We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalya Natasha Nez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalya Natasha below.
Alright, Natalya Natasha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
One of the best things my parents did for me growing up was telling me that, “There’s no such thing as being bored.” and for showing me that creativity, play and exploration are valuable tools at any age. I grew up in the early 90’s on the Navajo reservation with no electricity or running water. As an only child in a decade where the internet was barely a thing, cell phones were the size of bricks and we still used ‘bunny ears’ on our TV the only real option for entertainment was going outside to play. My parents encouraged me to spend a great deal of time outdoors. Being with nature and roaming the vast high desert landscape in our backyard cultivated my creativity and curiosity as a child. I spent a great deal of my childhood with my nose in books on geology, history, archaeology, flora and fauna endlessly trying to understand how the landscapes I traversed had changed over time. I was always interested in cataloging my experience and observations with nature. So I always had notebooks, pencils and crayons. Then as I got into high school I was introduced to the world of photography so I added that to my creative arsenal. Both my parents were also artists and it was also by watching them that inspired me to find something I was also equally passionate about which led to me to combine the different subjects I was interested in as a kid with art. My work today really speaks to the appreciation I have for my culture, the land and nature that have been such an instrumental part of my life and continues to fill me with wonder and fascination. Without that simple statement I may have not found the path that has led me here today, so thank you mom and dad
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?
How did you get into your industry?
I’ve always been a creative person but it wasn’t until around 2012 that I really started delving into the art world. I graduated from high school in 2009 and I had a few, what I call ‘lost years’ where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or really where I was going in life. I worked as a front desk receptionist for a small hotel for a while and I was on track to be a front desk supervisor at the age of 19 and I was really proud of myself. But I was living off the reservation without my mom and there was this internal struggle of being happy for my success but also sad because I missed home. So, I eventually decided home was more important to me and left my job for the unknown. There aren’t many jobs on the reservation especially for someone who has essentially no work experience other than the odd highschool job of housekeeper and gift shop attendant. I was excited to be home but that left a lot of free time on my end and that’s the time I found the social media app, Instagram. I always enjoyed photography and at the time the app was specifically for photos so I joined in and started posting photos of my life and home. Then somewhere along the way I made the best discovery ever: the world of artist trading cards. This was the catalyst for what my life looks like today. Artist trading cards are miniature works of art artists from all over the world trade with each other. Each card measures 2.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall. Artists would join trade groups or do one-on-one trades of cards under different themes and we would send them by “snail mail” or “happy mail.” Within a year or two I was a part of this niche community of artists online and we all became friends even without ever meeting each other in real life. I moved on from artist trading cards to art journaling, bookbinding, and painting. I did this for a few years until I went to university and my creative streak didn’t disappear but it did take a back seat to research papers and midterms.
Close to my last year in university I saw a flier while I was walking around downtown waiting for my mom to get off work. It was a call-to-artists flier asking for submissions to an art show. At this point, the only people who have seen my artwork were my parents and my niche art friends on Instagram scattered across the globe. This was a chance to show my art in my own community… an honestly terrifying but exciting idea at the time. So I filled out the application and received news a few days later that I was accepted. August of 2017 was the first time I showed my artwork outside of digital space and my bedroom. I was late to the opening and for an introvert that made the evening a little dreadful so I had my cousin snap a photo of me in front of my work hung up and I essentially ran away. Humorous looking back at it now. A few weeks after the show had ended I still found myself with time on my hands so I walked into the gallery to tell them how much I enjoyed being in the show and to volunteer my time if they ever found themselves in need of a volunteer. Another catalytic moment for me.
Surprisingly, my offer was taken up with so much enthusiasm and excitement I found myself at the gallery in most of my free time helping create fliers for events, answering phone calls, welcoming visitors into the gallery and aiding art teachers during workshops and classes. As graduation approached I was offered a job at the gallery and so after I graduated I worked at the gallery first as a Gallery Assistant but then as time moved forward my work started to include many different aspects. I became the gallery manager, in-house graphic designer, social media manager, program facilitator, and much more. During my time there I was able to create a wide network of relationships with artists and creatives. I grew out of my introverted shell and found my creative stride. I learned so much about myself, my community and the value creativity and art had beyond the fan art I started with. I was also invited to showcase more and more of my work through the gallery which motivated me to create the work I’ve always wanted to create and the work I didn’t know I could create. The environment working there was incredible and wonderful and I’m thankful for that experience. I worked there for nearly six years until I decided to try being a full-time artist. The month of May marked one year into my art journey and that of my partner, Shandiin DeGroat. Together with support from our families and the local art community we’ve been able to accomplish so much in such a short time. My journey into this creative field has been anything but linear but that’s what makes it so special.
What type of creative works do you provide?
I create a variety of different works depending on the project. I sell my work at different art markets, online, through consignment at local boutiques or galleries. I create oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings. I also create block prints and monotypes. I create digital illustrations for a variety of clientele. I create paper collages using monoprints, hand carved block prints, photographs and found images. I also create work for different public art projects in my community. My work is largely inspired by Diné Bikéyah (the lands around and on the Navajo Nation), my Diné (Navajo) culture, and my childhood living in New Mexico. My goal as an artist is to inspire others to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. I also use art to address different social justice issues that are important to me. I have found that art can be a powerful catalyst for change and conversation.
