Monica Farbiarz
We took a moment with local artist and Upstate California Creative Corps grantee, Monica Farbiarz, to ask her about her project MAI-The Salmon Journey, and the creative spark that flows through her life. For the last year Farbiarz has been collaborating with other artists, and being consulted by California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project, to create a multimedia project that follows the life cycle of the “Salmon—Mai,” in Nisenan language, that used be plentiful in the Yuba River and still play an important role in our rivers’ ecology.
“I’m excited to continue The Salmon Journey beyond the grant and share it with an even wider audience,” shared Farbiarz. “I love co-creating with my team, and we envision expanding the project by creating a book featuring the illustrations I’ve made. We also plan to enrich the animated video and virtual presentations for our intergenerational workshops.”
Originally from Colombia, Farbiarz says: “From a very young age, I knew I came into this life to find freedom, and that inner drive still guides me today,” She recalls. “As a child, dancing was my way of feeling free, and I danced wherever I went. I feel free when I am creating. Whether through singing, acting, painting, walking in nature, or tending to the garden, every creative expression becomes a path of exploration and discovery.
“There isn’t just one way to approach the creative process. Sometimes I follow an inspiration that begins as an idea, an image in my mind, or a feeling in my heart. Other times, an abstract idea emerges, and as I follow it, a whole universe unfolds before me—colors, shapes, and sensations arise, and I let them take the lead. For me, the key is to follow the inspiration without needing to know where it will take me. There are no mistakes in this process, only new possibilities. One of the most important aspects is not to fear challenges, and to remain detached from the outcome.”
Through the creation of MAI-The Salmon Journey Farbiarz has been painting, singing and dancing! When asked what inspires her, Farbiarz shares: “Nature has always been my primary source of inspiration. However, anything can spark inspiration if I remain open to listening, feeling, and being moved by what touches my heart.” She’s used this very inspiration to inform the creation and execution of her Creative Corps grant funded projects. Workshops throughout the community have incorporated opportunities for people of all ages to move, make art and sing along as they follow the journey of the salmon through its ancestral home of the Yuba Watershed.
Farbiarz says: “In addition, we aim to elevate our website into a community hub, providing accessible resources for kids, parents, and teachers—continuing to inspire and engage people along the way. We are currently seeking new connections and opportunities to help fund the next phase of the project, allowing it to grow and reach its full potential.”
Enriched by our ever expanding and fertile creative community, Farbiarz shared two local artists that inspire her. Local painter LeeAnn Brook and local writer and poet Maxima Kahn. “I love how LeeAnn’s style continue to evolve, becoming more abstract while maintaining a deep connection to nature. Her painting have depth and soul. Maxima’s work inspires me, both as an artist and as a facilitator who helps others connect with their inner artist. Her poetry is evocative, her language carries the music of the heart.
“ Her advice to any artist is “It’s not about the specific activity—it's about being moved by the creative spirit that connects with life. And what truly brings it all together is sharing that creative energy with others.”
You'll be able to see more of MAI-The Salmon Journey at the upcoming Art in Public Spaces exhibition, Artists @ Work! Listen to the song and learn more about Farbiarz’s project on The Salmon Journey website.
This story originally appeared in the September 15th, 2024 edition of the GVNC Culture Connection newsletter.