ALL GOOD THINGS


June 25, 2016
Urban Nirvana was a magical place of the '90s on the corner of DeKalb Avenue and Waddel Street. On first impression, the exterior looked like graffiti gone wild, in a good way. Eighteen-foot sunflowers were painted across the back of the building. Psychedelic palms trees, painted on the front of the building, blended magnificently with crafted metal dinosaurs and garden art. Behind the building were pens filled with goats, peacocks, and chickens; cascading over the pens were Kudzu flowers, in full fragrant bloom-- my introduction to Nirvana. The Return to Atlanta blog fortunately captured several images from Urban Nirvana, which sadly is no longer there--replaced by condos.
Owner of this quintessential hub of creativity was Christine Sibley, daughter of journalist and author, Celestine Sibley--both equally and extraordinarily talented. Christine is well known, especially for her beautiful pottery and plaques.
One of my favorite pieces shares the sentiment, "People who love things that grow know that gardens have the magical power to soothe a troubled soul or lift a joyful spirit even higher" - Anon
As posted by Return to Atlanta, "All good things must come to an end. Miss Sibley was seriously injured in a near-fatal auto accident in 1998 and, after months of difficult recovery, sold the Urban Nirvana property in September 1999. Sadly, she passed away a few months later at age 51."
Yes, Urban Nirvana came to an end, but Christine's creative spirit carries on. Carlos Montano, who worked for years with Christine in her studio, now owns her molds and continues to reproduce her designs.
I just recently met Carlos. Coincidentally, before finding my way to the Casa Montano studio, I had found and purchased several Sibley pieces at a local antique shop. Carlos shared that the plaque, which I gave my mother, His Eye is on the Sparrow, was Christine's last design. His Eye is on the Sparrow also was Celestine's favorite hymn. She asked that they sing this at Christine's funeral. Not only does Carlos recreate Christine's designs, he carries memories. Carlos pointed out a piece in which the face was modeled after Christine's son, Thomas. The cupped shapes surrounding the angelic face were molded to Christine's fingertips.
Perhaps not all good things must completely end.It was delightful watching Christine create the mosaic on one of the fountains at Atlanta Botanical Gardens.Three angelic faces are still peering through the cascading sheet of water; Christine Sibley was here.
[Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners and The Newnan Times Herald.] 

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