Recap of the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour 2015

At the beginning of this month the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour 2015with over 1000 Artists and 200+ Art Events took place. It is an amazing event and a token of how many amazingly creative and talented artists live in this city.

This year my artwork was shown in my friend’s Lori and Julia’s Interior Decoration Studio and Antique & Home Goods shop : Beekman Lane . I love this shop and have bought many wonderful pieces in there plus …it has become a sort of a neighborhood living room and a lot of new friends I made since I am living in Jersey City, I made in this shop.

We loved how well my artwork and the goodies at Beekman Lane looked together and we had a wonderful time meeting a lot of people during the 2 day show.

It was wonderful to talk to people about the artwork, what they see or how they feel about it and also about living in Jersey City.

Selling a couple of my favorite pieces and knowing that they go to loving homes and interesting people was amazing too. It is kind of like giving up your children (well ok…that might be exaggerating but …mhhh- you get the idea ;) )

I think this mirror-bench should be called selfie bench ;)

The star of the show was definitely Winnie <3

We had too much fun as you can see: The photo below makes me laugh senseless ;)

99 Cent Dream found a great display place in the shop too , I love how it looks on the grey wall.

We also had fun decorating the window with artwork on a beautiful art deco Wakefield desk.

Chicpea JC wrote a great recap of the event, having a lot of her contributors out on the streets to check out the different art locations and artists. I was stoked that Erin came by and chatted with me and wrote a little bit about my artwork in the blogpost.

And because it was all so much fun and we had such a great time …Beekman Lane and I decided we will be part of ARTober JC – Downtown and have the show open on October Thursday 29 and Friday 30th from 2pm – 8pm. Come by if you are in the area to see some art, some fun decoration and antique stuff, chat with us and snack and have a drink :)

Nat

Comments (9)

Carmen

October 21, 2015 at 3:52 pm | #

Hi Nathalie,
I came across your work through another artist’s blog and have enjoyed your videos and great tips. I live in the UK but used to live in Hoboken,NJ. and would also show my work during the Open Studio Tours. i am a mixed media artist as well. When I am over next time I would love to see your work in person. Thanks for all your great advice and good luck with your work.
Carmen

Reply
michelle ward

October 15, 2015 at 10:26 pm | #

Congrats Nathalie! Everything looks fabulous – you, your art, and your displays. I’m sorry to have missed it. Now that I’ve been to Jersey City I’m hoping to back for your next event!

Reply
cheiron

October 15, 2015 at 9:12 am | #

Hey Nat, sorry I missed it. We were celebrating my husbands bday that weekend, but I will definitely swing by and check it out on the 29th or 30th after work. I will need some art for our new apartment! Looks like a great event.

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Barb J

October 14, 2015 at 1:44 pm | #

Outstanding art work and a cozy and warm shop. TFS

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  October 15, 2015 at 8:58 am | #
  
  Thank you Barb and yes the shop is super warm and cozy! Thanks for coming by!
  
  Reply
Deborah A. Pierro

October 13, 2015 at 1:37 pm | #

Hi Nat–I really love your cityscapes and street scenes. Keep on creating them because they’re very unique and interesting.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  October 15, 2015 at 8:58 am | #
  
  thank you very much Deborah!
  
  Reply
Sue Clarke

October 13, 2015 at 8:16 am | #

99 Cent Dream is just cool to look at and hanging on a wall would be best (like over a couch or desk where one could gaze at it often).

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  October 15, 2015 at 8:57 am | #
  
  thank you Sue -I would love to see that painting over a couch :) It is really big and has a very sad spot in our house – the only wall that can fit it.
  
  Reply

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Jersey City Art & Studio Tour 2015, Oct. 3rd&4th

Beekman Lane JCAST2015 Jersey City Jersey City Art & Studio Tour Nathalie Kalbach

If you are in the area, I would like to invite you to visit one of my favorite stores in Jersey City – Beekman Lane on Jersey Ave next weekend. Julia and Lori are having my artwork inspired by Jersey City in their store as part of the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour. You can find the whole map and all stops for this event here – we are Number 31 on the Downtown listing.