What sets you apart from others?
I grew up on the reservation near border towns who have set a stagnate bar from their inception centuries ago of what Native American artwork looks like. For many Native artists we are still struggling to show that contemporary Native art or a combination is also a valid form of Native art. When I create my artwork I’m solely creating artwork that is inspired by my life experience, and the places and people who have made lasting impressions. When someone views my work they can often relate to the subject matter but are also fascinated about the techniques or media I choose to use. For example, paper collage artworks where I combine familiar places with abstract shapes, colors and found paper reveal another layer beyond first glance that invites the viewer to think about what it is they are seeing and make connections between the place presented and the feeling one gets from seeing the art. I’ve often been told my work is “different” which I’ve always taken as a compliment because the work I create and present to the world are extensions of myself. I never create copies or digital prints of my mixed media, watercolor, acrylic or oil paintings. Once you own one, that’s it, you own the only one in existence.
What are you most proud of?
I think what I’m most proud of is being a part of a great local Native arts community and knowing that I’m making an impact in that community. The only reason I know I’m making an impact is because people tell me so and I always feel a bit shy when they do because I don’t like to draw attention to myself. But the past few weeks people have come up to me just to tell me how much my presence in the art community, on social media and my work has had on their outlook on life. Which I think just serves as more proof to me that pursuing your passion, sharing that passion with others, and just being yourself can draw the right people who appreciate your work and vision close to you. The art world can be big and scary but at the end of the day I’m just that same little curious Navajo girl with an eagerness to create and share my creations with those I love. And I love being surrounded by my art friends and community because they inspire me to dream bigger.
What do you want people to know about your work?
Some accomplishments I’ve made in the past include winning first place in the National Collage “Society’s 26th Annual Small Format Exhibition” and second place in “Animal Portraits” during the 100th Annual Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial. I have four artworks on view at the Navajo Nation Museum titled, “Cause/Casuse”. I have done work with different entities in New Mexico such as the Public Lands Interpretive Association to create art that will be displayed at the El Malpais Conservation Area Ranger Station, NM Department of Cultural Affairs to illustrate a page in their alphabet coloring book, and Save History to illustrate a few pages in their activity book raising awareness about archaeological crime and the importance of sacred sites. I was also a featured artist invited to speak and showcase artwork at the first annual, “Diné Bikéyah in 102 Years from Now” conference held at the Navajo Nation Museum. The conference focused on the importance of sharing intergenerational knowledge and practices to ensure a better future for Navajo families and their children. I’ve curated three art exhibitions, two with my partner titled “COLOR” at LOOM Indigenous Art Gallery, “Taking Flight” at Black Wall Gallery and a group show at ART123 Gallery titled, “Faces of Tradition”. My work was also recently purchased by Diné College and I have been recently commissioned by the City of Gallup for an AR public art project.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal with my creative journey is just to inspire and motivate the people around me to find what they are passionate about, pursue their dreams and know that their voice and life experience are meaningful. That might seem a little cliche but in a world like ours where giant corporations and the capitalist mindset has infiltrated nearly every part of our lives. I think it’s important to hold tightly onto the little things in life that make it bearable. When I was 19 making good money and climbing the ladder of titles I was actually at my unhappiest. I had a mentor who was invested in me climbing that ladder and helping reach whatever top tier there was but when I expressed my thoughts about moving home to the reservation to be with my family. He was angry and repeatedly told me I wouldn’t amount to much. That whatever I thought was waiting for me back at home didn’t exist and that I would be just like everyone else on the reservation, jobless and living at home and that was what the rest of my life would be. I was insulted and mortified that that was what he thought about the reservation and despite everything I came home and I didn’t know it then but it was all those small moments of life that paved the path that led me here today. I still have a ways to grow as a business and artist because life is never fully known and there’s always much to learn but if I hadn’t had the courage to listen to myself and lean onto the life teachings my parents gave me. Who knows where I might have ended up. I would like my creative journey to be that one encouraging word that someone needs to hear that unbeknownst to us will lead them somewhere they belong. Sometimes all we need in life is an encouraging word.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
This might seem a bit silly but one of the resources I really wish I knew about were public resources and non-profits like my local library, arts council, recreation center, and my university. I think they are the most overlooked places when it comes to creative opportunities. It wasn’t until I started networking with these different places that I realized how much they had to offer to artists. For example, my local arts council and public library often host learning workshops for artists from everything on how to create your art portfolio, how to apply statewide art purchase initiatives, how to manage your finances, or how to create a brand. All at no-cost. Sometimes just showing up in these places during their events or art openings allows you to meet more people and the more you expand your network and talk about your work, creative opportunities have a way of showing up. Another great artist resource is the CaFÉ (Call for Entry and Application Management for the Arts) website where artists can find a variety of different creative opportunities in their area or across the nation.
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