2024 NATURE CONSERVANCY RECAP

The four artists selected for the 2024 Nature Conservancy grant with Andy Warhol Visual Arts Foundation, from left to right top row: Ria Rajan, Christie Jones bottom row: Michelle Brody, Jasmine Gutbrod

Last autumn I had the absolute honor of being selected as one of the 2024 Nature Conservancy artists to receive a grant from the Andy Warhol Visual Arts Foundation. In October, I led a plein air workshop at the private Andy Warhol Preserve in Montauk, New York. It was a wonderful small group of adventurers. We drove into the preserve, hiked with our materials into this gorgeous opening overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was something right out of a movie. The weather was perfect, warm with a cool ocean breeze. The sun shone down upon us as we savored the sights, smells, and sounds of this remote location.

This experience solidified my excitement of creating with others en plein air. I have always enjoyed the unpredictability of painting outdoors, but seeing the joy on everyone’s faces made me realize how special it truly is. Gathering to create, being in nature, appreciating the moment these are all important things especially as life twists and turns. Being among others who share these passions is a special thing. I am grateful that the grant provided access to this historic setting, along with the materials that I was able to provide and share with attendees. I hope this is the first of many workshop experiences like this.

FEATURED ON: Frankly

Graphic created by Ashley Alaia

I had the exciting opportunity to be featured on Frankly, one of my favorite substack’s that is part scrapbook, part diary by Ashley Alaia. She is interviewing creatives seasonally through short Q&A sessions called Quick Takes.

1. How do you stay motivated during creative lulls, and how do you balance your creative work with other aspects of life (work, school, or personal time)?

“Over the years, I’ve created a process-focused art practice. This allows me to always be creative in some way regardless of whether my motivation is there or not. Since I make my own paints, if I’m not feeling inspired to create a collection of original work, I still spend time in my studio making colors. Keeping the studio a warm and welcoming place has helped me stay in a creative mindset. Some of my ideas for work came from those quiet times grinding pigments, dreaming about what I want to make.

An hour in there is better than avoiding it altogether, so even with school, teaching, exhibiting my work, and my personal life—I can create these small pockets to breathe life into my studio time. Small moments lead to big breakthroughs.”