It is a pretty amazing event that is worth a visit, there is so much insanely great artwork and talent in this city, that I hope you plan to explore and I would be stoked if you would include me on your art-tour :)

Have a wonderful week

Nat

Comments (1)

Sue Clarke

September 28, 2015 at 6:25 pm | #

Wish I lived closer…have fun!

Reply

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Nah No Worries My Friends …or NYC Adventures

Art New York City

I got some questions if I am alright as I have been neglecting my blog a bit – Nahhhh, no worries my friends – I am well off. I am just scrambling right now with time! The last couple weeks I have been doing a lot in NYC and there was just not enough hours in the day to get everything and blogging done :) I’m just keeping it 100!

I spent some time at Pratt Institute to prepare things for my workshop and took dorky pictures at The InkPad later ….but hey …I think my high school art teacher would faint if she could see this – LOL

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I had amazing students and I loved the room I am teaching in too …and btw …I got a locker for my supplies – YEAH- hahahaha- I know, crazy Europeans …get excited over lockers ;)

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The other reason I spent loads of time in NYC …particularly at MoMA, was that I took a four week long class on Cubism there. Corey d’Augustine was the Instructor and as the classes I had taken with him in the past, this was awesome. I learned a lot.

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Here is Corey in front of Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon showing some early signs of cubism and the influence of African Masks.

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One of the best things of the class was, that I could convince my friend Julie to join me …although she told me she “hates” cubism and if the class stinks she would “let me know” every single session. We are still good friends…so I think it wasn’t that bad for her- LOL

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The most amazing thing about these classes is, that you are with about 5 people alone in the evening in the gallery – you can see paintings up close and without a crowd of people poking their cameras in front of you – love !!!

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Even on the flatest Cubist Paintings the brush strokes and hand of the artist are evident …makes me always super happy to see this!

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here a close up of Umberto Boccioni’s Dynamism of a Soccer Player. I definitely appreciated the return of color into Cubism – the super intellectual approach to Cubism is interesting and I appreciate it but it is not really my cup of tea

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Picasso’s Three Muscians make me happy :)

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and collage elements like in Kazimir Malevich’s Reservist of the First Devision.

While walking around I also took notice of those non-cubist paintings – which totally inspired me at home to take a different approach to a new urban painting- I will share later :)

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Paul Klee’s Pastorale (Rhythms) – the sgraffito …LOOOOOOOVEEEE

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Jean Dubuffet’s Building Facades – OMG – I wanted to touch it …so so cool – I didn’t …believe me…I would not want to be excluded coming back to MoMA- LOL- it is my second home ;)

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but seriously …look at that!!!

And then some wonderful friends from back “home” came to visit

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And it was wonderful to spent time with them and speak Denglish …that is what happens when you have English in your head and try to speak German ….the first three sentences are a weird mix – LOL. Miss my friends already.

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We went to ….MoMA – yep – I spare you with more MoMA pictures and walked from there to the Rockefeller Center and well…then just up ;) Nice view… I like that you can see Jersey City on the right corner :)

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After a stop for Korean BBQ in Korea town we passed the Flat Iron building and walked down to the Highline. It is fun to play tourist in NYC especially when the weather is so nice!

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I just love the Highline- yes it is crowded but the views and the different perspective of the city is just awesome.

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I loved this sculpture called “physical graffiti” by Damian Ortega which looked so cool against the wall.

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And this is the last picture …which is a pretty good one for a last picture of a post :)

Hope you had fun seeing what I was up to in the last weeks in the city …now …of for some studio time ! Have a gorgeous day you all!

