Category: The Traveling Artist | Page 7

Photos of my Asia Trip: Hong Kong Part III

DISCLAIMER: This blog post contains images of mating butterflies, drunken pigeons and bare breasted buddhas. If you have a problem with this, you might be better off looking at something else . Don’t email me to complain, don’t visit my blog anymore because I might post things like this again.

Last photos of Hong Kong before I move you on to Malaysia ;) One of the days we did a wonderful morning hike …we took one of those little beaner busses out to our starting point and it started off with loads of stairs…

on top we met those guys…that made my day. Afterwards it went through more forresty areas..which had bigger butterflies that liked to fly right at you. They also looked as if they had cowboy chaps on and would carry away little children…that was about all the exciting wildlife we saw..but nonetheless it was a wonderful hike.

One night we went for a fancy dinner at Hutong – it was soooo good

Besides …one dish…which fortunately came right in the beginning of the menu – so I could get over it quick ;)

Yes…the drunken pigeons. When they were served…heads on…I actually wished that I was drunk LOL. I tried to convince myself that looks are not everything…it is the inner qualities that count. Well I tried and I can assure you …not in this case. Drunken Pigeons…been there, done that, don’t have to try ever ever again.

My favorite dish for overall experience (taste and visual appearance) was the so called “Red Lantern” deep-fried soft shell crabs served in a basket of red chillies. Then the lid was lifted my eyes started watering. And the first two crabs hurt as it was sooo hot…after the crabs aired out a bit it was no problem anymore.

This was followed by a couple more delicious highlights. And the bathroom must have been one of the most beautiful restaurant bathrooms I have ever seen – the whole place was just beautiful – just too dark to take a photo ;)

The day after this we actually went to Malaysia- but on our way back to the U.S. we had another 1/2 day stay over in Hong Kong and we went to the Big Buddha

and they weren’t kidding when they said “Big Buddha”

Speaking of big…I have never seen incense this big!

Breathing got a bit heard though

Again the temple fascinated me. The colors, the details…I hope I do not bore you with those pictures but …

it was just beautiful – left and right

and also up

and below

and that was it…Hong Kong. In a couple days I will show some photos from Kuala Lumpur and the Workshops in Malaysia.

I am wishing you an amazing start into the week!

Nat

Comments (13)

Jackie PN

April 1, 2014 at 9:36 am | #

Nat, I always love your posts as well as photos…but this Hong Kong trip has been even more wonderful than all of the others! Thanks for taking me along! “)

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eSeN

April 1, 2014 at 3:42 am | #

Nat, don’t ever apologize for your travel posts(or for any of your posts, for whatever reason). People who aren’t interested in these ones specifically won’t read them, but the rest of us find the posts really interesting and your photos are absolutely lovely!

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Laura Bohall

March 31, 2014 at 9:47 pm | #

thank you SO, SO much for sharing these amazing pics! I doubt I will ever make it out of the states and these glimpses are just magical!
Safe journeys!

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chrisd

March 31, 2014 at 6:25 pm | #

What terrific photos. I have also shared them with a friend who formerly lived in the far east and she has truly enjoyed the photos too.Thanks a bunch for sharing your adventures with all of us!

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nicole

March 31, 2014 at 6:16 pm | #

I really enjoyed your pictures, but even better was the disclaimer at the beginning :)

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Delores

March 31, 2014 at 4:36 pm | #

Nathalie

Please continue to share your photos. You have a very good eye and are a pleasure to look at. Health issues have stopped my days of travelling so every time you post your photos I get to take a little holiday.

Thanks Delores

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Jessica Sporn

March 31, 2014 at 2:59 pm | #

awesome post and your pictures are just beautiful. Thanks for the humor too!

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Barb J.

March 31, 2014 at 1:38 pm | #

Life is too short not to travel and enjoy other cultures when you can. The pictures are beautiful. Just the experience of being able to eat dishes that are not the “common” variety, make for an even better and marvelous trip. You are so fortunate to be able to experience other amazing countries.

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Suze

March 31, 2014 at 10:05 am | #

You saw fabulous things & your pix R frame worthy! Brings me back to all our Asia trips & how much I love the Far East!! Nice to have u back!

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Laura Strack

March 31, 2014 at 9:06 am | #

Wow, Nathalie, what a cool trip you had. Loving the tour. That Buddha is huge! Thank you for taking us with you.

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Susan (Sanna) Burgess

March 31, 2014 at 8:21 am | #

Not boring at all NAT! Very very beautiful indeed!!! I loved your perspective on the buddha from underneath and the other one over the mountain range. What the heck were those two things on the leaf? Yuck to drunken pigeons! What a time you have had!!! Thanks for sharing! Sanna

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Kathy P

March 31, 2014 at 8:08 am | #

What an awesome experience! I am enjoying your beautiful photos and tales so much! Thanks for sharing with us! And kudos for even trying the pigeon—not me!!

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Sue Clarke

March 31, 2014 at 6:40 am | #

That is huge incense for sure. Love the temple pics and glad to see that I’m not the only one who takes pics of mating creatures. I have one from my honeymoon of turtles. Happy Monday!

Reply

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Photos of my Asia Trip: Hong Kong Part II

Hong Kong

Some more photos of my stay in Hong Kong. If you missed the first part- you can find it here.

We went to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. 430 steps towards the monastery .

Flanked on both sides by Buddhas in different poses and with different face expressions.

Pretty impressive..don’t you think?

The funny thing is …the buddhas outside are not the ones that gave the monastery the name.

12 Thousand+ mini buddhas in one of the temples are responsible for the name. (no photos allowed)

I loved stopping and looking at all those different buddhas. This one reminded me of a very close friend ;) She tends to make this expression every time you want to shoot a photo of her.

