Today we’d like to introduce you to Nerissa Balland
Hi Nerissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My cancer diagnosis awakened my soul and rekindled my neglected love affair with art. Art has a way of healing. I now use it to inspire viewers to listen to their voice within that is eager to be heard. I have many roles in life. I’m a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, artist, art educator, and cancer survivor.
In August 2016, I was five months pregnant, working from home while hiding from the Zika outbreak in Miami Beach. I was on a conference call when I received some news that changed my life indefinitely. I don’t remember much of the conversation; but, I do recall going into shock when I heard my biopsy result from a small mole located on my back was malignant.
Since that fateful day, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy, underwent cancer treatment, endured the return of cancer, which required new treatment, more surgery, and re-staging to 3b Metastatic Melanoma. Not to mention during this time I became pregnant (shocking to me I was deemed infertile, and my boys were conceived via IVF).
Just seven weeks before my 40th birthday, I was faced with choosing my own life over the life of my unborn child. This was the hardest choice to make; it still stings to this day. I needed to remain healthy and alive for my husband, my boys, and to live my life.
As one might think, I definitely underwent an intense period of self-reflection. Not to mention the notion of “death” became very real. Months passed, healing was in effect, and my husband and I agreed I should quit my day job and take some time for myself. I reconnected with art and found myself in a place where I was finally able to create without the stress of being a starving artist. It brought and continues to bring me joy.
In 2002, after receiving my MFA from Pratt Institute, I silenced my dream of being a professional artist and took a more financially secure path that lead me down an 18 year-long career in marketing and design. It was Cancer that pushed me to dig deeper and discover what my heart wanted. It wasn’t until I was faced with my own mortality that I began to listen to myself and pursue my passion.
You see, art has always been a passion but after a year working in my studio solo, I needed more. I wanted to take that passion and turn it to purpose. I began studying Arts In Health and received my Teaching Certification in the state of Florida. I’m currently a Faculty member at NSU University School teaching AP Art, Advanced Art, Drawing & Painting to high school students. I find that giving back to students and mentoring them with their portfolios I’m giving back. I try to provide the tools they need to succeed in the ever changing world of art.
If you have silenced that little voice inside take a moment to listen to it. Life is short, time is priceless, enjoy it with whatever means possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest obstacle, was changing my mindset and living more authentically. It took me nearly 40 years and a cancer diagnosis to finally allow myself to address my limiting beliefs. These beliefs were toxic and held me back from pursuing my dreams. I’m now in a place of acceptance, satisfaction, and understanding what I want out of life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My creative process consistently evolves to balance technique and “the unlearned.” Simultaneously, it unravels like an onion and taps into basic human desires for acceptance, love, and protection. I often explore how these desires are defined. I’m fascinated and comforted by boundaries, finding loopholes, and breaking the rules.
My art consistently represents subject matter through many textures, layers, colors, and strokes that provide playful yet organized chaos.
While I use various materials and processes in each series, my methodology is consistent. Although there may not always be material similarities between the different series, they are linked by recurring themes. The subject matter of each body of work drives my material selections and my approach.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Authenticity.
As an artist you face rejection, creative block, self-doubt on a daily basis. Staying true to who you are and your values can be difficult in the confines our society. For me, centering myself, checking-in, and making choices that meet my core values helps me maintain authentic. Being authentic, helps ward off toxic people, environments, and mindsets thus paving the way to success in all facets of my life personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nerissaballand.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nerissaballandart/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChLNIYvZ3jE7kqbDBYxiZ7g
- Other: https://www.redbubble.com/people/nerissaballand/shop?asc=u