Nat

Comments (9)

Joi@RR

May 13, 2015 at 3:14 pm | #

Always always enjoy a glimpse at your world Nat. This was wonderful. The gallery and paintings were so interesting. Thanks bunches and bunches for sharing. j

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  May 13, 2015 at 5:59 pm | #
  
  Thank you Joi- glad you enjoyed the photos! If I cannot take you guys with me into the gallery, then it has to be this way, right? :)
  
  Reply
Sue Clarke

May 11, 2015 at 4:45 pm | #

I’m guessing that the Flat Iron building is the one on the corner that is kind of a triangle? I LOVE to take pics of those types when I am in Boston.
Thanks for the photos and no worries on not posting…figured you were crazy busy being successful.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  May 13, 2015 at 5:59 pm | #
  
  Sue, yes that one is the Flat Iron Building. We have a tiny one here in Jersey City too – maybe every city in America has one :)
  
  Reply
Angi eharis

May 11, 2015 at 1:28 pm | #

Living in the jungle in a remote part of an island most of my life, I have not gotten to see many museums so I cannot tell u how much I enjoyed this post, all of the cool city pics! Tx for sharing and inspiring, I cannot stop staring at the kazimir collage, I am in Loooove! Aloha, angi in hana

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chrisdomino

May 10, 2015 at 5:23 pm | #

The Three Musicians is one of my favorites.As I grew up in the NYC area, I so miss MOMA as I live in Michigan but do enjoy the DIA here.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  May 11, 2015 at 12:33 pm | #
  
  Oh I would love to visit the DIA some time -sounds like a treat too :)
  
  Reply
Seth

May 10, 2015 at 10:19 am | #

What a wonderful tour of such wonderful experiences. Looks like you have been having the best time!

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  May 11, 2015 at 12:32 pm | #
  
  thanks seth! As you know NYC is always worth a visit ;)
  
  Reply

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Back To School …or Printmaking Class

Jersey City Printmaking workshop

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I love teaching but I also love taking classes. When I saw that Bruno Nadalin was teaching an Introduction to Printmaking class here at the Jersey City Art School and it did fit with my schedule, I signed up right away. 4 Thursday evenings – well spent :)

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We did Linocuts in elementary school and I have been interested in picking this up and incorporating it into my artwork for a while again- as stamp carving is all the craze right now – but for some odd reason, I needed an outside push to do so. And so the class came at a perfect timing. We started with basic shapes and patterns in linoleum and also rubber to get used to the tools and materials.

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I started playing with those two very simple cuts on the top and trying them out with all kinds of Acrylic Paint Mediums in my Art Journal but also as collage elements after printing.

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In the 2nd session we started cutting designs based on our own images. I started cutting linoleum and chose a painting of mine – On The Flip Side . I loved the result. While I was not happy with some areas and learned a lot about negative and positive space – I really loved the way how detailed the pattern can get on linoleum and how the prints come out.

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I was so inspired by the class, that I couldn’t stop thinking about designs, drawing up designs and carving like a maniac. As you can see I sticked to rubber though as this can be incorporated easier with the acrylics I use and also with the kind of art work I do usually.

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I went also through an even more insane phase of testing the carved stamps with different acrylic mediums – like printing with acrylic paints, and inks but also intermixing them – and had a blast :)

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In the 3rd sesssion we did something which is called “Reduction” Print, where you basically print in different colors layered on top of each other, altering your carving in between each printing process.

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The funny thing was that I was first a bit hesitant about this technique. WHAT – you make me do all the work in carving and then I have to change my carving and the piece is gone? Yeah- to all my students reading this – stop giggling- I know I know- I make you change your beloved layers all the time! But that is exactly why every teacher should take classes too – just to remember what it is like to be back in school ;)

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Anyway- I happened to LOVE this technique so much- cannot even tell you!

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I couldn’t stop

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And even at home I kept on going with the bird …getting smaller and smaller, experimenting with Monoprints/-types. Fun!

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The last session was all about printing and manifesting the things we learned. I wasn’t super productive and my wayyyyy to complicated design of another former painting of mine turned into a bit of an Jean-Michel Basquiat butchering attempt- LOL. Doesn’t matter- still had fun ;)

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Bruno was a great teacher and his prints and carvings on his website are extremely cool – so are his ink and pen paintings. If you are in the area I can really recommend taking a class from him!

