Interview
Wuest Natalia
Natalia was born and raised in Moldova. Her passion for art inspired her to enrol in the Republican College of Fine Arts. After completing her art education, she embarked on a period of exploration and self-discovery in the art world. She spent several years practicing her craft, honing her skills, and searching for her place and purpose as an artist. Eventually, she made the decision to settle down in Switzerland. There, she got married and started a family. Despite her new responsibilities, she continued her art education in Switzerland, further expanding her knowledge and artistic abilities. Driven by her passion for art and her desire to share it with others, she opened an art school for children near Zurich. This allowed her to not only continue her own artistic development but also to inspire and nurture young artists. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in joint and solo exhibitions both in Switzerland and internationally. Her artwork has been showcased in galleries and art spaces, allowing her to connect with a wider audience and fellow artists. Her artistic journey has been marked by a constant search for her own style and artistic direction. She has experimented with various mediums, techniques, and subjects, always pushing herself to evolve and grow as an artist. Her dedication and talent have been recognized, as her artworks have found their way into private collections in Switzerland, the USA, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, and Australia.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have been painting since I can remember. Anytime, anywhere. So, my parents decide to send me to painting school. I was nine years old when I started painting really seriously and intensive. I trained at the basic art school for seven years. Afterwards, I spent five years at the University of Art and Design.”
What inspires you?
“It's probably hard to believe, but I'm inspired by almost everything around me. I see colors and shapes everywhere, sometimes I can imagine finished works of art as to what they will look like later. I have less and less time to bring my inspiration on canvas. It's a pity that it's only 24 hours a day and no more.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Most of all, I create serial works. Because with only one or 2 paintings, I can't express myself well enough. As I mentioned before, I'm inspired by everything around me. Nature, cities, architecture, sea, people, mostly women and children.”
“Art has a broad and great role in society. I think it still has great potential for humanity and the world.”
How would you describe your work?
“What you see is what you get. Look at the world through my eyes. And you see how beautiful the world and life is.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Degas, Monet, Picasso, Alexey von Javlensky, Konstantin Korovin, Vereshagin, Serov, Repin, Levitan, Malevitch and Kandinsky.”
What is your creative process like?
“Maybe it will sound strange, but is a process similar to the baby expectation. First, I find the inspiration. Then sketch, design. Size of canvas, prepare background on them, draw sketch on canvas. Since, I work with oil colours, it takes a little more time. I'll stick to the artwork as long as I get what my initial inspiration and vision had been. I don't stop until I'm satisfied.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Art has a broad and great role in society. And I think it still has great potential for humanity and the world”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have an upcoming exhibition in 2024, in Lindenhof Gallery.”
