Today we profile Untapped Cities contributor Boo Paterson who has written articles about the Mad Men interiors of the United Nations, Weegee’s photography of moviegoers in the 1940s, about NYC’s first permanent cat cafe and more. We’ve also featured her architectural paper cut series, “Greek Gods in New York.”
What’s your “day job”?
Editor of www.booyorkcity.com and paper-cut artist
Favorite piece you’ve written for Untapped:
The exclusive interview I did with Chris ‘Freedom’ Pape, who painted copies of Old Masters in the abandoned Amtrak tunnel under Riverside Park. In a poetic twist, the homeless ended up living underneath these beautiful works of art before their shanty town was bulldozed.
What’s the most memorable thing that happened while writing for Untapped Cities?
Managing to track down the film-makers who shot the classic 1960s short How Do You Like The Bowery? for their first ever interview.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned while at Untapped Cities?
That the icon of the American jazz age, the Chrysler Building, is 90% owned by the government of Abu Dhabi.
What’s your favorite Untapped spot in your city?
In summer I love sunbathing on Pier 6 in Brooklyn; watching the sun dance on the water with the breeze in my hair, and the boats speeding past one of the best views in the world.
What’s your favorite Untapped place you’ve visited while traveling? Where do you want to visit next?
Melbourne. It’s got a real East Village vibe, but it’s less angst-ridden and the weather’s better. I’d also like to visit San Francisco and Venice…but probably not in the same weekend.
What’s your favorite obscure fact about NYC?
The Native Americans had warpaths and peacepaths: the warpaths ran from east to west and the peacepaths ran from north to south. Broadway is the only peacepath that ever ran through Manhattan, and it veers off the grid lines in the ’40s because it follows the original Native American path.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Working undercover for a professioinal gambler.
Best Celebrity Sighting:
I used to see Adrien Brody all the time in the Pink Pony on Ludlow. Sadly, it’s now closed – a victim of the extortionate rents
What are some of your favorite websites?
messynessychic.com and www.papieraetres.com
Find out how to join the Untapped Cities team!