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What I learned in this class:

Sometimes you really have to think through from beginning to end.
Taking a class can spark so much and give you new drive for your own artwork
It is ok to create a tool which is going to look different in about 5 minutes …change is good ;)
Although I really loved the prints with linoleum I found it extremely hard on my hands and I also had a hard time incorporating them in my own style of artwork at home
Rubber is less forgiving than Linoleum
A rubber brayer needs care when used in printing
It’s just rubber … ;)
Which brayer rollers for which methods and paint mediums work best

What I take away for the future:

I love incorporating my own paintings in a different way into other pieces of my artwork- I want to do this more often.
I love the look of hand carved lines and patterns in prints that I tear up and then use as collage pieces.
Do not get too complicated too early- practicing is key – do as you tell your own students- LOL

Hope you enjoyed this little Back To School post – there will be a new one coming soon :) Guess what …I am taking another class starting this week. More later ;)

Have a great start into your week!

Nat

Comments (6)

stephanie

April 21, 2015 at 11:02 am | #

Great post Nat

Reply
Sue O'Mullan

April 14, 2015 at 9:58 pm | #

I have a scar on my hand from when I did this way back in middle school art class…. perhaps I shall give it a try again!!!!!!

Reply
- nathalie-kalbach
  
  April 15, 2015 at 9:33 am | #
  
  Ouch Sue! that sounds bad. There are bench hooks that you can use to protect yourself then carving- maybe you would want to buy one! I am also a bit scared about the super sharp tools and try to always carve away from my body and have no hand place right in front of the blade.
  
  Reply
Joi@RR

April 14, 2015 at 9:25 am | #

Oh dear me Nat – I’m blushing!!! Hehehehhe!! It was fun looking at your teachers artwork though. Talk about a creative mind. My fav was the very dressed up “rich” man holding the “poor” scrawny person on a leash. That could represent so many different things on so many different levels. Anyway – on to YOU YOU YOU!! Soooo glad you went back to school! If your teacher was anything like his artwork – I bet there was never a dull moment! YOU DID GREAT. I bet he enjoyed having you there. Loved seeing some of the things you did. I really like the design around your girls face – makes her look “glowing”. And your bird is so cute as well as all the different ways you used him. Of course, I love when you do skylines – wish you would do more of them. VERY happy to see you do something for yourself. And of course, eventually your loyal students will reep your knowledge!!! :) j.

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Sue Clarke

April 13, 2015 at 5:47 pm | #

It’s always good for the teacher to be a student once in a while.
Happy Spring Nat!

Reply
Kathy Gledsdale

April 13, 2015 at 3:18 pm | #

Wonderful work, just trying to do this myself at home, by have trouble thinking of ideas. Yours are great.

Reply

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Winding Down: My Top Ten Moments of 2014 in Photos

Photos Review

It has become a tradition of mine and other blogger friends to wind down the year with some Top “insert number”- Lists of work , posts and photos, before the year ends. It makes me go back and look at what I have done and accomplished and it also makes me dwell in memories. Too often we forget about the things we did and accomplished throughout the year- often just bashing ourselves for not fulfilling all the wonderful new year’s resolutions from last year. Maybe this makes you wanna do it too – if so – share

2014 was a year I traveled a lot for workshops, I had a couple amazing dear friends over from Europe and I had some really wonderful moments. In no particular order:

1. SNOW

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The first 3 times we had snow in 2014 I was totally excited…like a little kid. I know everyone thinks as I am from Germany , that I am used to loads of snow, but I lived in the north of Germany in Hamburg, which rather as the climate of Seattle and not a lot of snow. I do admit though that by the 4th time as a pedestrian in a city I got a bit fed up with snow – LOL- isn’t the grass always greener on the other side ? ;)

2. Strolls through the hood with friends

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HA – another snow pictures – lol. But actually it stands for the wonderful moments I had with my friends that came over from Europe and were excited to stroll through my new neighborhood even though the City of Cities was so close by. I loved every minute with them- living in a different country makes you miss your friends a lot – I am very thankful for being able to stay in touch with my friends and see them, because I know that this is not the norm for many people that move to a new country.