We were accompanied by monkeys that jumped around like crazy- all photos of them are blurry – such a monkey business ;)

The closer to the top we came the more elaborate the statues became. I wish I could read the signs – I wonder if they reveal names of them or meanings.

What strikes me most are the colors and the patterns. Just looking at this makes me happy- the colors so bold and so many details.

I loved those little pavillions.

This place was actually built in 1949 and is not really a monastery because no monks are living here. But it seems as a lot of celebrations were going on there.

It was well worth a visit and funny enough it wasn’t part of our travel guide… I would make it part of my personal travel guide. It is a bit hard to find, kind of like…ride to the end of the world , exit, follow this and that street, go to the street with the parking house and just go left up a beaten path that looks as if it leads to a dumpster…and then it doesn’t ;)

I would also recommend an early part of the day… good thing I have been working out a lot lately but the humidity and heat is making the hike up a bit hard.

After this we made our way to the Chi Lin Nunnery. Or lovingly called Chilling Nunnery by us.

While strolling around the temple we could hear the nuns – yes they were actually living there – chanting in a hall – the sound was carried throughout the temple – which was just amazing. We later saw them coming out but I referred from snapping photos. It felt not right.

In front of the Nunnery is the Nan Lian Garden – again an oasis in the middle of high risers. I love how the garden was laid out. Lot’s of small details again

and an awesome rock garden…with interesting signs. I have to admit I didn’t have the idea before I saw the sign…It made me wanna try it ;) I did not – no worries.

I loved these areas paved with these neatly stacked stones. Awesome texture and so interesting to look at.

Hope you enjoyed the monastery-nunnery tour in Hong Kong. Tomorrow some projects but then there will be more ;)

Have a Chilling Day ;)

hugs

nat

Nat

Comments (10)

Jackie P Neal

March 28, 2014 at 5:51 pm | #

Your photos are phenomenal! I think you should put together tour books from your trips! I always feel like I am there with you! hugs

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Denise Spillane

March 28, 2014 at 5:10 pm | #

Thought you might like a china Budda from my friend working there but I don’t know how to send.

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Denise Spillane

March 28, 2014 at 5:10 pm | #

Thought you might like a china Budda from my friend working there but I don’t know how to send.

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lynnk50

March 28, 2014 at 12:50 pm | #

What an amazing trip!! Love all the photos you’ve shared . The colors and designs are so amazing! It would be tempting to make a sand picture in the rock garden! Lol! I agree with KathyP – want to see how you use these in art journals!

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Kathy P.

March 28, 2014 at 10:37 am | #

WOW! Gorgeous color and detail and depth! And design! Can’t wait to see how you incorporate these into your art journals!

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Barb

March 28, 2014 at 10:11 am | #

What an amazing experience you had. I enjoyed all the pics you took and thanks for sharing.

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Amante del Papel

March 28, 2014 at 8:44 am | #

wow amazing trip!

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Sue Clarke

March 28, 2014 at 6:56 am | #

The rock garden pic would be a good inspiration for a stencil.
Love all the pics today. 1949, that would explain why the Buddas don’t have that classic look to them.

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Marsha.

March 28, 2014 at 5:56 am | #

Fun! The monastery with the buddhas was on one of our favorite TV (celebrity game) shows here recently… It’s so cool to see you went to that place!

Reply
- nathalie-kalbach
  
  March 28, 2014 at 9:47 am | #
  
  Cool- what was the reason for showing it- or question in the game? Inquiring minds want to know;)
  
  Reply

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Photos of my Asia Trip: Hong Kong Part I

Hong Kong

I just came back from my workshop trip to Malaysia. I stopped for a couple of days in Hong Kong before the workshops and had a couple of days of sight seeing in Kuala Lumpur. It was so much fun and I learned heaps. Plus – I am so inspired by this whole trip. You know what this means, right? Photos…be aware…there are loads for the next days :)

The first thing I noticed was the unbelievable amount of signs

Making this the “City of Lights” at night – sorry Paris- you are just not bright enough ;)

See the little bus? These little beaners seat 16 peeps and were fun to ride…

the more important a sign is…the smaller it appears…or so I think ;)

Most signs were in English and Chinese but signs like this made me realize how important visual hints are when you cannot decipher the writing. Actually…I don’t even know half of the terms of the stuff on the sign in English – so I might be actually better off in China when going to a hardware store…LOL

Speaking of public transportation – Hong Kong must have one of the best public transportations I have ever seen as a European. (sorry America…you are a very developing country when it comes to public transportation!). Not only little beaner busses, but also huge modern public transportation busses, these fun trams and a subway system that was the best ever. Every 3 minutes a subway, clean, safe, fast and CHEAP aka Dirt Cheap. Speaking for a longer trip for about 10 US-Cents. And you can pay with your Metro aka Octopus Card in Grocery Shops like in the one below

Which makes you scratch your head…because of the sign. But oh WELL

Significant is also the amount of high risers in Hong Kong. You will find clusters of 12-13 high risers 40 stories high and then all of a sudden you have a pocket with old houses or gems like this beautiful temple built in 1847 – the Man Mo Temple.

It was a beautiful temple with a lot to see especially when looking up. Like these wish lanterns

or these incense coils – the light coming through the roof made it all the more serene. And calm places were really needed as visual and commercial overflow was getting us hard :) I know a lot of my online friends were excited for me that I was going to Hong Kong mainly because of the Shopping. Well…to be honest… that wasn’t my thing. And not because I do not like to shop – oh no ;) It was a parade of super expensive no-real bargain show-off stuff. Name any designer label and you find one of their stores there. I am not very keen on brand fashion, and everyone tried to up-sell and and looking at things was not possible since you were hassled down right away and almost forced to buy. On top after being approached 1 Million times on the main shopping streets if I want to buy a fake Rolex or a nice handbag which was rather stressful, I turned into a total anti-shopping person during our stay in Hong Kong. No worries though – that changed in Malaysia ;)

Besides public transportation – food was pretty cheap too – and so we ate a lot of very good, yummie soups and dim sum .

