We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nathalie Gregoire a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathalie , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a mini document series I did with my little sister called “ thank you mom for music”. Throughout my entire life my mom has sacrificed everything to make sure that my sister and I had the skills to express every part of our creativity. Growing up we were not rich. Growing up we struggled. But one thing my mom always made sure to do was give us a space to be creative and explore every part of our artistry . Day, in and day out, she would take us to piano lessons where we would learn all about music. So thank you, mom for music, was a way for me not only to expressed the deep gratitude I have for my mom and sacrifices she has made to give me a chance to be an artist but , to let it be known the impact she has had on both my sister and my life. I am forever in debt to my Mom and I am so blessed to have her in my corner.

Nathalie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I like to say that I am a Brooklyn based interdisciplinary artist that is a gatekeeper of narratives. Throughout My art I explore the connections between identity, religion, and culture in hopes of challenging people’s misconceptions about what it means to be human. In our daily lives, we often fall into the trap of assuming we know everyone around us inside and out. These societal prejudices and preconceptions cast shadows on our perceptions. But what if we could truly see individuals for who they are? What if we could view them through the lens they use to perceive themselves every single day? This profound aspiration drives my artistic pursuits. Through my creations, I aspire to facilitate a shift in how people perceive one another—allowing them to witness each other as inherently Beautiful, Gentle, and intrinsically Human.

My introduction to the arts began when I saw Lion King at age 5. Though it was so long ago, I remember that day like it was yesterday.The actors, reflections of myself, breathed life into a performance that stirred my inner yearning. It was then that I recognized my destiny—to create and share my work. At that age, I did not understand what that meant, but I began to explore. Every birthday and holiday season my sister and I would write these horrible plays and perform them for my mom. Despite the evident shortcomings of those amateur productions, my mother’s unwavering encouragement propelled us forward. She immersed us in a diverse array of arts, demonstrating that dreaming big was not only allowed but encouraged. Yet, even with such encouragement, I grappled with finding my authentic artistic voice. While I possessed an overwhelming desire to convey my thoughts, I struggled to find the means to articulate them. I pored over behind-the-scenes glimpses of creative projects, longing to materialize my own visions. An idea book became my constant companion, capturing the sparks ignited by the world around me. I remember I sat there quietly holding my breath as actors who looked just like me performed. In that moment I realize, this is where I wanted to be. Creating work is what I aspire to accomplish in life. At that age, I did not understand what that meant, but I began to explore. Every birthday and holiday season my sister and I would write these horrible plays and perform them for my mom. As bad as they were, it did not stop my mom from cheering us on. She began to immerse us in all different types of art , showing me that I can dream big. But I did not understand how to find my voice as an artist. I knew there was so much I wanted to say, but I did not understand how to say it. I would look at behind the scenes of how people accomplished their projects hungering to make it my reality. I even carried an idea book everywhere I went because I felt inspired by the world around me.

However, the path to self-discovery as an artist wasn’t swift or linear. It wasn’t until my third year of college, during my transition from nursing to communications, that I unearthed my true artistic voice. I began to create music and learn all these skills that unlocked a part of me that was waiting to be set free.

Right now I am in the works of becoming a creative producer. On my spare time I try to find ways to bring my own as well as other people’s visuals to life. Through photography, music, and film, I endeavor to craft projects that serve as a haven for individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, religions, and sexual orientations. These projects provide a platform for self-expression, ensuring their narratives thrive and ignite inspiration in the world around them.

Now if someone asks me what sets me apart I would tell them I am not afraid to be weird or uncomfortable. I care not for external judgments, for the pursuit of normalcy holds little allure. My most ingenious ideas sprout forth when I embrace my uniqueness, exploring avenues and forms deemed unconventional or even taboo. Continuously, I challenge my creative bounds by immersing myself in novel cultures, narratives, and concepts—sometimes even ones that stir discomfort. It’s from this discomfort that growth emerges. My intent isn’t to craft mere aesthetics; I seek meaning, inspiration, and resonance. I long for my art to not only be seen but to reverberate with significance. This requires me to shatter the confines of my comfort zone, even if the process gets a bit eccentric. My ultimate goal is to forge bodies of work that provoke contemplation, to stand as a revolutionary force. I yearn for the day when my art and the stories I weave can trigger change, inspire transformation, and leave an indelible impact on lives.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Put simply, exposure should not be mistaken for a valid form of compensation for artists. In our current society, there exists a prevailing notion that artists should be willing to create or contribute their talents in exchange for exposure alone. Let me clarify: while exposure can undoubtedly serve as a vehicle to broaden one’s audience beyond their immediate circle, it falls short when it comes to covering life’s essential expenses. A mere mention of having done a gig for a certain individual or entity won’t suffice when facing landlords or utility bills. The world doesn’t operate on exposure as currency.

It’s important to acknowledge the considerable time and effort invested in each artistic endeavor. Frequently, artists dig into their own pockets to fund the conceptualization of requested projects or to materialize envisioned concepts. Many artists have undergone years of schooling to refine their skills, honing their craft to deliver excellence. Thus, if direct monetary compensation isn’t feasible, it’s imperative to explore alternative avenues that ensure a fair exchange. For instance, consider covering material costs or negotiating a mutually beneficial financial arrangement that aligns with both parties’ budgetary constraints.

Support for artists should extend to cultivating environments that accommodate those in the process of self-discovery. Mentorship programs and immersive learning experiences should cater not only to the younger generation but also to individuals beyond the age of 25. The prevalent notion that artistic pursuits are only viable at a young age should be debunked through accessible skill-enhancement opportunities.

Furthermore, equipping emerging artists with practical know-how, such as navigating residency programs, is crucial. While the concept of residencies might be familiar, the path to finding suitable options and navigating the application process can remain shrouded in mystery. Providing guidance in this area empowers artists to tap into enriching opportunities.

Lastly, the initiative to offer free, unrestricted spaces for artists to create is commendable. The reality remains that many artists face financial challenges while striving to bring their visions to life. As an artist myself, I’m acutely aware of the financial strains that accompany creative pursuits. The availability of a space unburdened by financial worries fosters a unique freedom that nurtures creativity on an unparalleled level. In essence, it’s about granting artists the breathing room to connect and bring their creations to fruition without the looming weight of bills hanging overhead.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In essence, my profound mission is to revolutionize perspectives on culture, religion, and identity. Over time, a plethora of misconceptions has taken root, dictating how individuals should define themselves and lead their lives. This accumulation of misinformation has contributed to the mistreatment, exploitation, and marginalization we witness. Through my artistic endeavors, my aim is to enlighten and thereby cultivate an atmosphere where authenticity reigns supreme—where we’re acknowledged for our true selves, rather than the preconceived notions of others.

I aspire to carve out a sanctuary that fosters candid conversations about the uncomfortable truths we face, providing solace in shared experiences and acknowledgement. While I’m conscious of the audacity in aspiring to reshape minds, I believe that even if my efforts resonate with and educate just one individual, the ripple effect can be profound.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justlael_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalie-gregoire-87667710b/

Image Credits
All the photos provided were taken by me. The one with the colors were from a series I did called the color series that gives a visual representation of what each color would look like/act like. all the others are self portraits and pictures I took of my sister.