What an incredible weekend it has been! Packed with art, conversations about art, history, and all sorts of delightful encounters. It was an absolute delight. The turnout was amazing, especially on opening night, with friends, strangers, tourists, fellow artists, and folks I haven't crossed paths with in ages. The entire experience was so uplifting, and goodness, did I need it. As some of my longtime followers might know, I've been navigating a bit of a creative crossroads lately, which led me to take some time off from teaching, both online and offline. This year, I've embarked on a sabbatical, a chance to recharge, regroup, and reclaim my artistic path.
There's something profoundly humbling and wonderful about watching people engage with your artwork as an artist. Their reactions are a true gift. I relish the conversations it ignites, whether it's about the art itself, the techniques, the research behind it, the inspiration, the city, or preservation. But what's equally heartwarming is how people connect your work with their own stories related to places and buildings. I've cherished the childhood stories I've heard and the tales of people sharing their favorite buildings, wondering about the stories concealed within those walls.
I've had the pleasure of engaging in wonderful conversations with fellow artists, both young and old. It's been incredibly inspiring, and I've received some genuinely uplifting and invigorating feedback from someone I admire deeply as an artist. Don't underestimate the significance of these moments for an artist. We often muck around in solitude, with our own thoughts and creative processes. The only feedback we usually hear comes from our inner critic, the imposter syndrome that occasionally rears its head, or the moments when we're in the zone and disconnected from the world.
I'm ecstatic that several of my paintings found new homes during this exhibition! What's even more thrilling is that the Museum of Jersey City History has asked me to extend my exhibition for a few more months, and it will coincide with the upcoming opening of the museum's Frank Hague Exhibition. Pinch me – I couldn't be happier! I was utterly drained after the show, but I've already invested a substantial amount of time in the studio this week, working on new pieces to fill the gaps in the exhibition caused by the sold pieces and researching my next subjects. I know, I know, that is a pretty cool problem to have as an artist- LOL.
I'm profoundly grateful to the Museum of Jersey City History for their foresight and for extending the invitation to have my own show there. I'd like to extend my appreciation to the wonderful Lucy Rovetto for curating the show and, in particular, to Margaret and many other people who played a pivotal role in making this show a resounding success.
Speaking of Lucy, I was enamored by her art show, "For The Love of the Body," at the Drawing Room. She's a true Mixed Media Artist, and her work was a vibrant fusion of different media and art forms. This piece on a hanger was especially captivating, illustrating the fragility of our bodies through layers upon layers of interconnected and easily unraveled yarn and tissue. It's art that lingers in your thoughts.
Although I had just two hours to savor the art-filled weekend here in Jersey City (the only downside to participating as an artist at JCAST), I managed to squeeze in a few more inspiring visits. Here are some other notable highlights:
Matthew Langley's paintings were utterly fascinating. I can only imagine how many times he's been asked about the secrets behind his perfect circles – but you'd have to see it for yourself to truly appreciate its mesmerizing effect.
Amy Wilson's art has always intrigued me, and I was thrilled to finally experience it in person. I adore everything about her delicate messages. The juxtaposition of similar pieces with her carved block prints was particularly compelling.
I also enjoyed Sean Mellyn's work, where his paintings drew inspiration from 1930s coloring books. The faces on the figure is a blind contour drawing, which was drawn by someone while he, in turn, made a blind contour drawing of that person. It's absolutely awesome.
And there you have it, a recap of my extraordinary weekend that I hope will fuel my creative spirit for a long while. My mojo is back, my friends! Off to the studio, I go. 😊
Nat
I so wish I could have been there to see it with my own eyes. It looks fantastic in photos (and the video I saw), and I’m thrilled the museum wants to extend it!!! THIS is what happens when you close a door or put a hold on something to make space for something else. You just never know what awesomeness will come along to fill the hole. ❤️❤️
Congratulations Nat! What an incredible achievement! Wish I could have been there in person, but sounds like I still have time!