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

Nathalie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

From an early age, I always loved art, but when it came time to choose a profession, I leaned toward law. It seemed like the sensible choice, a path that offered stability and prestige. I still pursued art in my spare time, and eventually took a year to study painting and sculpture in Florence. That year was a life-changing experience, as I realized that art wasn’t just a hobby but my true vocation. Yet, I didn’t want to give up on my law career cause I didn’t want to “close a door” nor abandon on a difficult challenge, so I completed my internship and passed the bar exam in Geneva.

After becoming a lawyer, I made the biggest decision of my life: I chose to fully commit to art.

Choosing art was a risky move. It meant walking away from a secure career I had worked so hard to establish, stepping into a less predictable world, and embracing the unknown. But it was a risk I felt I had to take. I knew that if I didn’t follow my passion, I would always wonder, “what if?” So, I took the leap.

Since then, I’ve dedicated myself completely to my art, refining my voice as an artist. While the journey has had its challenges, it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve found a deep sense of purpose and now wake up each day filled with excitement and inspiration.

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’m an interdisciplinary artist born in Geneva, Switzerland and I’m currently pursuing an MFA at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York.

My work primarily blends oil painting and ceramic sculpture, a technique I developed during a year spent in Florence, Italy. This period was life-changing as it led me to create a unique style that merges painting and sculptures. By adding sculptural elements to my paintings, I invite the viewer to imagine movement and narrative within the work, bringing a dynamic twist to the images I depict. I love to capture ordinary moments because I believe that the beauty of life can be found in small, seemingly insignificant events that should be celebrated.

Lately, I have grown a passion for ceramics, and I’m currently working on a series of “towers” that juxtapose various objects and animals, all balanced delicately. This fragile equilibrium is also reflection of the precarity of our own existence and relationships. I like to see my sculptures as visual poems, allowing me to tell stories and build worlds where my imagination is only limited by gravity.

In parallel to my artistic journey, I became a lawyer in Switzerland. This experience deeply influenced my work as it developed my expression and discipline. The perspective I gained from practicing law has sharpened my creativity and infused my work with a unique viewpoint, where humor and irony prevails.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom to express my inner world in a way that words often cannot. Art allows me to transform my emotions, thoughts, and ideas into something visual and tangible. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in watching these concepts come to life, whether through painting or sculpture. But it isn’t just about the creative process, what makes art truly meaningful is its ability to evoke emotions in others. I believe that a piece takes on a whole new dimension when it’s shared; the beauty of it lies in the fact that each viewer experiences it in their own unique way.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To support artists and build a thriving creative ecosystem, I believe that creating more accessible platforms, whether through community-based exhibitions, or online local networks, would not only support artists but also enrich the cultural life of the neighborhood. Many people are interested in art but might instinctively think of museums or major exhibitions as their only option. Yet, I believe there’s a huge untapped potential for people to engage with the work of local artists in their own communities. It would give people the chance to explore art without the barriers of formality, making it easier for them to engage with local talent and for emerging artists to receive the support they deeply need.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nathaliemarti.com
• Instagram: natmarti
• Linkedin: Nathalie Marti