In fact we sometimes had dim sum for breakfast, lunch and dinner…and the worst thing is…I am craving it today.

Of course a visit to the Hong Museum of Art was on the to do list. Besides a wonderful permanent exhibition of Calligraphy and Ancient Chinese Watercolor Art (no photos aloud) there was an amazing special exhibition “Ju Ming – Sculpting the Living World” .

Most impressive were Ju Mings sculptures made out of bronze, stainless steel, painted wood, foam rubber and cast bronze.

The sculptures are showing a collection of little moments in modern life.

I love how the pose and just some little carves in the face can express so much.

I loved how spacious the museum was….giving each piece of art a lot of space – even in the water color and calligraphy exhibition. It made the art really stand for itself and you were able to focus just on the one piece. I also loved the fact that calligraphy was received as an art form and the exhibition was rather big on it too. The water color paintings dating hundreds of years ago were just stunning and since some of the techniques used were translated in english I wish I would have had more time to take it all in.

If you made it to here…wow ;) You will be rewarded with even more photos in a couple days – LOL. I will try to mix it up with some project posts and other stuff so you don’t get too bored ;)

Have an amazing day

Nat

Comments (7)

Marsha.

March 28, 2014 at 6:11 am | #

Wow, so much contrast! Love the sculptures… If you have more photos (and I have a feeling you have :-D), bring them on, because I would love to see more!!

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Denise Spillane

March 27, 2014 at 4:30 pm | #

Love the photos! I would have hated shopping in Hong Kong like that. Museums looks amazing!

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Linda on the Prairie

March 27, 2014 at 12:00 pm | #

Hi, Nat, come to Oklahoma and I’ll show you what a complete black hole of public transportation looks like! Or just come to Oklahoma! We’d love to have you here. I can recommend a place. We’ll make you feel very welcome.

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Kathy P

March 27, 2014 at 10:57 am | #

What a wonderful experience, Nathalie, and loved every photo. Can’t wait to see some of it incorporated into your mixed media—this WILL happen, right? LOL…..bring on the rest of the photos…..I am traveling vicariously through you!!!

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Michelle

March 27, 2014 at 9:29 am | #

Wooo hooo! Looking forward to it! I love your photo posts! Yes I agree about the crowds and commercialism in Hong Kong- and about not caring about brands. I would have grabbed up a couple of those coils thought! :) America invented and totally fell in love with the individual centric car- we have a long history of discouraging public transport projects because of that. Its changing now due to smog and congestion issues but reading the crazed comments in news stories about new public transport developments is an eye opener- people HATE sharing space in buses or seeing someone ride a bike on the road. Ill take smelly expensive nyc subway any day over the crowded highways and traffic accidents in Utah. Anyway- wooohooo Nat in Asia! :)

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Sue Clarke

March 27, 2014 at 6:59 am | #

Nat, I so enjoy your pics from trips since I’m pretty sure that I’ll never make it to Hong Kong. The museum sounds like fun. Pressured shopping is not fun for me either.

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Sandra

March 27, 2014 at 6:04 am | #

Wow, what a fab trip you obviously had. Great photos and thanks for sharing. Hugs

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Art House Adventures or…#2days15bags

Art Retreat

Right after CHA my friends Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, Birgit Koopsen, Jenn Mason and I rented a house in California to relax and do some arting. It was Julie’s idea…brilliant..but don’t tell her- LOL – we try to keep her in check ;)

We created a hashtag for this time #2days15bags – which summed up exactly what was going on- ridiculous LOL- but to our excuse we had tons of teaching supplies, CHA stuff and our suitcases for 12 days with us. All this fit perfectly in this ~~beast~~ van

which Jenn drove calmly through the city

We had time to relax after a very busy couple months, talk, share, laugh, eat, and be outside and get sun on us

and I got braids two times in a row- loooveeee them, I wish I could get those every day- LOL

We also went one day to Stampendous! Headquarter to play a bit with fun techniques and my stamps :) If you signed up for Creative JumpStart 2014 you know what we did as a technique with Fran Seiford.

and on top – we did a lot of arting together- it was so much fun – I want to do this again

our table – we did a lot of collaborative things- but this was the most fun – we did an ArtJournal Round Robin- we will all post about it this friday.

It was awesome. I did not even realize how much I needed a time out with friends doing art for myself and time to come down and talk – I cannot even say how much I love Julie for this idea – oh wait—we don’t wanna tell her- LOL. Spending time with all three was the best and I hope we will do it some day again! If you have friends that are equally interested in art like you – go and do this- you will not regret it- even if it is only 2 days and you haul 15 bags around ;)

Huge hugs

Nat

Comments (19)

marjiekemper

February 1, 2014 at 5:10 pm | #

Super idea and lol on the # of bags…. totally understandable but still a very funny pic. Nice wheels, too!

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andrene

January 30, 2014 at 11:05 am | #

I can only imagine the fun time had by all of you. What a great idea! I think you & Julie should buy a house/property and start your own retreat/studio so the rest of us could experience a fabulous getaway like this!
Love the braids – whoever did them did a great job! Thanks for sharing your mini vacation with us!!
BTW…..diet coke + donuts = breakfast of champions ;)

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Jackie P

January 30, 2014 at 9:58 am | #

Oh Nathalie! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! I was so imagining being there when I was reading! What a great time for you gals! and I love those braids on you too! I have a question…does diet coke cancel out the carbs and stuff on pasties? heehee If so, I’m in! LOL Love reading your posts and been having a blast with CJS 2014! So many cool artists with cool ideas! Thanks again! hugs “)

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cuchy

January 30, 2014 at 7:23 am | #

How fun!!!
We call this in spanish “the warrior’s rest” after a hectic time in CHA
cutie braids!!

