Hey there, I've got some exciting updates for you on my sabbatical journey! The past few months have been a whirlwind of discovery, and I'm starting to see how everything is beautifully interconnected. This is just a short summary - I will write more about each of those things, in later posts - promised.
You know, it's funny how life works – just like the song goes, "The toe bone's connected to the foot bone, The foot bone's connected to the ankle bone, The ankle bone's connected to the leg bone, Now shake dem skeleton bones!" And that's exactly what I've been doing lately – shaking things up, though I didn't even realize it until this week.
During the beginning of this sabbatical, I had a hard time creating my own artwork, which left me feeling unsure about my identity as an artist. Don't get me wrong – I absolutely loved teaching art and working on licensing projects. However, it came with a price – the constant demands of availability and marketing took a toll on my personal artwork.
Thankfully, a much-needed heart-to-heart with my artist friend, Adam Cvijanovic, shed light on my creative struggles. He reassured me that every artist faces obstacles, and sometimes, the best thing to do is to work through them privately, without the pressure to showcase everything to the world. Taking this time away from the spotlight allowed me to gain a fresh perspective and realize how much the constant need to display and market my artwork had inadvertently stifled my creativity for the past two years. It was a liberating revelation, and I found renewed joy in the pure act of creation once again.
Another wonderful surprise came during a community meeting, where someone recognized me from an art show I did online during the pandemic. This chance encounter is leading to a solo exhibition at a location I'm genuinely excited about. The boost of purpose reignited my passion for painting, and I've been creating several new pieces since. Beyond art, I've been relishing opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, from those who share my passion for preserving history and buildings to those dedicated to safeguarding nature and open spaces.
Interestingly, my writing pursuits have also been a source of inspiration for my artwork. Working on a book about Jersey City's history has led me to discover fascinating stories that have enriched both my writing and artistic subjects. I'm determined to make this history book a unique and captivating read, not a historic fiction book- just to clarify, and I've been using my trusty "Done-o-Meter" to keep myself on track, even though I know I'm not as close to my goal as I'd like to be.
And lastly, I've had the incredible opportunity to be part of an Oral History Project for the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, and it has been an utterly fascinating and heartwarming experience. Collaborating with a team of caring and creative individuals has been both a fascination and a fostering of new friendships.
During this project, we had the privilege of interviewing a 104-year-old legend of the city, along with other truly inspiring individuals. These interactions have been nothing short of extraordinary, as they have shown me that life's journey is far from linear – it's a tapestry of intricate memories and meaningful experiences. Each story we've collected carries its own significance and contributes to the rich tapestry of our city's history.
Through these encounters, I've been reminded of the power of stories and how they breathe life into buildings and landmarks. It's awe-inspiring to see how the most ordinary buildings come alive through the narratives shared about them, creating a profound connection between the past and the present.
Excitingly, the first screening of our documentary will take place at the Jersey City - City Hall in the Council Chambers on August 29, 2023. If you happen to be in the area, I'd love to connect with you. It's a chance to revel in the magic of human experiences and the creativity that lies within each of us.
So, here's to embracing the shake-up, finding purpose in unexpected places, and letting the threads of life weave their magic. Until next time!
Yours creatively,
Nathalie Kalbach
All I can say is “Wow”…talk about living a purpose-driven life! Very inspiring. And I love your Done-o-Meter😉xox