Artist Statement

Behind Natalie’s Work

Natalie’s work is driven by a deep desire to portray women in a way that highlights their inner strength and beauty. Her current collection is inspired by the Japanese legend of The Thousand Paper Cranes, which tells of a tradition where folding one thousand origami cranes grants the maker their deepest wish. This legend gained global recognition through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who, after being diagnosed with leukemia following the Hiroshima bombing, folded cranes as a symbol of hope and perseverance. Today, she remains an enduring emblem of peace in Japan.

In response to the challenges of recent years, this collection serves as a visual metaphor for hope and renewal. The women in Natalie’s paintings often appear contemplative, their flowing white hair symbolizing the winds of change. The cranes, delicately woven into each piece, represent new beginnings and the fulfillment of heartfelt aspirations. Encircling the figures are halos, subtly influenced by the Japanese enso, or Zen circle, a symbol of enlightenment and unity.

“My aim for these pieces is to evoke an emotional response through the simplicity and delicacy of the female form, juxtaposed against a richly textured background.”