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Kimmie Hogan

January 30, 2014 at 2:28 am | #

How much fun that trip looks. I don’t have anyone I could take an art filled getaway with. But it’s definitley one of those things on my bucket list. Not sure what that is you’re doing with the griddle, but it looks interesting and fun. I may just have to sign up for CJS 2014 if it’s not too late so I can find out.Thanks for sharing all the art filled fun you all had!! :D (((HUGS)))
Kimmie

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  January 30, 2014 at 6:38 am | #
  
  Kimmie you can still sign up if you want- the videos are all up as of today 12pm EST but you can access and watch them till the end of november 2014 :)
  
  Reply
kat82ren

January 29, 2014 at 11:07 pm | #

what a fantastic days!

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barb-smith

January 29, 2014 at 7:58 pm | #

Looks like you ladies had a fun time but, please tell me … how were you able to find someone in CA to rent you a house for such a short time??? While I’ve got your ear (eyes) I want to thank you SO MUCH for CJS 2014 – super techniques. I’m ready for 2015 already!

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  January 29, 2014 at 8:39 pm | #
  
  Barb – it is off season- so people are happy to rent a house and also for a cheap price. :) Thank you for your sweet words regarding CJS :) – hugs , Nat
  
  Reply
Kelly Belton

January 29, 2014 at 1:51 pm | #

Considering that between Laura and I we carry 15 bags to one of your classes – I think you did very well between the 4 of you! I promise to travel lighter next week – lol!

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  January 30, 2014 at 6:37 am | #
  
  hehehe- we shall see ;) Looking forward seeing you girls!!!
  
  Reply
Stampendous Graphics

January 29, 2014 at 10:23 am | #

Nathalie, it was such an honor to have mixed media royalty under our roof. We sure hope that you guys can come back and do it again sometime. Thanks for visiting us.

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whyducks

January 29, 2014 at 9:58 am | #

What a great time!

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carolineduncan

January 29, 2014 at 9:50 am | #

Wow… what a magical (not trying to sound corny!) time you had with your friends and the pages you shared are just gorgeous! I’m surprised it wasn’t more than 15 bags… hehehe

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Kathy p

January 29, 2014 at 8:44 am | #

What a great time for you all..and a great time to do it, after all the hustle and bustle of moving, Christmas, and CHA! Glad you are taking care of YOU! And i love your braids!

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Kathy p

January 29, 2014 at 8:44 am | #

What a great time for you all..and a great time to do it, after all the hustle and bustle of moving, Christmas, and CHA! Glad you are taking care of YOU!

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Sue Clarke

January 29, 2014 at 8:38 am | #

Was the overhead light that says “Art House” already there?
What an incredible place with such a nice pool.
You look great in the braids.
I’ve done this a few times with friends who mostly scrapbook and it is a blast to be able to nap, stay up late, eat and play together with all the supplies (though we usually don’t have quite so many bags). LOL

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  January 30, 2014 at 6:36 am | #
  
  LOl- sue- no – that would have been so cool. Birgit photoshopped it in there :)
  
  Reply
jean marmo

January 29, 2014 at 7:04 am | #

Wow – what a fun time!

Reply

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On the PATH…or NYC visits

New York City Photos

DISCLAIMER: This Blog Post contains two picture that use words that are curse words , if you have a problem with this, you might be better off looking at something else . Don’t email me to complain, don’t visit my blog anymore because I might post things like this again and for sure do not let your kids look at this !

One of the things that I really love about living in Jersey City, is that it takes me about 15-20 minutes to go to New York. I am faster in Manhattan than many people that live in NYC ;) I call Jersey City actually lovingly “Manhattan for Beginners” – I can sleep here without my heart rate going up with all the lights and noise but I am also feeling like close enough to THE city ;) Strolling through NYC is fun as you can spy so many fun people, signs, graffitis and paste ups here and there

I loved this on the pavement

and this one made me laugh a lot (because everyone including me runs around with the right arm holding the cell phone and looking at it constantly)

And they do love to tell you no-nonsense of what you get if you park at the wrong spot

or what you can find in a store

And seriously…where do you find an old lady with an old lady puppet feeding a squirrel? Edited: I received a comment by Ricky Syers: “Thank you for posting the pic of Doris Diether feeding the squirrel! Im Ricky Syers the creator of these marionettes and the original marionette squirrel feeder!!” Please check out his website

I can also now see my sweet friend Julie more often(I am so happy about being closer to her…don’t tell her ;) )…she might come soon to NJ too…she is still preparing and getting her shots and a passport …New Yorkers seem to have a hard time to leave the city, even if the drive is just 15 mins ;)

I guess I should have called this post a Stroll through the neighbor neighbor hood ;) Anyway- I hope this made you smile a bit – have a gorgeous day !

Huge hugs

Nat

Comments (14)

RicKy Syers

May 14, 2014 at 10:42 pm | #

Thank you for posting the pic of Doris Diether feeding the squirrel! Im Ricky Syers the creator of these marionettes and the original marionette squirrel feeder!!

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Pearl Maple

November 12, 2013 at 1:34 pm | #

Have fun with all your new adventures and exploring NYC. LoL on finding treasures like the sweet lady with her puppet feeding a squirrel! how cute are they !

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julie

November 12, 2013 at 12:41 pm | #

Love it all Nat – thanks for posting!

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Amante del Papel

November 11, 2013 at 6:32 pm | #

fabulous post! thanks Nat for showing your new city!

