We had an unobstructed view of the towers.
On September 11, 2001, my husband and I lived across the street from the World Trade Center on the 34th floor. My priority is that I’m working through to become the best person I can become while inspiring other people to maybe “wake the fuck up” or “let’s look at this in a different way” or “let’s retouch humanity and in a really beautiful tender way.” I enjoy bringing people to the limits of things. I named my company The Development because everything is in development. Often trauma is an influence in one’s work. I like to cut down to the raw core of everything - of the truth, of love, of the struggle with love and all the pursuits in life that are meaningful.ĩ/11 has been a huge influence in my life. I’m influenced by my relationships as well as a constant pursuit for the ultimate truth, meaning always cutting through to get to the absolute of what is going on. I am influenced by my life, my upbringing, my childhood. What things in your life influence the art you create? You’re going to make me want to do a video! My two solo art exhibitions were “The Wake the Fuck Up Show” and “The Retrospective of an Extroverted Recluse” and I am now finishing a film series called “…In the Woods (and Elsewhere).” I’ve been working on the film series for 14 years. I am known for being very direct in my work. Tell me how you describe yourself and what your work is about?
Her work can be seen online at, on Instagram at and in private viewings at her gallery by contacting She lives in Tribeca. Jennifer Elster is an experimental artist, director, performer and the founder of The Development, a underground, multifaceted studio based in Tribeca. The Q&As are with people in the arts and culture industry - actors, musicians, painters, writers - with photos to suit each artist.
“Portrait of the Artist” is a series by photographer Claudine Williams, whose studio specializes in fine art portraits as well as professional branding.