3. Hikes and Walks

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I took this photo on a hike in Hong Kong. It was a wonderful little hike I took with my husband and we stumbled across these mating butterflies. We both worked a lot this year and had many projects that kept us more busy than usual – I am happy about the moments we had just to ourselves enjoying the beauty of nature – and I hope we will be able to create some more moments in 2015 :)

4. Temple Hong Kong, China

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In the middle of a bustling city was this old temple – and oasis of calmness and beauty. It felt like being away from everything and I loved taking it in for a moment.

5. Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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This was just an breathtaking sight – several Indian Temples in a cave which you get to by walking past this huge statue, up a lot of stairs …touched by cute looking but nasty monkeys.

6. Meeting Penny and Val and their Mom

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When I was invited by Val and Penny to teach in Malaysia, a lot of people were concerned that I would travel there, especially as just a couple days before the flight, the first Malaysian Airline airplane vanished. The news as always had a very special way in portraying country and people and had many people prejudiced. I am so glad I went. Penny, Val and their Mom hosted me and my husband in the most amazing way ever. I learned so much about this country, I ate the best food of my life at places I would have probably not have set my foot in if by myself (tehehehe) and I was reminded once again, that you need to open your heart and mind in order to get back a million more times. I hope some day I can have Penny and Val come and visit us and I hope they will enjoy the same hospitality in the country I live as I did in their country.

7. Studio and Outside Time

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2014 I spent a lot of time in my studio and also some time outside on the deck in between. I do love the ability to get out on our deck from my studio and I love to step out and just sit there for a couple minutes, to take a break from working on my desk or on a painting.

8. Laughing like crazy

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This photo , which is also going into my “worst photos ever” category, stands for the awesome times I had with my friends where I almost peed my pants because I was laughing so hard. This Photos was a meager attempt of taking a selfie of Jenn, Julie, Birgit, me and the Statue of Liberty …as you can see…it was just an attempt …what a great carefree fun time we had.

9. At ease with myself

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This photo taken by the amazing Sara Stadtmiller, is one of the few photos of myself that I really like. I often doubt myself and the day when Liquitex was so awesome to send a video crew and Sara to photograph I unfortunately felt very uneasy and very aware of myself. Sara had a wonderful way to make me feel calm and enjoy this day and when I look at this photo, I am reminded that at the moments I am creating, I am happy and I just don’t care about anything else around me.

10. Relax

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Throughout this year I forgot how to relax …the more I enjoyed the past couple weeks several evenings with my loved ones in front of the fireplace -just watching the fire, reading, talking, watching schtuff, wrapping gifts and having a nice relaxed time.

—-

2014 was pretty amazing, but balancing every aspect of my life has been hard at times. Every time something works well in one place I feel I fail in many other places. For 2015 I wish for more relaxing time, more time with family and friends, and that I take some things lighter or more lightly.

What do you wish for for 2015 for yourself?

Nat

Comments (3)

Rebecca Buchanan

December 28, 2014 at 7:58 pm | #

Nathalie, this post really touched me. I am much older than you, but you inspire me very much. Here you share your memories with us in such an open and honest way. I love your imperfect selfie–the laughter and love shine through anyway. Your story about Val, Penny, their mother and their hospitality is heartwarming. Thank you for sharing about self-doubt–that certainly resonates with so many of us. Yes, I could count on one hand the number of photos of myself that I actually like. And yet you are courageous enough to ‘keep on keeping on’ and we are all the better for it. The word courage comes from the latin word for ‘heart’. You certainly have a lot of heart. Thank you for sharing–Cheers to 2015!

Reply
Sue Clarke

December 27, 2014 at 9:30 am | #

The photos are wonderful and what a year you’ve had. Lots of travel and creativity Nat. I wish for a paying job now that my son is 12 years old and settled in middle school. I also hope to create on a more regular basis as it centers me. The mating butterflies is such a unique photo. Happy New Year!

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Seth

December 27, 2014 at 9:00 am | #

What wonderful memories Natalie of the past year. Thanks for sharing this and allowing us to join you for such special experiences.

