The Magic Begins in New Orleans
If I really zoom out and think about how I got where I am today after all the change and transformation of the past year, I’d have to say that the story really begins in February 2023, when I visited New Orleans for the first (and hopefully not last!) time.
During my brief but impactful trip with some friends from college + NYC, I was enchanted and inspired by the sights, sounds, scents, textures, nature, people, culture and allure of this magical and mysterious multicultural city.
Everything was fresh, new and different and I walked around with open eyes and open spirit, drinking it all in.
I loved the faded green of the Spanish moss on the majestic historic oaks, and the intricate floral and ornamental details of the iron-wrought balconies and galleries. I was enticed by the floating sounds of jazz on Bourbon Street by night, and inspired by the work of local artisans in galleries and shops by day.
It was the week before Mardi Gras would be officially celebrated, but the city was already buzzing with energy in preparation. As an integral part of the Carnival celebration, the concept of masks and masking began to take hold in my psyche, especially as I reflected on what parts of me I was hiding from the world, and myself ..
I’ve always loved art and felt most at home in any city when in a museum, so I took myself to the New Orleans Museum of Art for a day of reflection and inspiration.
Along the way, I stopped at Edgar Degas’ house on Esplanade Avenue; already familiar with his famous works eloquently depicting dancers, I learned that his mother was actually born in New Orleans, part of a prominent Creole family. Degas came to New Orleans in 1972 and stayed several months with his cousins, and it wasn’t until after this pivotal visit that his career as an Impressionist painter really took off. I picked up a book about him (more on that later!) written by native New Orleanians to learn more about him and his life; understanding the powerful message that even such a renowned and masterful artist had somewhat humble beginnings and struggled throughout his life made me feel both compassion and a mix of hope & optimism for my own artistic endeavors.
Among many lessons I learned from this trip, I came to realize most importantly that instead of hiding behind my own quietude and reserved nature, I do truly want to live a vibrant, colorful, exuberant and expressive creative life — even though doing so means that I must put myself out there with as much courage and without as much fear-of-being-perceived as I can muster. ◡̈
In reflecting on what I want to accomplish as an artist and creative individual in following my many lofty visions and ideals, I thought, “I’ve got to start somewhere,” and this trip for me represented the beginning of my artistic and creative recovery.
Especially as I sourced some delightful strands of vintage and other kinds of glass beads along the way, I returned from my voyage with a rejuvenated sense of inspiration and excitement to create. The results of my trip can be enjoyed in the many pieces of wearable artwork that emerged from the memories of this enchanted locale and accumulated value and meaning as I continued on my travels, following my passion and the quiet murmur of my intuition as it led me to Paris, France and Venice, Florence, Naples and Barga, Italy throughout the summer.
To be continued !!