Daily Inspiration: Meet Nelly Achkhen Sarkissian

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelly Achkhen Sarkissian.

Hi Nelly Achkhen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As an Emmy-winning designer covering local social justice issues like the LA Riots for 20 years, and a performance art enthusiast, I experienced a series of significant events in 2020 that have shaped my perspective and artistic expression.

From the initial impact of the pandemic in March to the Black Lives Matter protests in June, followed by the devastating blast in my hometown of Beirut, Lebanon in August, a new job in September, and the loss of lives and ancestral land during the War in Artsakh, Armenia in November, the year brought forth a multitude of shocks and traumas.

Additionally, the loss of my beloved dog, Charlie, in December added to the overwhelming anxiety I felt as a Lebanese immigrant with family still living in Beirut.

To find solace and a means of catharsis, I embarked on a journey to explore the healing power of nature and performance art. “Chasing waterfalls,” a phrase that initially held a symbolic meaning, took on a new significance as I ventured into the Olympic National Forest in Washington State.

The enchanting forest, frigid river waters, and lush meadows became the backdrop for my artistic exploration. The discovery of a mesmerizing waterfall marked a moment of transcendence, captured in a photograph as the grand finale of my journey.

While I previously found fulfillment in using art as a medium to raise awareness and bring about change within the LA community, I yearned for a more reflective and meditative break to aid my healing and transformation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My new job in launching a Sports Network amid the COVID pandemic in 2022 kept me preoccupied and unable to fully indulge in my desire for solitude and self-reflection.

After the successful launch of the network, I found myself once again burnt out and in need of restoration. Due to the challenges of traveling, my partner and I decided to embark on a local trip to Central California. Mother Nature once again came to my rescue during this trip, offering a sense of balance and serenity. Driving between Mono, June, and Tahoe lakes, I found inner peace and discovered a newfound harmony within myself.

In our quest for rejuvenation, we were also fortunate to acquire a getaway home in the desert near Palm Springs.

The proximity to Joshua Tree, Pioneertown, Landers, and Palm Desert allowed us to escape and find respite from the pressures of daily life. The vast expanse of the desert horizon evoked a sense of connection to my ancestors, who had experienced hardships in the Anatolian desert. Additionally, the desert landscape transported me to an otherworldly realm, resembling the planet Mars devoid of water.

This year, California experienced a plentiful winter, resulting in snow-covered mountains that transformed into magnificent waterfalls and streams during the spring. My first experience with a waterfall occurred at the Murray Canyon Trail in Palm Springs, where I took my first natural shower. Immersing myself in the calm waters and even indulging in the freedom of skinny dipping in the natural spa spools provided a moment of exhilaration and release. At that moment, I felt my worries washing away, discovering the true essence of paradise on Earth and the importance of faith and happiness.

While exploring waterfalls, I had a beautiful encounter as I ventured to Tahquitz Falls. A mesmerizing sight unfolded before me as I walked along the hiking trail—a herd of mountain sheep gracefully traversing the path. The harmonious dance of these magnificent creatures amidst the enchanting surroundings of the waterfall created a truly mesmerizing experience.

Subsequently, I started organizing outings with fellow hiker friends to maintain the momentum and continue exploring these awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Next were Switzer Falls and Eaton Canyon. These experiences reminded me of my childhood in Lebanon, where we found freedom and adventure in the forests, building treehouses and fostering a sense of bravery and resilience despite the ongoing wars. Through these hikes and encounters with nature, I realized that I had been in survival mode for the past fifteen years, solely focused on building my career in the United States. It became evident that I had neglected the element of fun and self-care in my life. Nature became a catalyst for reconnecting with joy, motivating me to continue pursuing my career while prioritizing my needs and fostering a heightened awareness of the world around me.

Balancing a full-time job with my passion for hiking and exploring proved challenging.

However, I recognized the importance of cultivating a support system that shared my love for outdoor adventures, as it encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the transformative power of nature. It became clear that the best things in life are often free and easily accessible, such as the wonders of the natural world. Sadly, I witnessed some individuals’ lack of regard for their surroundings while hiking, with trails often marred by litter and graffiti. Our collective responsibility is to care for our environment and make small changes to contribute to a better future.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an individual with an outgoing personality and a penchant for creativity, my inspiration stems from the iconic music videos of my youth, such as the memorable Dire Straits video “I WANT MY MTV.” The compelling visuals from the music video sparked a deep passion in me. They set me on a lifelong journey to explore in the captivating realm of graphics and animation.

Throughout my long and rich career in TV broadcasting, I have had the privilege of working for numerous TV networks. I am proud to have achieved the title of Art Director in a creative hub at Bally Sports; the network covers live games from the NBA, NHL, and MLB. Here, I have merged my passion for digital technology with the timeless art of storytelling, delivering captivating visuals to enhance the viewers’ experience.

However, my artistic endeavors extend beyond the realm of television. I have embarked on a profound and significant creative project called “Back to Nature.” This series of mini-impromptu performance videos seek to intertwine indigenous wisdom, climate change advocacy, and an exploration of the non-binary body, all while questioning the very essence of human nature. Each location I select serves as a deep canvas for this artistic expression as I immerse myself in thorough research to unearth its historical significance as a sacred land.

Through this process, I strive to remap our relationship with the land and reestablish a harmonious spiritual connection with nature.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
As a performance artist, I am constantly stirred and motivated by the ever-changing identities of the land, which we as a society often exploits for human purposes. With a deep awareness of the urgent climate crisis, my unwavering dedication lies in restoring equilibrium to our planet and fostering a sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

My upcoming project, “Back to Nature,” aims to rebuild the connection with our natural surroundings and inspire others to do the same, encouraging them to adopt a healthier and more respectful approach to coexisting with Earth. By acknowledging our responsibility and making even small changes in our lives, we can create a better world for future generations.

Throughout my journey of self-discovery and aligning my energy with nature, I have encountered waterfalls’ profound beauty and transformative power. These magnificent natural wonders provide fuel for my artistic expression and hold the capacity to heal and revitalize. By embracing the inherent wisdom of indigenous cultures and raising awareness about the urgency of climate change, I aspire to ignite a collective movement towards a more sustainable and harmonious existence.

I wholeheartedly embrace collaborations and opportunities for artistic performances and collaborative projects centered around nature and the human experience.

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure! I’m thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity to join me on our next exhilarating hike! It’s time to seize the moment and embark on an unforgettable journey. Don’t wait a second longer! Shoot me an email or hit that follow button on my Instagram handle @achkhen to be part of yet another mind-blowing local hike! Brace yourself for an epic experience—I can’t wait to see you there!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cargocollective.com/nellyachkhenart/About
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CS8h-6SLzwD/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2265422752/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellyachkhen/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAfkqqxn5d4&t=4s
• Other: https://vimeo.com/nellyachkhen

Image Credits
Portrait Photograph by Martin Yernazian Switzer Falls Photograph by Kaleb Nasworthy Murray Canyon Falls Photograph by Lilit Der Hovanessian Slide 1: Olympic National State Park Slide 2: Murray Canyon Waterfall Slide 3: Tahquitz Canyon Slide 4: Switzer Falls Slide 5: Eaton Canyon