Reply

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In My Own World – Liquitex Video

Jersey City liquitex Video

A couple weeks ago Liquitex sent in a little video crew to film me in my studio – and here is the final Brand Ambassador video in my own world :)

It was a lot of fun and I am so fortunate to work with a company like Liquitex that supports me in so many ways! Thank you so much Adam, Sara and Jenna for making me look kind of ok and for editing my accent out ( just kidding ;) )

I am so happy I quit my paralegal job and became a full time artist!

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It has been a bumpy road at times but there was never a time I regret my decision!

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Self doubts and fears come up all the time- but it is nothing that cannot be healed with a good old painting session in the studio.

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Thank you for your support all these years from the bottom of my heart! Your comments and emails encouraged me over the years to go this road! I am a very happy camper today :)

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With Love!

Nat

Comments (24)

elena lai etcheverry

December 16, 2014 at 4:32 pm | #

love this! the photos are so inspiring!!

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 17, 2014 at 10:59 am | #
  
  thank you Elena!!!
  
  Reply
jackiepn

December 14, 2014 at 5:43 am | #

Loved your video Nat!! So glad that you followed your true calling- it is best to ignore those critics!
Your studio photos are so full of inspiration and the picture of you is awesome! Merry Christmas to you! xo

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:35 am | #
  
  thank you so much Jackie! Merry Christmas to you too!
  
  Reply
Deborah A. Pierro

December 13, 2014 at 11:48 am | #

Hi Nat. Wonderful video and great art studio. I love your honesty and humility. I’m so happy that you are following your artful bliss!

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:36 am | #
  
  Thank you Deborah!
  
  Reply
Chris

December 13, 2014 at 9:48 am | #

How awesome that you found art as a passion and as a career! I believe everyone has a creative part of them and you just have to find it and nurture it. You go girl!

Reply
- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:36 am | #
  
  Thank you Chris! Agreed :)
  
  Reply
Gayle Kush

December 13, 2014 at 7:38 am | #

Wonderful video. Congratulations on following your dreams and making them come true.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:36 am | #
  
  Thank you so much Gayle!
  
  Reply
Rebecca Buchanan

December 13, 2014 at 6:56 am | #

Bravo Nathalie! You are an inspiration.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:37 am | #
  
  Awe- thank you Rebecca!
  
  Reply
JoAnn

December 13, 2014 at 6:48 am | #

Wonderful video – very inspirational.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:37 am | #
  
  Thank you JoAnn!
  
  Reply
cindykl2006

December 13, 2014 at 6:17 am | #

This is so awesome Nathalie! I am so happy for you!

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:34 am | #
  
  thank you so much Cindy!
  
  Reply
julie m

December 12, 2014 at 11:52 pm | #

So happy for you.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:34 am | #
  
  Thank you Julie!!!
  
  Reply
Kathryn

December 12, 2014 at 2:51 pm | #

Nat;
I am also soooooo glad that you have become a full time artist! I find your message to be so inspirational and totally agree that any bad day can be improved with a little time creating.
Thank you
Kathryn

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:33 am | #
  
  Thank you Kathryn! I!!!
  
  Reply
Brenda

December 12, 2014 at 9:26 am | #

Love how you have displayed your lovely artwork around your studio. Beautiful view to be inspired by.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:33 am | #
  
  Thank you so much Brenda!
  
  Reply
Kathy Gledsdale

December 12, 2014 at 8:47 am | #

A great film and what a fantastic light room you have to paint in. Your work really rocks.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  December 15, 2014 at 9:32 am | #
  
  Ah- thank you so much Kathy!
  
  Reply

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Exhibiting at Jersey City Art & Studio Tour 2014

Jersey City Jersey City Art & Studio Tour

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Super stoked that my art work will be part of the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour 2014. My work will be in the

City Hall of Jersey City, Downtown – Venue Number 19

280 Grove Street, Jersey City, New Jersey

You can find a map here.

This event is in it’s 24th year and I loved taking it last year so much- that I really wanted to participate although I do not have a studio which I could easily open to the public. Huge thanks to JCAST for having me exhibit my paintings in the Jersey City – City Hall.

