See Me Tell Me: 39

39

DONE
Thirty-ninth series: Subway Monarchs, ed. 50
I missed the seeing the Monarch butterflies this year. They are usually the harbingers of fall, along with morning glories and trilling cicadas. But for some reason I didn’t get to see as many as I would have liked. So I decided to bring a few of them back. The works consist of xerox images, gold wire, silver glitter, a magnet, and the seemetellme labels. They will be placed in the subway from early December through late January.
Did you see one? Tell me all about it.

Email Me

2017. Hey, since late 2014 I have been getting more responses via instagram than by email. So see them there - @seemetellmeNYC
2014. So I've had this little dress for a while now and never bothered to look at it thoroughly. It's been hanging in my closet for two years now and it adds to my wardrobe very nicely. Today I finally decided to inspect it and I was shocked to find that you have 63 series of things like this dress. I have no. 48/50 of the revisited Shift series. I'm not sure if you've been emailed in the past of someone finding this specific dress but if you haven't, it's been found for 2 years now. Sorry for the delay.
2014. My daughter just found one on a post at Becky station park. Awesome surprise, will be traveling with us and hopefully you hear from it again! Keith
2014. hellooo!! we found TWO of your pieces!! They were on the corner of 3rd ave and 3rd street in park slope, Brooklyn!!!!!!!!! Your work is awesome! Lauren, Sabrina and Katie
2013. i was walking on the new big four bridge and i spotted these!! it was so beautiful ! it looked like some one had taken a moment to place these in just such a way, it just made the whole bridge a little brighter!!! i was curious i had to touch and im glad i did!! i love the idea you have going!! please keep doing this and i hope i see more on my own adventures in Louisville!!!! forever friend marci
2013. I found one yay! Green glitter conch, Audubon grave, Trinity church graveyard, Hamilton heights. Spot of color. Nod to life. Shrine to memory. Forward gesture. Thank you! Anna
2013. I am a law enforcement officer in Brooklyn. I was on patrol in Brooklyn Bridge Park near one of the piers that is under construction, soon to be named Pier #3. This Shawabit was perched, magnetized to a metal structure. When I picked it up, I felt right away that it belonged to me. Strangely, perhaps, and unlike some people who have written to you on your BlogSpot, I felt that it was magical and I placed it in my pocket being careful not to break or lose it the rest of my tour of duty. My significant other and I had argued the night before about my job and lamenting about its dangers, and we stopped talking for a day or two. I have been feeling like I have to quit my job for the sake of love and life but, of course, I am blinded by other "practical" considerations. ( Yes, I know, I KNOW what can be more practical than being guided to a decision by love and life itself!!!) I admit, I am very capable of making mistakes. I brought this little one home, looking for a special place to keep my Shawabit. After moving it around a few times, I placed it right next to my mother's photograph (she is deceased) because I know she would have liked this little statue and would have been delighted, too, that I found it. (She was a very spiritual person and kept religious icons at home; I grew up with them). I had not read yet about the historical significance of these statues in ancient Egypt on your BlogSpot, it just seemed to natural to put it there. The following day I went to my mailbox and found a notice of an exam that I had taken several months ago for a vastly different job than the one I have now in law enforcement. The notice indicated that I did very well on the exam, the chances that I may be offered at the very least an opportunity to leave this line of work became a real possibility overnight, once I found the Shawabit and gave it a place of honor in my home. I will always cherish this discovery and keep it like the treasure it is, close to me and one of the greatest loves of my life.
2013. Howdy There, Since you said you want me to email you to tell you about one of your pieces (should it be found), well, I thought I'd email to tell you that I found one of them. It's a "Blue Sky Window" with a small mirror inside and it looks like it's been there for a bit because...well,it looks like it's been through some of the rains that have hit here rather recently. I found it near the corner of Edenside Avenue and Bardstown Road (in Louisville), near the Saint James Church (you know, the one that has the rather Spanish influence, especially for a church in Kentucky). Okay, that's all. If you wish to know any more. Drop me a line. Luke
2013. Hi. I came across a flock of your blue butterflies on the Manhattan Bridge walkway. I'm an Ironworker currently working on the bridge. I took one with me up the main cable to the top of the Brooklyn tower and stuck it on the ornamental steel work up there. Was still there the next day. It currently hangs on my comp speaker. Cool concept. I happen to be an artist myself so it's an honor to be in possession of one of your pieces. Cheers. Phil
2013. Hey I'm from PA and was visiting New York and found this plastic seashell thing with a green paper back stuck to a post in a park by city hall. I wasn't sure if it was a marker for something or not, but I took it anyway. I was in the national Moody's Mega Math challenge for our presentation in a final round competition against six other teams, and we ended up getting third and it was a great experience. I guess I'll just stick it somewhere in my school and see if anyone else picks it up. That's my story
2013. Hey found two butterflies today in the George Washington bridge , I find your work really unique And hope to find more:)
2013. Hello! Sorry this has taken sooooo long. I found this little gift outside of a gallery space exhibiting a collaborative cardboard box house/sculpture making installation in Sydney last year at nearly this same day. My name is Lars Voltz. I'm from Bemidji, Minnesota. I travelled to Sydney with my university to take in the last iteration of the biennial and all that the rad city had to offer! Thank you for being a continuing reminder of the melting moments we ate before heading off to Cockatoo Island, the late night book stores, the aboriginal dance performance at the Sydney Opera House, Thai food!!! and so many other things.Hope all is well.Take care, lars
