Hello!
This post will be kind of random, but quite honest and something I think is important for me to write, mostly because it has to do with my work.
I moved to Spain 6 months ago, time flies and this last week I realized a lot of things about the way I behave, I am a seeker by nature, I like goals, and running, fighting for them, I have so many plans and so many ideas it can be overwhelming at times and it becomes hard to do just that one thing.
I think every now and then it is important, to take a vacation.
Not the margarita in your hand and the sand in your feet kind of vacation, but a vacation from your mind, a little while to clean and arrange, I see it as a big room filled with things, that closet that you stuff and stuff things in and can’t open the door because it will all fall off on top of you.
I need time to put some shelves, to sweep and arrange it all, how? I need time for myself, I need time to discover my new home, to find new favorite places, to go for infinite walks without thinking I have to be in the post office at 5.
I love making jewelry, I am not afraid to admit that I need to make jewelry too, when I sit down to work the world stops, nothing is more important than what my hands are doing in that moment, how this wire is bent, how something fits, details, when I am not working I feel a little empty.
As of late I’ve been working a lot and I mean a LOT, and the mornings are not what they used to be, how scary when things become stressful, and I know, I know stress in work, “Wow! welcome to the world Nat” but hey! if I can change it, I will and I need to take some time to fall in love with my work again, to pour into it without any pressure, I need it to make a living, it is my only income, so taking my “Vacation” is literally a gift to myself, without thinking of next week, without thinking of what will happen as hard as that might be, I think for me to love what I do is the most important thing, I don’t want it to become something shallow, if you purchase something from me I would like it to mean something for both of us, for me when making it, for you when wearing it.
I could tell you so many stories of people asking me to make something specific, they don’t give me a design but a story, and that is a beautiful thing, jewelry not just as a plain adornment but jewelry as a reminder, as a memory as something special and meaningful to you.
That is the jewelry I want to make, and that is why I need time.
My shop will be closed for a little while, but I will be making jewelry, so you will certainly see some here or in Facebook.
Thank you for reading!
EVERY artist, whether a jeweler or a musician or a poet or any other kind, need to take vacations of the mind. When the mind is at peace, especially for an extended time, new growth and new ideas can begin to form in the subconscious, which is where all great art begins!
You’re right, there are always times and moments of stress, but when your ART begins to feel stressful, you know you need to take a break. GOOD FOR YOU!!!
Rose,
Thank you so much for your comment, it gives me such peace to read what you wrote, sometimes there is that “guilty” feeling which is precisely what I want to avoid, don’t want to feel like it’s too much, never!
What Rose said.
And:
You have a great writing style that is fluid and conveys nicely where you are at.
Yes, distance from your work is critical. It is hard when your income depends on it and you know people will be trying to reach you. But it is too easy to feel like you cNt leace it for even a momennt or everything will fall apart. This simply isnt the case though. People will understand, I am sure your income will be fine and you will come back to your work table refreshed and inspired and finances will take care of themselves.
Shut off your phone, email and throw a few things in a bag and go thumb a ride, or go no where far, but free your mind to rebuild your inspiration…
Ben I did exactly that, first I started with a bit of anxiety, doing nothing can be hard after days and days of hard work everyday, but I left my house, saw some new places, did absolutely nothing,read, walked, meet new people, it took 2 months to recover the feeling of normality, peace and joy and I can’t tell you how happy it makes me, I was feeling a bit depressed over all and I think I got to the bottom of it, I need movement and freedom.
Calidad de vida Nati <3
Cuidese p poder bretear feliz
un abrazo!
Jimeeeeeeeee ando contestando todos los comentarios tarde, soy fatal! Calidad de vida 100% y luego el resto, tenemos que hablar un día de estos.
Natalia. I so enjoy your jewelry but more importantly your passion. This is the time to be good to yourself before settling down or having children. All your friends and fans will still be here if and when you come back to us. I wish you only joy and good health. I will smile at you every time I wear one of your pieces. Love you Kathie
Kathieeeeeee I need to fly all the way to the states just to give you a hug! you are so nice thank you so much for your comment it made me smile.
I agree with Ben, I love your style of writing; it feels as if it just flows from your heart. That being said, after reading this post, I am very glad I was able to get a hold of you for my bridal jewelry a while back. When the nicer photos from my photographer comes in, I will link them to you, if you will be interested in seeing them (: It was a beautiful wedding and the jewelry you created for me made it even more special. Thank you so much <3
Jenny! thank you so much for your sweet comment, I am so happy about your wedding andI would love to see the photos!!, my email is nataliaraya@gmail.com, I have not been online for a while but I discovered your tumblr today and I loved the little rose ring you made, if you ever have questions on soldering write me!
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