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Denise Spillane

November 11, 2013 at 6:20 pm | #

Oh boy, you always make me laugh but today brought tears too. I miss NY and NJ where I grew up and family still resides. I get homesick this time of year. Keep up these wonder posts.

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Denise Spillane

November 11, 2013 at 6:20 pm | #

Oh boy, you always make me laugh but today brought tears too. I miss NY and NJ where I grew up and family still resides. I get homesick this time of year. Keep up these wonder posts.

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Nurse Ratchet

November 11, 2013 at 12:08 pm | #

Fab post Nat….I love NYC!! I may have an idea what to do when I retire,now that I have seen the marionette toting, squirrel feeding gal…….

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Deleted User

November 11, 2013 at 9:26 am | #

:-)

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Sue Clarke

November 11, 2013 at 8:53 am | #

Of course this post make me smile Nat!
The pic of the old lady with the old lady puppet feeding the squirrel is a riot. So you really are close to NYC and Julie. Sweet. You two will be/are a good support to each other personally and as artists (making it in this big world). Love the signs. I need one of the phone signs to hang out of my car window. So many people talking and not driving safely around here.

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Laura Strack

November 11, 2013 at 8:06 am | #

Good thing about living in New York, besides your Bestie living there, too, you will never run out of things to write about and the there is always a great pic, just around the corner :)

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Peggy Beige Spaulding

November 11, 2013 at 6:29 am | #

I like seeing your postings about strolling NJ & NY. your Pics are great Being an artist and living in the rural country “MOO MOO” I do not have access to having a Big City but I do have the beauty of the country side.
Have a Happy Day! Peggy

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wilma Voermans

November 11, 2013 at 6:28 am | #

Great pictures, my dream is to visit New York one time! This way I can enjoy it already a little. And curse words here , I coudn’t find bad stuff. You should hear me when I am angry at the boys :)

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Jean A Marmo

November 11, 2013 at 6:26 am | #

Looks like a wonderful trip to the city!

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Nolene

November 11, 2013 at 4:38 am | #

Oh my goodness! How cute is the old lady photo! I adore it! Please may I use it? I’ll keep your signature in the bottom.

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Insane in the Membrane or…Short Trip to Paris

Last Thursday my husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and as we desperately needed a break from packing, sorting, preparing for over-the-pond-move and working…my husband came up with the amazing idea of a short trip to Paris. I tell you…he is a keeper :) We got engaged in Paris and we spent several wonderful times there- so what better place to go than there. Thursday morning -we flew in in the crack of the dawn.

Paris is just so insanely inspiring – architecture, art, food …the river seine…makes you hum “Insane in the membrane” all the time… well…at least if you are as insane as hubs and I ;)

Insane amount of locks at Pont Neuf – after a wonderful picnic at the Seine with Cheese, Wine and Pate and of course a Baguette – all purchased at the Market in Rue Mouffetard. Very romantic…

Insanely cool street art.

Insane views of Paris from the escalator outside the Centre Georges Pompidou…which also contains an insane amount of wonderful artwork

Amazing special exhibition of Roy Lichtenstein’s work and life. The more fun as I finally grasp the humor and allusions in his work…especially references to Picasso or Matisse etc.

Loving this painting by Matisse Decorative Figure on an Ornamental Background – The pattern of the wallpaper and the rug and then this calm posture of the woman – It gave me goosebumps – so beautiful!

Insane Texture on this Oil painting by Antoine Pevsner Femme Déguisée – I couldn’t get away from it- you have to see it in real life!!!

On Rue de Rivoli …one of the most famous streets with many label stores – is number 59 – squatted by artists in 1999. The building had been abandoned for 15 years by then and the artists found a way to open it up, revive an empty space, create a place for artists to create and set their studios in there.

It’s now legalized and still open to the public who can come through and visit the artists.

Gotta love this staircase! Insane patina!

at a bar…pickled garlic. Insane…and sooo yummie! Reminded me of Portlandia “I can pickle that!”

Wonderful romantic dinner at Le Train Bleu – I made my husband shoot wine through his nose …I am a funny person…we might have been the bad table…we giggled too much. But hey- who cares..we are insane and married for 10 years ;)

Insane building- Musee d’Orsay – located in an old beautiful train station. It became too small when the trains got longer – and was fortunately saved from being demolished when the idea was formed to put a museum in here. The architecture alone is amazing – but the art is stunning too (no photos allowed)

Every corner a new interesting view

That was so cool- an insane look over Paris through the outside clock of the museum

And since Julie’s visit in July I decided rickshaws are the best way to view a city…we did an insane rickshaw ride :)

Insane fretwork facade on this building!

and less than 48 insane hours later…we flew out again. Insane in the membrane….Inspired, relaxed and refueled …bring the move on in 20 days :)

Hope you enjoyed the picture overload and got as insanely inspired as I was :)

huge hugs

Nat

Comments (20)

Jackie

August 29, 2013 at 3:50 pm | #

First off- Happy 10th Anniversary!!
secondly..I’m INSANELY envious of your 48 hour trip! lol
Nat, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trip! I have never been to Paris(never even out of the US(Canada) and your pictures were such awe inspiring highlights- I just keep going over them! So cool for you- Good luck and Happy memories on your next 10 years with your Hub!
xoxo thanks again Jackie

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Carmen Lucero

August 28, 2013 at 4:42 am | #

Happy anniversary; so nice to know you are still kids at heart! Enjoyed all the awesome pictures, especially the staircase!

Carmen L

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julie

August 27, 2013 at 10:24 pm | #

Insanely AWESOME! Thanks for sharing!

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Laura Strack

August 27, 2013 at 5:26 pm | #

It’s so nice to be able to laugh with your Hubbie after 10 years. They say that is one of the most important things that keeps a marriage strong. I’m sure you both were thinking, “Hey, lets go to Paris. Once we’re in NY, we won’t be able to go there anytime, on a whim.” Smart idea. Loved that “I can pickle that!” episode of Portlandia. Yep, I love you and your sense of humor!

