleries: Ogden Museum and The Contemporary Arts Centre New Orleans

Vintage: French Community Market

Nightlife: Bar Marilou and Cafe Negril

I’d like to say a big thanks to @rosetintedpr and @alton_barber_best_dressed_man for helping to make this trip special for me.

If you'd like to talk about how things are “hung” y’all find me here jules@blankwhitespace.co.uk I'll come and check out your walls. Just once, I promise.