We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nathalie Fabri. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nathalie below.

Nathalie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I think that one of the most meaningful projects I have undertaken is the one called the Mission Kiss. The backstory begins during Covid, Trump was recently elected, there was a feeling of despair in my community. My art studio was in a San Francisco neighborhood called The Mission. I was thinking of putting up public art that is positive and I thought what better way to show love and positivity, but through a kiss? Especially at a time when being close to someone was difficult, because of Covid. So I started painting diverse couples kissing on wooden hearts that were about 12 x 12“ and randomly placing them in the neighborhood. Behind the hearts, I left a message that people could take them home.

people started posting about it, and other artists asked to be involved. It has now become a yearly ritual. We have just completed our third mission kiss.! This now involves over 100 artists each time who donate their art, and hang them in trees on a designated day on a designated route that I chose. each heart is up for grabs and it’s a way of giving back to the community. Also, the community can donate back to the artist! it is a fun filled afternoon full of love and generosity. The community benefits, the artists benefit by being discovered, and local businesses benefit from the traffic the event brings. It is meaningful to me because it is a way to organize a public art event that honors San Francisco artists and gives a bit of love that people can bring home.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a full time artist in San Francisco. My art is mostly seen as surreal urban landscapes. my focus lately has been more about nature and florals than the building themselves, but they still do make an appearance in most of my paintings. Because I am known for my street scenes, I still get commissions to do portraits of peoples homes and streets, which I continue to enjoy. My colors are bright and vibrant, and there’s always an element of light.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I live in San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the United States. I always wanted to be an artist, and I painted in my bedroom, while I worked different jobs full-time. At one point, I was unhappy, and when you find yourself unhappy in your life, you look, and you find ways to change it. and although I knew it would be a struggle, I chose it. I chose it because I am happier, leading a creative life, even though I struggle for money, because I feel free and that I am living my dream. My art career provided for myself and my son. I tell my son that my paintings are what raised him. I made it work, I teach private art classes, utilize my French to incorporate French into my lessons, lead workshops, curate shows… my income is not predictable, but it always seems to work out. You put yourself out there and remain flexible and open to new opportunities and you can make it work.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that I feel I am not wasting my time in this life. I am living my dream and doing exactly what I want to do. I feel free and I’m not stuck at any one job. I keep improving my skills as well.. I also love to curate art shows and I really like to support other artists. I love teaching art and seeing that connection that kids have with Art is incredible.

Contact Info:

• Website: Fabrikations.com
• Instagram: @Nathalie_fabri_artist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathalie.fabri.5

Image Credits
Jonathan Botkin