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Sue Clarke

August 26, 2013 at 6:25 pm | #

Happy 10th Anniversary! I love your pics and the oil painting seems to have an eye that is staring right at me. Love George Clooney being a doctor for Snow White.

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Corrine

August 26, 2013 at 12:24 am | #

He is a keeper! what wonder art and views of the architecture. Now that’s the way to celebrate an anniversary. Xox

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Madeline Rains

August 25, 2013 at 6:08 pm | #

Insanely wonderful! : ) Happy Anniversary. I’ve wanted to go to Paris my whole life. My husband, who is Belgian, doesn’t understand this need, When we visit family in Europe in Feb., I am going to go and meet a girlfriend there. Thanks for the inspiration! I definitely want to check out that artists’ building.

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Becky

August 25, 2013 at 5:56 pm | #

Insanely wonderful!

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Jean A Marmo

August 25, 2013 at 5:07 pm | #

What a wonderful weekend! Happy Anniversary!

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Nurse Ratchet

August 25, 2013 at 5:02 pm | #

So glad you had an insanely fab time!!

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Denise

August 25, 2013 at 4:59 pm | #

Happy anniversary! Thank you for giving us this photo tour of your trip. Well done and your husband does sound like a keeper. I really love the last photo, gad me giggling.

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Johanne L.

August 25, 2013 at 2:16 pm | #

Happy Anniversary! I’m glad you had a great time in Paris. I would love to go one day. Thanks for sharing,

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Barbara Poe

August 25, 2013 at 1:24 pm | #

“I love Paris!” It is so beautiful. I found a wonderful paper shop near the Pont Neuf. I even bought papyrus there. Thanks for the wonderful tour.

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Pauline

August 25, 2013 at 11:31 am | #

Happy anniversary!
Looks like you’ve had the best celebration, lots of wonderful photos!

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Cuchy

August 25, 2013 at 11:28 am | #

how romantic!
thanks for the pics. Beautiful

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Gerd Andersson

August 25, 2013 at 11:19 am | #

What a wonderful way of celebrating your anniversary! Thanks for pics from Paris, which gave me nostalgia from old times.

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Mary Bennetts

August 25, 2013 at 9:43 am | #

An Insane trip indeed! loved looking at your insane photo’s. I LOVED Paris so much when we were there, only for 3days sadly and I Soooooo want to go back. One of the drawbacks of living in Australia , everything is sooooo far away :(
Happy Anniversary
Mary

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AnnaB

August 25, 2013 at 9:11 am | #

Happy happy anniversary! I loved seeing your photos!

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muriel

August 25, 2013 at 7:51 am | #

Aaaah! Thanks for this lovely photo- trip! Paris is so special even for French people. And it is a lovers’ place. I live two hours away from Paris by train and did two short trips there last year with my son, one in August and one at Christmas and both were so inspiring! I didn’t know about the artists’ place in Rue de Rivoli; on my list for the next trip.

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Kirsten Alicia

August 25, 2013 at 6:52 am | #

Happy anniversary! Glad you took some time off to celebrate. Great photos.

Reply

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The Whole Truth or…A Day in The Jewish Museum in Berlin

Art Berlin The Jewish Museum

Disclaimer: This post is a very deep post. It contains my personal emotional and thought provoking experiences of visiting The Jewish Museum in Berlin. I write about this because this visit has impacted me a lot and I would love to share this because this blog is about my art work and my life as an artist. My art is often very emotional and a lot of my art work is influenced by experiences like this one. I would like to ask to keep any comments respectful – this is a very sensitive topic and I must say I am a bit scared to write about it.

I will not tolerate any hate-related comments. If you feel the need to do so- you are welcome to go to a far remote place in blog land and never ever return back to this website – because then this blog is clearly not written with you in mind!

A couple months ago when Julie and I had already scheduled her visit to me, I heard about the Exhibition “The Whole Truth…Everything you always wanted to know about Jews” in The Jewish Museum Berlin. Many controversial newspaper articles can be found about this exhibition especially the part of the exhibition which became known as the “Jew in a Box”. In the exhibition a Jewish Person sits in a kind of a clear box and can be asked questions about Jews and Judaism. When Julie and I heard about it and read the articles we started discussing this a bit. It started as a discussion between an American and a German, a Jew and a non-Jew, two friends striving to understand cultural, historical and religious differences. We decided we would have to go ourselves to Berlin in order to have an opinion about this exhibition. And so we went.

The building itself is very impressive – there is an old part of the building as well as a new one built by architect Daniel Libeskind. I cannot remember when an architectural building had such a strong emotional impact on me.

Throughout the building Libeskind has created so called voids, empty spaces which represent the absence of Jews from German society.

One void is called “Holocaust Tower” . It is very oppressive and moving. It’s a 24 meter/78.7 foot high shaft of concrete illuminated by a single source of light.

The other void which left an unbelievable emotional and physical impact on me was a Memory Void containing an installation titled Shalekhet (Fallen Leaves) by Menashe Kadishman. “Over 10,000 open-mouthed faces coarsely cut from heavy, circular iron plates cover the floor”.

Upon nearing this void Julie and I heard this incredible loud noise which from a far away distance sounded first as a remote noise in a very busy cafe where dishes were clanking together but once we came closer and closer the sound was getting painful and shrill. Visitors are encouraged to walk into the void which turns darker and darker in the end.

I started stepping on the first faces and I stopped right away, I felt sick to the stomach and could not walk a single step further. I think I have never had this kind of reaction to any art I have ever seen and experienced before.