The 2013 JCAST featured over 700 participating artists exhibiting in over 120 venues, with thousands turning out to embark on the tour. The flagship location, The TenMarc Building on 430 Communipaw Avenue, housed 17 separately curated exhibitions with over 450 pieces of art, theatrical performers, visual artists, and musicians. TenMarc also hosted the much anticipated community kick-off party which was enjoyed by hundreds and sponsored by Hendrick’s Gin, Art In The Age, NJ Beer Company, and many more.

Maybe some of you will join this – I would love to see you or hear how you liked it :)

Have a wonderful day

Nat

Comments (2)

lynnk50

October 18, 2014 at 12:21 am | #

Congratulations!! That’s wonderful. Have a great time at the event! Hope you post photos!

Reply
Sue Clarke

October 17, 2014 at 6:12 am | #

Glad to hear that it worked out for you to show your art.
Looks like quite the event.

Reply

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When Artsy Friends Take Time Off

Jersey City New York City

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One of the greatest things is when your art making passion that you share with others, turns into friendships …over Continents and States. Two weeks ago my friend Birgit Koopsen came from The Netherlands not only to teach a workshop together with me but also for a week long visit.

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And what better reason to get the Art House crew back together- and have Jenn Mason coming from Boston and Julie Fei-Fan Balzer from NYC. The four of us had a great time touristing in New Jersey and New York City just taking a time off from everything and have some good old girly fun. So here is some picture overload …

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Birgit loved playing with her panorama mode. Sometimes it worked…

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and sometimes it didn’t when she tried to get all four of us into the picture at the dinner table – LOL

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Strolling around in Jersey City…can’t beat our view of the city :)

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and our street art is also pretty cool. (mural by Fintan Magee)

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Lot’s of evenings on our deck enjoying sunsets

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The Brooklyn Bridge had to be stepped on

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Dim Sum had to be eaten in Chinatown …lot’s of it…

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And Bubble Tea had to be drunken …once….and never ever again as Birgit and I agreed on – LOL

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We took the ferry to Ellis Island

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and showed AMAZING photo skills taking photos of the FOUR of us WITH the Statue of Liberty

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We waved at Lady Liberty and the long lines to get to her

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By which time one of us had finally figured out how to shoot a photo of all five of us :)

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We found Julie’s grandparents inscribed on Ellis Island

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and had Jenn sing Country songs to the amusement of the two Europeans in the group.

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I took Birgit to a walk through Liberty State Park while the two Americans made their way back to the City.

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And joined the two the next day again where we decided at MoMA that art is often taken way to serious

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I mean… WAY TO SERIOUS

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And because Birgit and I were by then used to daily 14 miles walks…we walked the Highline…where she became part of a billboard

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…and we walked

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and had even my husband joining us walking…it was a whole Forest Gump Troop

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And made sure to fulfill Birgit’s wish to find a Yankees Shirt. That is one triumphant face for Julie…who is a Red Sox Fan – hey Julie: Take that – we rubbed the Yankees Shirt onto your TV sofa…LOL

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And got an amazing shot of the three of us and the Rockefeller Center

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And looked from the Top of Rock over all the areas in Manhattan and Jersey City we had been walked through.

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And that is the end of a fab inspiring and relaxing week with my girls …It was loads of fun and I miss Birgit a lot.

But I know we will see each other next year…for sure ;)

What did you do the last time you took some time off?

Have an amazing day!

Nat

Comments (8)

Sue Clarke

October 12, 2014 at 9:42 am | #

Love all the photos and how cool that Julie found her grandparents on the plaque. I always enjoy the pics of street art that you find Nat. The last time I hung out with my girlfriends we took the dogs for a long walk on a beach and it was a blast. Followed by some delightful food of course.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  October 13, 2014 at 9:34 am | #
  
  That sounds wonderful Sue! Nothing more fun then playing with the dogs at the beach! I miss having a dog sometimes!
  
  Reply
Sofia

October 11, 2014 at 5:00 pm | #

You lucky girls!!!

