Local Arts Index: Nancy Eisen

For over a century, our region has been home to extraordinary artists. Local Arts Index highlights the work of individuals who continue our community’s rich creative legacy.

Meet Nancy Eisen.

How Did You Become An Artist?

I guess I was born an artist. As long as I can remember I had a heightened sense of awareness. I see things in detail—I don’t just see a tree, I see each individual leaf, the many levels of branches, the shadows, I hear the sound of the leaves moving in the wind. I love looking at bark, touching it, looking at the detail, the depth.

In the same way I don’t just see people. I notice their posture, their facial expressions, their hands. I sense their emotions. Everything has an impact on me. I listen to my thoughts, my inner dialogue. I think, I feel, I empathize. I create. I find beauty everywhere and it makes me who I am. I feel like I’m a piece of artwork created by the world around me.

What Kind Of Art Do You Make?

I make all kinds of art. I balance rocks. I think that’s a spiritual thing. I like found art, things that jump out at me and give me inspiration while walking on a trail in the woods or a city street. If I can’t pick it up, I take a picture. Obscure things make their way into my art. Funny angles, unusual people. I’m fascinated by nature, the nature of humans, the nature of humanity. Sometimes my art takes the form of activism or simply caring. Everything I do is motivated by the same thing that makes me an artist.

What’s Your Muse?

My muse must be the very nature of the world. The people. How people think and act. The lack of humanity in some, and me, trying to understand and change that, or at least get around it. I feel like I’m on earth to learn to acquaint myself with the good and the bad and somehow use my talent to create some sort of change, to do something good.

Only an artist can maneuver the world with an open mind. I can bring about change through my art, my openness will allow that.

What’s Next?

I have hurdles to cross before I can commit my entire self to art. My son and I have been on a two-year journey of homelessness and strain. We have faired well. We are still looking for a place to live in Nyack, a place I believe is out there. We have a lot to offer anyone who has some space to share.

We have been waiting and looking hard for this, and when it happens, our lives will settle down, and more room for art, rather than survival, will open up.

Local Arts Index is sponsored by Maria Luisa, 77 South Broadway and ML by Maria Luisa, 75 South Broadway, Nyack, NY