Artist/designer EVERET's sunbrellas are available in three styles/colors, from left: "Bluebirds" (Light Blue/Turquoise); "Women Carrying Things On Their Heads" (Light Green); and "Poppies" (Lavender). Want an Everet-designed sunbrella of your very own? Contact [email protected]
CARRY YOUR SHADE WITH YOU
Guest contributor: Everet, Artist/Designer
Each year I dread the blazing sun; the only way I get through the summer is with my trusty travel companion, my sunbrella (parasol).
When I first started using it, I felt a bit odd. The few sunbrellas I saw were carried by Asian, African and Caribbean women, a way of life for them. These days I carry a beautiful light jade-green sunbrella comfortably and encourage everyone to add one to their rituals of sunscreen and sunglasses.
I create my own constant shade by facing the center of the sunbrella right at the sun and shifting it with the twists and turns of my walk. A regular small telescoping umbrella is handy to transport and easy for navigating busy city sidewalks. Dark colors block the light but absorb heat; light colors let more sun through but stay a bit cooler. There are also sunbrellas available with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) coating.
If you Google “parasol,” you’ll come across a fashionista’s approach to skin protection, how to be cool while staying cool and many images of wedding parties, the southern belle look. Talk about why carrying a parasol is not a guy thing also pops up, which is why I’m using the unisex term “sunbrella”.
On a walk during the last heat wave I noticed everyone carrying water bottles (not the scene ten years ago). I also saw at least ten sunbrellas, two carried by men. Perhaps if people see the relief it provides, in a few years we’ll be sharing this comfort, navigating a sea of colorful sunbrellas on hot city days. Scientists report the earth is becoming warmer, all the more reason to consider the sunbrella.
Happy Sunny Summer to you all!
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EVERET, who lives and works in New Brighton, Staten Island, describes herself as a self-taught artist/designer and craftsperson as well as a micro-entrepreneur. She writes, "I prefer walking to any other form of transportation. It keeps me connected to nature and the life of streets, and it helps me stay mentally, spiritually and physically fit."
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