Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Reyne.
Hi Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Belarus, a small country in Eastern Europe. I had never painted on canvases until my thirties. Despite obtaining a degree in economics, I immediately started working as a programmer. Around the age of 29-30, a persistent idea took hold of me – to paint a small and relatively simple geometric picture, specifically on canvas. Convinced that canvases were reserved for professional artists and lacking even brushes at home, I lived with this idea for several months. Eventually, mustering the courage, I ventured to the nearest art store, marking the beginning of my journey into canvas artistry.
Living with this idea, I painted a lot, but it was all for myself. Things took a turn when a friend who was an interior designer saw my paintings. She insisted that I should sell them, and just for fun, I participated in a local fair. To my surprise, I sold four paintings on the first day. I was astonished but still didn’t fully see myself as an artist. I painted and engaged in street art projects more as a hobby.
Everything changed in 2020. Protests against unfair elections and police brutality erupted in my country, and my political posters and statements gained recognition both within and outside my country. It escalated to the point where I couldn’t find any print shop willing to print my work due to its recognizable style, and they feared consequences. I even became part of a major event in my country as an artist. Unfortunately, I was jailed during one of the protests. Fortunately, I spent only 12 days in jail, but upon returning home, a new summons awaited me. Consequently, I had to leave the country (about two weeks after being outside, I learned that I made the right choice as I’m now wanted for my “previous merits,” which means real imprisonment for several years).
In 2021, I arrived in America, and after obtaining a work permit, I faced a choice: to find a “real job” in my field or pursue my dream of becoming an artist. I chose the latter. And now, for a year, I’ve been a full-time artist.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been far from smooth. Yes, I treaded a path that perhaps many artists navigate. I tried applying everywhere, faced numerous rejections, and participated in a few rather dubious events (where, nonetheless, I found wonderful artist friends going through the same period as me). My journey is slightly complicated by the fact that I grew up in a different cultural environment. My art, compared to local artists, might appear somewhat somber. My paintings are my unspoken words and emotions about events happening around me or those that occurred in my past. I always worry a bit that I might be misunderstood, but I believe it’s crucial to share what I depict in my paintings. To my surprise, I’ve found a significant resonance among people, reaffirming that I’m heading in the right direction.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I pour my heart and soul into my abstract art, weaving each piece with stories that echo my inner world – a collection of moments and emotions that feel deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Last year marked the culmination of something truly special for me – my beloved series, “Placebo.” These abstract artworks delve into the complexities of human emotions and psychological experiences. Each canvas carries a unique name, symbolizing actions or objects that offer solace without directly addressing the underlying emotional struggles.
What sets my art apart is its raw authenticity. Each stroke on the canvas is a genuine reflection of who I am. I don’t adhere to the conventional; my art serves as a form of communication that transcends boundaries, inviting people to immerse themselves in the intricate and beautiful tapestry of the human experience.
My specialty lies in forging connections through art, encouraging viewers not just to see but to feel on a profound level. The most fulfilling aspect is witnessing the emotional responses my paintings evoke – knowing that my art can provoke thoughts and stir emotions defines the true essence of my artistic journey.
Beyond my artistic pursuits, I’ve actively taken part in exhibitions and fairs across different states, culminating in the honor of hosting a solo exhibition. These experiences have enriched my narrative, allowing me to connect with audiences in unique ways and share my artistic journey on a broader, more personal stage.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My perspective on risk-taking in art is rooted in the belief that it is an essential component for growth and expressing individuality. Leaving my previous career as a programmer to fully commit to art was a significant risk, requiring major life and career changes. While such changes always carry the risk of failure, they also open doors to new opportunities and creative growth.
It’s important to note that risk, for me, extends beyond financial aspects to experimenting with new ideas and techniques in art. Each painting involves an element of uncertainty, sometimes leading to extraordinary results.
In essence, risk is an opportunity to break free from established boundaries, discovering strength and creative potential in uncharted territories. It supports my quest for individuality and underscores the importance of continual artistic development.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nreyne.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nreyne_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nreyne/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliya-zhukava/
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@nreyne_art