The first time we went through the Special Exhibition the clear box was unattended. So we decided to come back later again. At the end of the exhibition we found this huge wall full with post-its where visitors were asked to leave their comments and questions about the exhibition. It was another deep emotional moment to read some of them – in all languages, by all kinds of different people , age groups, countries and faiths. Some post-its were rude and made me swallow – like one in German that said: “None of my answers were answered by this exhibition and I will continue to have my prejudices” ,- many were written in a very narrow minded religious way – but there were also some like these:

Later we came back and talked to the woman sitting in the clear box. Julie and I started talking to her and my first question was “How do you feel sitting in this box” and “What was your motivation of volunteering for this” . The answers and stories about her experiences were very touching. From outraged Germans that have ties to Nazi-perpetrators to outraged Jewish people being hurt that she would sit in a box like in a zoo, from Jewish women from the U.S. starting to cry because they could not grasp that a jewish woman would live in Germany to young people asking basic questions about the religion. She told us she had wanted to do this to get to know how people in Germany feel about it because she always felt being asked many a questions anyway when she told her friends she was jewish. What she didn’t expect was how emotionally draining this whole experience would be.

During our conversation many other people joined our group from all countries, jews and non-jews and we had a very lively and very interesting discussion. It was a wonderful experience the way how we all stood there and talked with each other. And then somehow the amazing woman was not alone in the glass box anymore. She was accompanied by a friend from South America and a man from Germany who said he never makes public to be jewish out of fear for the reaction. I know it is hard to grasp if you haven’t been there or if you are full of prejudices about this exhibition anyway- but this picture and this moment was a moment of peace and made me feel that there is hope for this world.

During and after the visit Julie and I spent many hours talking about our experiences in the museum, thoughts and feelings. It was very deep and open and honest. It also reminded me that art is something that provokes thoughts and feelings. As mentioned several times, this visit in the Jewish Museum has provoked many thoughts and feelings in very different ways in me, and sharing this with a friend is an experience I will always cherish.

Loves

Nat

Comments (44)

Judith Kaufman

July 29, 2013 at 8:08 am | #

A very powerful article. I’m Jewish and live in America. I’m proud of you…that you posted this….We must teach the world and remind them to “never forget”.
The Fallen Leaves…brought tears to my eyes. My grandfather was one of 8 siblings. He’d come to the US many years…some of family were able to come and yet, some went back to Germany and were lost in the Holocaust.

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Diana

July 27, 2013 at 4:15 am | #

i simply can not ….. i have not a single sentence that will make sense…. thank you both for sharing your experience with each other and with all of us. Nat you are a very brave wonderful kind brave soul for sharing this with us! thank you xoxo

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Bonnie Rabon

July 25, 2013 at 4:54 am | #

There is hope. There is!

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Willow

July 24, 2013 at 7:41 pm | #

Thanks so much for sharing your emotional experience visiting the Jewish Museum with Julie. I am not sure I could get beyond those cement columns out front and if I did get myself inside, I could never walk across those faces, faces of my family, my people who perished. And as others mentioned, people are still being brutally murdered. When will we ever be able to respect each other no matter our differences…

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Laura Strack

July 19, 2013 at 7:53 am | #

Dearest Nathalie,
I too have friends that are Jewish and I love them and their families, deeply. I thank God everyday for my friendship with them. We may never fully understand how someone could have so much hatred in their heart and could support such evil doings. Thank you to you and Julie for sharing your beautiful friendship and experiences with all the world to see. It is a true testament of how God wants us to live; love one another as I have loved you.
In love and peace, always,
Laura

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Cuchy

July 18, 2013 at 11:00 pm | #

You told me about it in june but I thought it was only the cube q&a exhibit. This has had to be impressive and so emotional. Too much “fallen leaves”
Thank you for sharing. loves

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SusanJane

July 18, 2013 at 7:27 am | #

I cried when I was in the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem so many years ago and I’m not Jewish. It strikes me again that any group no matter what religion or race or nationality has to found museums and memorials to honor so many dead. There’s so much identity and so many memories tied up in what happened. I cry not just for the Jews who suffered and died but for our species that can’t seem to live with each other and our differences.

Art has the capacity to say things that cannot be otherwise said. Your photos are testament to the incredible power of art and the creative spirit.

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Cindi

July 18, 2013 at 7:06 am | #

Nat, thank you so much for this post, as hard as it must have been to write. What a moving experience to share with a friend, and now we blog readers can learn through you. Most of us won’t see this exhibit in person, so thank you for sharing.

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Helen

July 18, 2013 at 6:55 am | #

Bravo Natalie for posting about the experience you shared with your friend. I admire the artists who created this stark reminder of the brutality of racism and genocide. Your words made me ask myself what I can do, here and now, to welcome immigrants and refugees into my country. Thank you for your raw and visceral post.

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Mary Werner

July 18, 2013 at 4:03 am | #

Fallen Leaves is the most perfect example of ART that I have seen. Walking down that hall would have been next to impossible but probably something I would have done to deeply instill the memory of that sacrifice of God’s people. Why Jews? They were killed only because of their belief in God! It ended with the return of a portion of Israel given back to the Jews (a land born in a day – Issaiah 66.8) and we are all blessed because of them. Thank you Natalie for posting this as I would never have experienced it without your blog.