2013. David found a butterfly on 11st between 21st and 20th!
2013 We were walking around chinatown/little italy NYC yesterday and turned on to a side street to get away from the pedestrian traffic, when we came across Shawbit 45 sitting on top of a metal post by a staircase. There are three goggly eyes- purple, green and white, and string tied around it. We had been out wandering about, looking at some street art, and were delighted to happen upon this! We were intrigued by the tag and love the concept of leaving bits of treasure around for people to discover. This Shawbit is now magically, magnetically perched atop my stapler by the side of my computer. from this lofty perch, she/he can watch over the home. Thank you!
2013 My daughter and I took our first hike on the Waterfall Loop at Nolin Lake State Park and found a small red frog on a tree, but we left it there for the next hiker to discover! We just recently moved here and are looking forward to many more hikes in the area an will be keeping our eyes open! Thanks for making it even more fun! D and A
2013 Hi , Thank you so much - I spotted one while talking to my friend on first Ave and 14th Street - I saw a bright green light from the corner of my eye... At first I thought it was something dangerous .. But we approached ......opened it and the rest is history - it really made our night- Our lucky number was 73 We are still trying to find its meaning - What a wonderful thing to do .... Giving hope , and dream on life to us all New Yorkers. Xoxo, Melvy, Designer :)
2013 Hey! My name is christy! I found one of your gifts. I saw it light up and was wondering what it was. I literally put my face up to it. My classmate stared at me like I was stupid. I pulled it off the wall and then read the back. I looked up your blog and starting jumping up and down. My friend laughed at me like a dumbass and this is where I am!
2013 Dear seemetellme, About a week ago, I came across one of your shawabits (10 of 365) at the Bergen St. stop on the F line in Brooklyn. I was looking up at the wall and noticed a small statue. At first, I was reluctant to grab it for a closer look and after a few seconds of deliberating of whether I should or shouldn't remove it from it's perch (it was sitting on a pipe), I did. Last night, my fiancé asked me what it was. I told her I had no idea but I thought it was pretty cool because it looked like it was intentionally left for someone else to see (or take). We googled the info on the statue and found your site. The shawabits project is great. It was something unexpected and a delight to come across. Keep up the good work! Best regards, Peter
2012. It was behind the news stand on a pillar on the f train side. I was kind of hoping it was a scavenger hunt but I'm really thankful it wasn't advertising. I found it very interesting. Thank you
2012. Found [a little glimmer of hope] 24/100 in Carroll street subway :) A. Benitez
2012. 42 Train station. I got one of your liberty statutes! Amazing piece of art! Loved it. - kdsgeneration
2012 - You will no doubt be happy to know that one of your horned devils — last time I saw it — was proudly magneted to the fuse box cover next to the cash register at the wine bar one door south of the Red Cat; the owner, however — Turkish I believe, and a handsome fellow — while seemingly very appreciative, did not offer me an extra drink.
2012 - Hi SeeMeTellMe blog, My name is Juan Hinojosa and last week, when I stopped by my solo show at Allegra LaViola Gallery I noticed you left behind a little plastic Statue of Liberty. I have to admit I should have emailed you sooner but with Sandy about to hit NY time flew by. I wanted to thank you for stopping the show. I hope you liked it. I noticed you were apart of AiOP this year. I was going to be apart of that too but my location fell through at the last minute. Hope to you are well post Sandy. Thanks, Juan
2011. Mary. I picked up a piece of art on 14th and 6th today. I tweeted it but also wanted to email you. So cute. I really love the idea. It made my day. I always celebrate "unbirthdays" and make people fun gifts at random times so I appreciate things like this! Have a wonderful day!
2011. jtgadget. Found one on 14 st. Just after I released a Blue Cube. Thanks :)
2011. Dan. Hi! A friend of mine gave me one of your subway saints boxes. It is 49/50 and depicts a man in a yellow cap and has a clothespin/safety pin inside. Lovely little item. I think this project is great and very clever. My friend found it in the subway – but I don’t know which line. Best of luck with future projects.
2011. Charlie Swanson. Love it proud to own one and gift one
2011. Angelica M. I was lucky enough to receive a little monster(23/50) from you when you came down to the little apple. What an honour! Little monster now resides in my sculpture studio.
