Natalia Schaefer
Artist Statement
Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else. - Leonardo da Vinci
My intention in art is to give people a brief respite, time to pause for a moment, to enable them to see once again how beautiful life and the natural world are and our connection with Mother Earth. Then we all are connected and we all are the one: Nature, Animals and Humans - with different cultures, skin colors and religions. So my another favourite quote is from Albert Einstein - „A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. „
Biography
Natalia Schäfer (Schaefer) is a Germany based artist and illustrator. Since 2009, she has produced a variety of calendars, stationery products and gift books to great success, together with renowned German-language publishers. Delicate mandalas with spiritual and contemplative patterns in glimmering shades of metallic colours illuminate spaces from the walls, alongside expressive abstract paintings and African- style pieces inspired by folk art you can‘t pigeonhole Natalia Schäfer. The work of the autodidact, as Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, who was born in Russia and has lived in Germany for many years, is as multi-faceted as the techniques she has developed. She uses materials such as genuine gold, silver and copper to perfect her paintings. Driven on by a profound appreciation of aesthetics, her gifts to the viewer are instances of beauty and relaxation in our often hectic everyday lives. Natalia has taken part in numerous solo and group exhibitions and art show in Berlin, London, Zurich, Gstaad, Monaco, Venice, Miami, New York and Dubai.
What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?
Ever since I can remember, I have always painted, but I have only shown my artwork to small circles of people I know. After moving to Germany, there was a situation where acquaintances asked for advice on buying a painting that they weren't sure about. I spontaneously offered to paint the picture for her. The artwork was very well received, and I got some orders, then even more. I have been doing this professionally since 2005. Later I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design parallel to my artist job. In 2008 I was contacted by one of the leading German calendar publishers for cooperation. Since then, I have been illustrating for several publishers and numerous products. I find art on products inspiring and have recently started to publish my own collection.
What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?
Technically, I like to experiment with materials and explore old and new techniques. Through trial and error and the "accidents", I have developed several methods of my own. On the content level, I love to convey the messages with the images and to integrate symbolism into the paintings. The exciting thing is always to observe the interpretations of the viewers. Some get the message of the artwork, which inspires me in my work. Others find the colours and "patterns" beautiful. Both ways are inspiring me and have their justification.
What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?
My intention in art is to give people a brief respite, time to pause for a moment, to enable them to see once again how beautiful life and the natural world are and the connection with Mother Earth. Then we all are connected and we all are the one: Nature, Animals and Humans with different cultures, skin colours and religions. So my other favourite quote is from Albert Einstein - „ A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
Can you explain the process of creating your work?
There are two ways in which I begin my process. When designing on a specific theme, I am looking into the subject; then, the creative process begins expressing the idea. The other way, without guidelines, is purely intuitive painting, inspired by a theme, impression, emotion, book, quote, dance, music.
What is your favourite part of the creative process?
I have two favourite parts. One, the moment when I stand by the blank canvas and look forward to starting without knowing what will come of it. And two, when I see the painting finished on the wall and "welcome" the new artwork to existence and release it into the "world", and say goodbye with gratitude.
Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?
The theme of spirituality has accompanied me throughout my life, as has my love of nature, ancient knowledge and different cultures. So I continue to pursue these themes, experimenting on large formats. I am also pursuing projects with publishers and developing my own products, as well as participating in international projects, exhibitions and art fairs. This year I have several exhibitions planned in museums in Italy; I am part of the Tokyo Art Exhibition, Swissartexpo in Zurich, ARTEXPO New York, MAG Montreux (CH) and a group exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
Website: www.natalias-art.de
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalias_art_de/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NataliasArtDe
