Hello Again
Some of you have been following my work for a while. Some of you are new here. Either way, welcome (back?)
I kind of stepped away from everything altogether for a bit. It’s been an intense few years. I went through some medical stuff, and spent the last year and a half in an apprenticeship that was a great opportunity but ultimately not sustainable for me. I found myself missing what I love most, which is creating and connecting via my own work. Drawing, painting and writing my own world around me and inviting you in. Definitely not the “stable” route, but its what my spirit needs. Unfortunately, I have the kind of brain that doesn’t function unless I’m doing what I feel called to do. So I’m back here again, and while its scary as hell, I don’t know that I really have another option. I’ve known this since I was a little kid but you now, social conditioning to climb the ladder and whatever
That all being said, I’m so, so happy to be back. This time I’m doing things a bit differently.
When I started this career, the world was very different. Covid was just around the corner, and the way we spent our time and money was primarily online. This allowed me to stay home in a creative bubble and dispatch my work into the ether constantly, making connections all over the world. At the time, that kept me sane, kept me creating, and connected me with many of you. And while that was a dark era for all of us, I’m grateful for what some of those conditions allowed.
Now, we are in a much different place. With the nightmarish cloud of AI looming above and around us constantly, I’m craving a more human approach. Within the parameters of lockdown, I created a system that allowed me to fulfill orders and ship them anywhere, without ever touching them. That was convenient and necessary, but doesn’t really work for me anymore. It feels cold and impersonal. I want to be involved in every step. I want to show up in person, as a human with a physical form. I want to add personal touches to every piece, every order, every interaction.
Moving forward, all orders will be hand printed and packed by me, in my studio (with the exception of large format collector pieces, which will still be printed by my trusted print shop.) They will include a certificate of authenticity and optional signature. They’ll likely include some cool extra things like stickers, mini prints, hand written notes. Whatever strikes me.
I’ll be expanding my offerings to more tactile items- greeting cards, bookmarks, clothing, etc, as well as hand painted and hand drawn objects and vessels. And more! I’m leaving the door open for inspiration to come in whenever and however.
Most importantly, and the part I’m most excited about- I’ll be doing more pop ups and markets! I’m so excited about this! I have always wanted a physical space to curate and build within, and while that is probably a long term goal, this will allow me to start playing with space itself. Not to mention allow face to face connection with the community thats made this crazy job even possible for me.
So.
This is where I’ll be writing now. Not promotional emails shot off from a mailing list, but something a little more intimate and stream of consciousness. I like to share my process and my obsessions. Of course I will also keep you posted about events, sales, new drops and all of that. But I’ve never been a girl boss and I don’t really intend to be, despite my overwhelmingly capricorn-heavy birthchart. I was a livejournal girlie and I have to be myself. This is like the adult version of that, which will probably humiliating in the future, but whatever.
Thanks for reading!
Ok so now that thats all out of the way, the next big events on the calendar are both east and west coast so I hope I can meet a lot of you!
Saturday 8/22 ANCIENT FUTURE Solo exhibition and opening party, 220 Salon, 855 N. Failing St Portland Oregon. time TBD
This is going to be crazy, sexy and very fun. I’m biased but honestly you need to be there. 220 Salon knows how to throw a party, and I’m bringing a whole ass collection out there for it. Last year I painted a big seductive, mystical mural inside and we are keeping that vibe going. More on that soon.
Saturday and Sunday 11/21 + 11/22, Good Trade Makers Market, WaterFire Arts Center 475 Valley Street| Providence, RI
Thats all for now. Thanks for reading all of that.
I’m actively looking for more markets and pop ups that fit the vibe so send any over if you know of some. And if you’re a shop owner and want to discuss retail, I’m also selectively shopping for that as well.
Thank you so much, whether you’re new or have been here all along.
So happy to be back, and forever grateful for you!
XO
Natalee