2011 One of these "Twenty-fifth Series: See Me Color Matching My World" I clicked the box online...Found at the B/C station on 72 street. love this kind of art- keep on keepin on!
2011 nodnsmileNYC nod 'n' smile. I'm loving your work. Very excited to see what else you create.
2011 Hey, just wanted to let you know, my girlfriend and I each found a shift/dress at the uptown 23rd st. C station last week. They were #19 & #50. We had struck out at Union Square a few days before that. Great concept! Just wanted to let you know. Cheers!
2011 at 11:57 PM, Jonathan wrote: I found this at the 23 st station and thought it was a bike light for a second. It's so great and I love the loch nessy imagery. I took it telling myself that I could later return it if I thought that it was weird for the project/it wouldn't work as an actual backpack bike light (which it does).
2011 - Such a nice surprise - full of mystery and intrigue. I love it! Found #11 of 50 mini boxes on Blackall street, east London while doing my weekly round of street art hunting. So unique. Thanks for making my day a little different.
2011 - I found this dress on a hanger. It was on the subway platform at the Carroll Stop on the F train, Manhattan bound. Wait, no. Brooklyn bound. I was getting off the train and saw this little dress on the ground. I immediately thought of a small world. When I look at it now I still think of a reality that exists at the size of this little hanger and dress. I have been meaning to look up online to see what this is all about. It’s been months. And now, as I am clearing the clutter off the table, I again come across this little dress. I never throw it away, I just keep slipping it into whatever new pile of things I make in order to consolidate stuff. Even now, I noticed the front and back are two different patterns. It is very beautiful. Number 36/50. Thank You. Keith
2011 - Hi Seemetellme ....I found your collage on George Seurat's door at "Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise ! I wondered about taking it....then saw the .com address and knew it was for me not George !....I put it in my pocket like it was a little gift from God....and didn't open it till I got back home in Michigan . I live at the northern tip of the lower peninsula of Mi. I took a group of 6 to study the artists of France and Spain, 20 years old to 78 years old....a diverse grp. We were doing rubbings on the graves.I was alone when I made the discovery,already trying to decide what to rub on George's door !...when I notice this strange little box with a red string and beads ...Thanks for the great little adventure...."small things can make a big difference"....is how it spoke to me .Inspiring and big fun!...My husband 's photos document the time and place for both , you and me ...Thanks for this !!.... and now I'm a fan !....Jann
2011 - hello. my name is gabriel and today to Centre Pompidou i've foud one Subway saint. i supppose it's you on the picture (lol) good bye gabriel
2010 The subway advertisements were the only thing matching my orange coat in our now monochrome city....I had just come back from seeing PARTNER at the moma.....and was searching for my Jacob ( wandering theatrical twin). I found Happy Birthday Paul Manship coming out of the brooklyn bound E train at Carol st (spelling?..I believe that was the spot). I held it for a while...looking at it...wondering if it really was treasure.. ...so thrilled....pounding my friends arms to acknowlegde the discovery.......receiving hardly a glance. It is on my lap now..and I am as eager as when I found it...thank you for the encounter...the gift of your work...and bit of unexpected information :)
2010 Oh wait, what's that? Art? Art. Awesome! Gotta love it when someone sprinkles some magic on the city. We took it home in our briefcase. Fun, fun!
2010 just found one of your collages taped onto the wall in penn station. walked by it, then took a second look and pulled it down. It was the homage to Walker Evans series, ed xx/50.
2010 I was traveling through Seattle on the 4th of July during my two month road trip across the United States. Somehow or another I happen to stumble across your art project. I am not too sure what your intention was for the project but I still enjoyed it as a form of free expression and art and the possible promotion of public transportation. To be honest I did not know what it was at the beginning, but since I have a background in graffiti art I have a constant eye out when I walk around urban environments for things such as this. I don’t know anything else besides the fact there was an email, so this is it. I have number 44/50. Thank you
2010 I found this package of “Art” by the UW a couple of months ago while walking with my girlfriends’ father. Pretty cool idea. I like it. Keep it up.
2010 I found number eight stuck on a column in the Jay St/MetroTech subway station. What caught my eye was the tiny clothes pin attached to the bag. I grabbed it and ran to catch the train. It was after I got on the train that I actually looked at it closely. Pretty cool, I must say. I like quircky art like this. I don't know I'd I'm going to keep it or pass it on. In either case, nice job. Thanks!
2010 Hi. I found #17, Paul Cadmus, of yer artists birthday series. I admire what you do and you made me want to start a twitter just so I could find these amazing little art pieces you do. I think what yer doing is incredible and it made my day to stumble on something so extraordinary. Thank you
2010 Hi there! Found one on the upper right corner of Resident Evil poster on Carroll Street subway station on the F line. Looks cool!