We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Ortiz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I grew up with art throughout in my life, from taking pottery classes as a kid, designing jewelry, to playing guitar, and drawing/painting. When it got time to picking a career in my teens, I felt a bit lost and unsure of what to do because I didn’t know that I could choose to be an artist. I didn’t have any sort of mentors or contemporary artists to look up to – so I didn’t really know how this could be a career. However, I did know that I wanted to maintain a creative and artistic practice. It took me a few years into college to realize that I should stop searching for a second major to supplement my art studies, and just choose study art alone. It was then when I went all in and decided that I would figure out how to be a professional artist.

Natalie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m artist based in Brooklyn working with oil paint to capture my experiences of intimacy. These could be moments shared at night in front of a refrigerator, a wicked look after a car accident, or a bouquet of carnations in my grandparent’s room. I’m originally from the Bay Area, born and raised in the East Bay. I went to college at the University of California – Santa Cruz, where I studied visual arts among Santa Cruz’s redwood forests, hills, and beaches. I’m very perceptive – I notice a lot of sights, sounds, smells around me, all of which really influences my work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think it changes between having an artistic practice in general and friendship/community. I find both to be equally important and fulfilling in my life. I’ve been able to hone in on my arts practice for the past few years – and being able to go to my studio, set my stuff down, and get going on projects has proven to be such a fulfilling part of my life. At times when you’re growing up, you tend to feel bogged down by what everyone else is doing – but when I’m in my studio, I feel at ease. Today, whenever I feel stressed or upset, I’ll head over to the studio and feel so much better. It’s a spiritual place in my studio – a place where I can be free – and be productive on my own terms. On the other side, I’ve found such fulfillment in the friendships and community I’ve created and joined within the art world. There’s always so much to talk about, to learn from, to laugh about. I could not imagine having a fulfilled life without either of these.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

If there is one – I’m still figuring out how to articulate it. There was a moment recently where I wasn’t happy with newer works I had created and didn’t like the direction I was going in. I spoke to my therapist who asked me what I really wanted to paint. I felt so lost and unsure until I remembered an idea that I’ve had for awhile of painting a tender moment of a previous partner sleeping in bed. I perked up and felt such relief from remembering this idea, and knowing where I wanted to go with my practice and work. I can’t quite say why I paint what I paint, other than because I feel called to do so.

Contact Info:

• Website: natalie-ortiz.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/natalie.njo

Image Credits
All images courtesy of Natalie Ortiz (the artist)