Natalia Arndt

Biography

As a Russian-American multimedia artist, I am driven by my passion for life and people. Born in Pyatigorsk, a picturesque mountainous town in the south of Russia, my early experiences with art began in a small hospital room with a pencil and sketchbook in hand. My love for creativity developed organically, and I began to experiment with materials, colors and styles  - creating an art form that truly embodies my experiences and the past and present that inform me.
Immigrating to the United States, I opened my own business in the construction industry and was able to merge art into my work - creating unique interior solutions and custom art pieces for clients. Here, I also internalized my experience as an interior designer, incorporating my knowledge into meaningful representations that elevated my work and introduced complexity and interest.
A raw fascination with life and the events that form us all has been intrinsically woven into my works, with the collapse of the Soviet Union as an influential example. Throughout this poignant period in my life, art became a form of introspection and enabled me to express the tumultuous emotions I felt and explore difficult questions.
It is out of this that my belief in art as a portal to self-awareness is born. I am determined to create unique pieces that reflect my passion, ambition and individuality in order to truly capture the essence of an individual and bring their space to life.

Nothing can truly replace the beauty and serenity of a work of art. To me, art is a reflection of my innermost thoughts, desires, and emotions. It’s a form of introspection; a way to examine my role in this world and how I can carry that message outwards. Art brings us together in our shared love for creativity and the beauty of life.
Every time I sit down to create a piece, I'm reminded that no matter where I am in the world, I can use my craft to manifest something beautiful. Growing up in a divided world, my art was a safe haven from the harshness of reality. Through my brushstrokes and colours, I try to convey messages of compassion, belonging and understanding.
We often take for granted the positive impact that art can have on a person's life. But every time someone looks at my work, I'm reminded of the power of creativity and its ability to ignite a spark of emotion. In this moment, I can fully embrace my inner artist, and share that with the world.

Influences

Edvard Munch, Christoph Ruckhaberle, Daniel Richter

The artist at work