Liz Kettle here with you today. I am thrilled to be able to introduce you all to new 8 That Create member, Natalya Aikens. I have loved Natalya's work ever since I first came across it on the web many years ago. We share a love of vintage fabrics, stitching and architecture. Welcome to 8 That Create Natalya!
Natalya takes the seeming unrelated elements of Russia, recycling and photography and melds them together to create magical pieces of art. Her work is evocative of a beautiful memory, history and stories of a special place and time. Natalya grew up in St. Petersburg Russia and much of her art reflects the folklore and beautiful architecture of Russia. Natalya currently lives in New York and finds inspiration in her surroundings as she explores with camera in hand. Many of her photographs find their way into her artwork.
"Marrying together of the disparate influences
on my art – heritage and recycling – is my greatest challenge and my greatest
pleasure. It is what drives me into my studio everyday." Natalya Aikens
Natalya is passionate about recycling and likes to add bits of plastic and mesh bags as well as paper into her work. Natalya's goal is to transform trash into something treasured and sophisticated.
You can see more of Natalya's beautiful work on her website and you can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter as well as right here at 8 That Create.
A quick peek into Natalya's creative space
.
Isn't it fun to see what is in someone else's space? I have some of those insulators too.
I asked Natalya to share 8 little tidbits about herself with our 8 That Create followers.
1. I love to experiment with many tools and materials.
2. I don't feel married to one particular set of techniques and will use any
technique to achieve a desired effect.
3. I like to think of myself as rather thrifty.
4. I love to find new ways to use old materials.
5. I enjoy listening to NPR or books on tape while working away in my
studio, but only during the execution phase, never during design.
6. I need quiet when figuring out a new design, no distractions while
concentrating.
7. Costume design was my first love.
8. I have an extensive library of art, design, history of fashion and film
books and I refer to them all often.
If you want to hear Natalya talk about her work check out this SAQA video interview:
Above you see traditional blown out eggs, wooden, glass and ceramic eggs. Some are traditionally decorated and others are more avantgard. I have them hanging from a branch and laid out in decorative dishes. All are enjoyed thoroughly!