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Laura S

October 11, 2014 at 12:06 pm | #

Looks like you girls had a wonderful time. I want to try some dim sum. It looks so yummy but you don’t like Boba Tea? What?! You have to try the Strawberry and Banana! Best Smoothie, ever! Thanks for the tour. I enjoy your pics so much :) Hugs, Laura

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  October 13, 2014 at 9:35 am | #
  
  LOL Boba Tea – bah – LOL. You should have seen Birgit and my face :)
  
  Reply
Carol Jones

October 11, 2014 at 9:03 am | #

Love this. Everyone needs time off with their friends!

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Be

October 10, 2014 at 6:46 pm | #

Great photos! Looks like you guys had a blast. New York is on my list of places to see. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

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Birgit Koopsen

October 10, 2014 at 8:15 am | #

Love it, love it, love it! Made me relive it all over again and laughing again too! Boy, did we laugh a lot!! :D Miss you too, but it will be next year before you know it!! <3 xxx

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About art collaborations, friendships and artcations

Collaboration

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Last week I had a little artcation with my friend Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. We spent the week at her Mom’s house near Boston to kick off our one year long art collaboration. We are both very excited about it and hope it will take us and our art further along the road.

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We have been hatching this collaboration idea for some time now and it was wonderful to finally get started with it. You can hear all about the art collaboration in the Podcast Julie recorded that week. We recorded part of it at the beginning of the week- talking about our expectations, fears, ideas and why we are doing this and then we recording a second part about egos, obstacles, our friendship and how it went along so far.

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You can listen to it here and we would love to hear what you think:

It was great to work together at the same time on some bigger pieces of canvas – here are some in progress and they are not done yet

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Besides that I was lured into a scary death bathroom by Julie and her Mom,

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we ate delicious food and …often

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and did some serious shopping

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We had a great time – thank you Julie’s Mom for an awesome time :)

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I came home inspired and relaxed – and I cannot wait for a new artcation in a couple months and see how our monthly art collaboration will have progressed by then …and our friendship ;)

Have a gorgeous day

Nat

Comments (4)

Laura S.

September 8, 2014 at 2:44 am | #

I finally made the time to listen to the whole podcast and Wow, this is such a cool idea. I am so intrigued…best reality TV show ever! Are you guys taking pics of your work, as each stage progresses? It would be fascinating to see how the canvas’ change, but picture taking during the creative lesson might be too interruptive? You both are brave to try this; testing your friendship. However, I only see your friendship growing stronger. There is always the possibility of squabbles, especially when you spend that much time with someone. Add the fact that someone is coming behind you and “jacking” with your art work and what if you just completed something that you loved and they totally wrecked it? This is going to be very interesting and fun. For the audience, anyway! Hopefully fun for you guys, too. Either way, I know you both will grow as artist and friends and the projects are going to be glorious! Looking forward to the saga and thanks so much for including us on this journey.

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Sue Clarke

September 6, 2014 at 9:52 am | #

I still have to watch the podcast, but I’m so happy that you two are working together more and more. I admire the creative work that you both do SO much. Julie’s Mom is so nice and I bet she is a wonderful hostess as well. Glad that you had a fun weekend!

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Donna

September 5, 2014 at 11:27 am | #

I heard the podcast last week and really enjoyed a glimpse into the collaborative process. I liked how honest you both were about some of the frustrations and challenges you faced. It sounds like despite some tension, you both had fun. Looking forward to seeing how things progress.

Peace,
Donna

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Jackie P Neal

September 5, 2014 at 10:26 am | #

Wow nat- what a very cool idea! As I was listening to yours and Julie’s comments, I could not help but wonder about myself and how would I be able to handle such situations. I have a friend in another state that we have talked about doing this through he mail, and yes, that might be easier- but I really appreciate the way you two friends and artists have taken this huge & scarey (in my opinion) project on! Can’t wait to hear more and I am so glad to see you working through those feelings as I think some of those same would be my issues also! “) Very cool!! oxxo

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Art Of Living as an Artist

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You can listen to it here and we would love to hear what you think:

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