Natasha Smith
Artworks
Inspired by the natural world, my work is intuitive and passionate.
Several themes run through my work: birds, circles, leaves, wheels, travel, dreams……..
I work without knowing the outcome, trusting the process, and following my intuition. However, I am perennially concerned with the environmental issues, the elements, the singular beauty of our planet
My practice has long been working within the stricture of stone. With my journey into painting, I am enjoying the immense freedom and world of colour, which is both compelling and exciting.
my lockdown story - becoming a painter
I have always sketched and painted what I could see.
I never considered painting entirely from my head! It involves massive risk, trust and a letting go.
In March 2020 the world experienced unprecedented events and I took a leap of faith and enrolled on an online course that was to alter my art irrevocably.
Now I divide my time between my stone carving, which is mostly lettering commissions and courses, and my free-form painting, which is leading me on a journey, who knows where?
Painting lights me up, brings me alive, restores my faith, and propels me into other worlds.
Mixed Media Paintings on Birch panel
My paintings are but up in layers of acrylic paint, collage, and pastel, continuously evolving.
I work in series, having 3 or 4 paintings on the go at a time. This keeps the work fresh.
I spend 20 minutes in free-form painting, always starting from play, having fun, with no thought to design, colour or result.
After this, the painting usually tells me which direction it wants me to take it. Some paintings change so dramatically that they evolve into completely different paintings. I work listening to music which strongly influences the piece, Bach, Beethoven, Phillip Glass….…..
Prices range from £100
Courses in gell plate printing and more…….
I run courses in gell plate printing, casting in plaster, and more……….
In this digital era, creating artwork is the perfect antidote to the screen we all spend too much time on. It is therapeutic, creative and ecological; a recharge for the soul. It reconnects me to the world and if you come for a course it will reconnect you too.
With courses continually being added you never know what you might find taking place on a Saturday morning in my gorgeous, rustic studio
“Creativity takes courage”