My LES – Andrea DiFiore

This weekly feature spotlights a wide variety of people who live and work on the Lower East Side.  If you would like to participate in “My LES,” please email us here.

What do you do?

I’m a visual artist. I recently exhibited my artwork and sold 10 prints from my series, “Drowned Flowers” to the United Nations FCU.  My work will be on display as part of their permanent collection. I’ve also donated artworks to charity fundraisers for organizations  including God’s Love We deliver, The Kilimanjaro Initiative, TimeIn Kids and PS11.

I’m also an author—I wrote and illustrated a children’s book called Sonia and the Dinosaur Museum for kids ages 2 to 7. I recently sold copies to the children’s toy store Dinosaur Hill, on East 9^th Street.

My book was also featured on the MNN TV show “Let Them Talk,” on 9/2011 where I was interviewed by the hosts Joan Moossy and Paul DeRienzo. I’m currently looking for an agent and/or publisher.

I make most of my living as a high-end photo-retoucher which I’ve been doing for 15 years. My clients have included Rolling Stone magazine, Christian Dior and DC Comics. I also taught Photoshop in the Continuing Education program at the New School.  I’m also a photographer. I do many things….

How long have you lived on the LES?

I’ve lived in my latest apartment for four years but have lived on Ludlow, Orchard and East 8th Street in the late 80s and early 90s.

Favorite block in the hood?

Cherry Street and the FDR Drive – in the snow while walking my most adorable dog, Lucie.

Favorite date spot in the hood?

Culture Fix on Clinton Street.

Favorite coffee in the hood? 

The Bean, which is technically in the East Village. (But alas, is no longer.)

Favorite slice in the hood?

Nonna’s LES

Where do you take your visitors when they’re here?

The New Museum, Casa Mezcal and the Hester Street Market.

Favorite dive/locals bar in the hood? 

The LOCAL 269.

How has the neighborhood changed in the last few years?

It’s become quite the hot spot for bars and restaurants. The LES is crowded now but so much safer than when I was first living here. Back then it was frightening. I watched criminal acts happen from my window. I love that it’s become a big art scene with all the museums and galleries that have popped up over the years. It’s a great place to live!

Favorite LES memory?  

I have many. Living next to the park and river, there is wildlife here that most seasoned New Yorkers would never experience. This past June I found a baby sparrow that fell from her nest on the corner of Cherry and the FDR. She was perhaps one week old and her body was featherless. I took her in and fed her every 45 minutes for 2 weeks straight. She would wake up around 7a.m and I’d put her to sleep at 8 p.m. Her feedings became less and less and after around the fifth week, so I released her from my balcony. I named her Edith, after Edith Piaf.