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Nancy Sapp

July 18, 2013 at 3:59 am | #

I already knew that you & Julie were great artists & teachers (I follow your blogs & posts every day) but now I know that you’re both brave. I also wondered what the noise was at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you for sharing your feelings throughout the post.
Grandma Nancy

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  July 18, 2013 at 4:39 pm | #
  
  Nancy , the noise was generated by the visitors walking on the faces…the “grinding” of the iron plates when walking on them – made them literally scream. That was the sound we heard in upon nearing the void. Nat
  
  Reply
Peg

July 18, 2013 at 2:05 am | #

Sounds like a profoundly moving experience, I can only imagine. So special that we have come far enough that you and Julie could experience it together with love and support for each other.
Like Martha said, this is a story that needs to be told again and again so that it is never forgotten.
Much love
xx

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Michelle

July 18, 2013 at 12:11 am | #

I’ve been curious about this exhibit ever since I read an article about it in the New York Times last summer. It wasn’t even up yet and people were already frothing at the mouth. I am glad someone thought if the “Jew In A Box” exhibit. The implications are serious and can be severely misconstrued but I think many people take prejudice and hatred based on “otherness” too lightly these days. This exhibit is shocking but it’s the best kind of art because it promotes open discussion- something that is much needed in this “post race” world.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts- I’ve often wondered how you felt about your country’s past. One of the things I love most about blogs is the personal stories people tell- I wish writers opened up more often. It’s hard since we blog about a very specific subject but it’s worth it. I swear if i had seen an evil comment i would have joined you in the royal blog beat down!
I’ve wanted to visit Berlin for so long now- this makes me want to go even more! I would love to read some of the discussion you had with Julie- I bet I would learn a whole heck of a lot.

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Deleted User

July 17, 2013 at 11:07 pm | #

Nat, thank you SO much for posting this. It’s such an important topic – and encompasses many topics, actually. Have you ever visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.? We went with our older teen boys years ago and it was also a very emotional experience. It’s so interesting how it’s designed. You start on an elevator that, when the doors open on the top floor, you walk out of to stunned silence as your eyes connect with larger than life photos. There were many displays that made me cry – and I wasn’t the only one. Interestingly, after the horror you’re met with upon the elevator door, as you travel down through the exhibit, it is arranged so that you become more aware of the spirit of the Jewish people, they’re hope to go on from there and the profundity of their culture. One of the most interesting – and hopeful – parts was listening to the recorded stories on a “telephone-like” device where actual Holocaust survivors are telling their stories. It was deeply moving. Don’t miss it when you get here. I’m just struck by the BEAUTY of a German Person and a Jewish Person (such as you and Julie) being able to have a heartfelt and genuinely loving conversation about all of this. There IS hope in this world despite those that would say otherwise. Thank you again for being brave enough to share! ♥♥♥

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Nurse Ratchet

July 17, 2013 at 11:04 pm | #

Nat…thank you so much for sharing such a poignant and personal experience accompanied by your amazing friend with us. Your beautiful souls are such inspiration to everyone you touch whether in person or via your art. Love ya LGL!!!

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Carrie

July 17, 2013 at 10:56 pm | #

Fantastic review of the exhibit and the museum space, Nat. It looks like probably the most powerful museum I’ve heard of. Even though I think almost all of us humans have some kind of prejudice whether we realize it or not, I have never understood prejudice to the point of hatred and abuse or violence. That seems to be truly the presence of evil in the world.

The installations and the “Jew in a Box” idea are brilliant. It’s difficult for me to even look at the faces in the Fallen Leaves installation; I don’t think I could’ve walked on them.

Reply

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Julie’s July Visit…or My Belly Still Hurts from Laughing

Berlin Hamburg

I have not even the slightest clue how to wrap up the fun visit by my friend Julie Fei Fan Balzer as this week was packed with so much fun, laughter, art, sightseeing, discussions, inspiration, birthday celebrations, insane amount of food and girlfriend stuff.

Here are some picture overload highlights:

Arting in the Hamburger Kunsthalle after visiting a Special Exhibition with Paul Klee – Angels

Julie’s amazing “I -Do-Not-Realize-You-Are-Taking-A-Photo-of-Me”-Pose

Reichstag Building from the window of our taxi cab to the Jewish Museum, where we spent many hours of our day in Berlin, I decided I will dedicate a whole extra blogpost telling about this special time there.

Painted Pieces of the Berlin Wall at Check Point Charlie where we had lunch and sat outside for a while.

Goofing around in my neighborhood in Hamburg

Having a fun birthday party with lot’s of my loved ones

Many amazing birthday gifts- including this gorgeous handmade artjournal from Julie (she insanely wants me to trash it with my own artjournal art- pffff)

Wonderful hours on the deck, eating, partying, chatting…and …Julie chasing flies…she might be the only person I know who travels with a fly swatter- LOL

Eating almost every meal outside for six days …we both loved it!

Boat tour in Hamburg – lot’s of walking and sightseeing.

Arting time on the deck

Hanging out with friends and shopping

We took photos in a photo booth each day – gosh we were laughing so much – I cannot even walk by this booth anymore without giggling.

Girlfriend time- I tell you – so refueling ! Nowadays it is rare that you spent so much time with a friend and I think it was the best way to slide into my 40s – I felt like 20 LOL. Thanks Julie for making my birthday so special and thanks to my hubs for treating us both like princesses for a week ;)

huge hugs

Nat

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Ay Que Risa Maria Luisa or Artmesa 2013

Cuchy and my 3rd Artmesa Event was awesome! We had a great time!

I taught my Season -Texture Canvas and it was a lot of fun as always to see all the different colors and outcomes and also see a lot of my stencils in use !

Cuchy’s book class was so really cool! – I loved it!

I have laughed so much that day and also later at the dinner – my belly still hurts. I learned essential spanish sayings and flamenco fan moves- LOL – as well as I was sung way ahead of my birthday birthday songs until the whole rest of the restaurant came over to congratulate me too…probably just to make sure we stop singing ;)

I also ate about every other minute…nom nom

And Cuchy took me to some sightseeing in El Escorial – beautiful town with a gorgeous royal monastary -the town built around.

Thank you to all our wonderful students, and to Cuchy and her amazing family! Cannot wait to see you next year ;)

Huge hugs

Nat

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