We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Cooperman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My success has laid in the power of passion, perseverance, and the transformative effect of consistent practice. Art has been a central and defining part of my life. Some of the key elements to have helped me are: My passion for creation : Finding something that inspires me and allows me to express myself.
My supportive family : my parents’ efforts to support my creativity, and the mentorship you received from a local artist, played a significant role. Having access to guidance and encouragement deeply influenced my development as an artist.
Biggest challenges :
Balancing Act: Moving to New York City and starting a full-time job as a textile designer, while exciting, presented challenges in balancing my creativity with professional responsibilities . As I have been in the fashion industry for over 20 years I find this is a common struggle for many artists trying to make a living while nurturing their personal creative pursuits.
Find my stride – Its about a daily practice. I was astounded at my progress after a year of drawing almost everyday.
I am a mother of 3 small kids and find it is a struggle worth fighting for – to find the balance
Striking a balance between professional demands and personal creative time is essential. It’s a challenging finding ways to integrate creativity into daily life but it can lead to long-term fulfillment.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I would describe myself as a contemporary artist based in Milwaukee, known for my work across a range of mediums, including painting and mixed media. My art frequently delves into themes of nature, abstraction, and personal expression, and has been featured in local exhibitions and galleries, enriching Milwaukee’s vibrant art scene.
In addition to my personal work, I take on commissions, creating custom pieces such as portraits of pets and people, as well as watercolor scenes of buildings. This versatility allows me to adapt to various subjects and styles based on client needs.
One of my most cherished personal projects is an ongoing series of portraits of my children, which adorns a large gallery wall in our living room. I draw them often, hoping to create something truly special for them to cherish as they grow up.
Commercial Art: Your illustrations have been featured on packaging for food items like burgers, tacos, and pizzas, showing your work’s adaptability to commercial projects.
I designed Album Covers: Designing multiple album covers highlights my engagement with the music industry and your skill in visual storytelling.
I got some Television Exposure: Selling artwork to a set designer in NYC and having my art featured on an episode of Saturday Night Live .
I have openess to opportunity. I am willing to explore different types of projects – I am excited about the future and have a forward mindset and readiness to embrace new challenges ahead.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
After experiencing severe cervical spine issues in 2022 that developed suddenly, I underwent spinal fusion surgery, leading to significant challenges with hand functionality. Navigating these difficulties while pursuing my vision was a formidable task. Although I have since regained strength and can function normally, maintaining a positive outlook amid uncertainty was daunting. I am deeply grateful for the support I received in helping me return to where I needed to be.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
It’s important to remember that challenges are not necessarily permanent and that we have some control over our journey. Even when things are rough, perseverance is crucial. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want you to succeed and evolve can make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nataliecooperman.com
- Instagram: [email protected]
- Other: Instagram Nattmade
Created a ABC book for my kids https://www.blurb.com/books/7439442-the-animal-abc-book
Local Art Project in my town
https://fiddleheadscoffee.com/natalie-cooperman/?srsltid=AfmBOooXVlhGpgBC-N33POf-8Q7gHN5rKGpQ_pq7QDfGDLFVvye8GjT5
https://www.fox6now.com/video/1261954
Image Credits
my portrait was taken by Kay Hedeen