Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natalie McGuire. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Natalie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’m a self-taught visual artist and enrolled in photography courses to learn the language but wasn’t interested in what other photographers worked on. I wanted to just go off on my own and create what I saw in my head. As for the mosaic section of my art, I did take a class in cutting glass and watched numerous “how to” videos. I preferred the in-class sessions, I enjoy the energy of the classroom. No, for me, it was a perfect amount of time, you need to arrive at your destination in a timely manner and enjoy the road of challenges and struggles. Do you really learn if you zoom past them? Only to repeat later in life? Live in the present even if it’s a struggle right now, you will see the payoff later.
Start with basic skills and perfect them before advancing, I’m self-taught and was born creative so for me it’s in my DNA, My Father and Grandfather were photographers so I had a natural gift of composition.
The only obstacle I encountered was time, as I have multiple jobs and my fur baby.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a multi-award-winning artist. Awards started in 2003 at local art shows winning cash prizes in my category. 2012 I won Student Photographer of the Year. Later in my career, I was awarded 1st place, Juror’s Choice, and People’s Choice awards at exhibitions locally and nationally across the use from 2000 to the present. My education began as a small child; I learned photography composition from my father. My Aunt Natalie fueled the creative side, allowing it to flourish. My parents loved to travel via RV as they believed the road trip was a part of the journey and got to see a lot of America that you just can’t get from a plane. I have always been a fan of Ansel Adams and Bob Ross’ style, even though Bob was a painter, and loved watching his programs on the local PBS. Really drove me to get out and be with nature. Creating art helps me connect with the viewer, exhibiting her ability to make you feel like you are there with me.
I attended Community education classes for basic photography in 10997/98, studied under Deidra Monk, later enrolled in the Hennepin Technical College Digital Photography program, and studied under Paul Sinkler, Tom Hanly, and Tim Grey until the program closed. I continued my education by attending one-day seminars with National Geographic photographers. Continues her education in unconventional ways by joining Wyoming Center for Arts, ACW (Art to Change the World), PRCBoston, Griffin Museum of Photography, La Photo, Praxis Gallery, NEMAA, and St. Paul Art’s collective.
Networks with other artists sharing tips and ideas. I’m known for her Infrared black n white photography alone with her Photozaics (which is a combination of her two loves, photography, and mosaics).
When working with my clients I offer up my artwork, and photozaics in various sizes to meet their financial and size needs. I do commission works and they are truly one-of-a-kind conversational pieces. My art is not for all, but the ones that do get my art to cherish it for years. Each work is an original that is duplicated but never replicated, all have their own personality.
Currently, I’m most proud of the latest photozaic series I call Commando Line. My award-winning Photozaics are inspired by where Van Gogh’s textures meet Ansel Adam’s simplicity near the intersection of Bob Ross’ healing vibes. This series I call commando as for me it’s liberating to see the photo dancing in sync with the frame.

This is my photozaic statement:
How can I construct an image that moves beyond the surface? Photozaics, of course!
My award-winning Photozaics are inspired by where Van Gogh’s textures meet Ansel Adam’s simplicity near the intersection of Bob Ross’ healing vibes. This technique is a labor-intensive multi-step process and starts out with my journey into nature; recording the landscapes that spark my eye may it be rolling hills, a babbling brook. After modifying the composition, I take the print and head to the stained-glass shop to find matching colors. I cut the glass by hand by taking smaller shards and placing them in a rock tumbler to remove sharp edges while larger pieces are sanded by hand and assembled in the frame. Grouting finishes the artwork allowing the detail of each cut glass shape to add texture to my art.

Art heals the mind, body, and soul. Research has shown a correlation between participating in cultural activities, like Crafting, visiting art galleries, and attending concerts have increased rates of good health. By creating Photozaics, it is my hope to connect with you through a multi-sensory mixed media presentation that tickles sight and encourages your touch.

My art is multi-sensory artwork that I encourage you to not only see but touch and feel the art.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my being a creative artist is the reaction I get from my clients when they see my work! I wish I was a poet to describe their facial expressions, especially when viewing my photoziacs for the first time and they get the eureka moment! They light up like a full moon rising over the land. This is what drives me to continue to create my art and keep evolving my craft.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My artistic vision is to create artwork that makes you happy and engages your curiosity about what lies beyond and this will create endorphins that help you heal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nmcguirestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmcguirestudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nmcguirestudio/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/nmcguirestudio

Image Credits
photos taken by Natalie McGuire