Hey Natalia! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Natalia Segerman. I'm from Cape Town, South Africa but I live in London now.
I have a varied career background. I've been a musician, a decor artist, a video producer and now I'm an illustrator and graphic designer.
What kind of craftsman do you consider yourself to be?
I'm primarily an illustrator. I love drawing and digital design. For fun I love to paint with watercolours.
How many years have you been creating? Is there a special moment in which you define the beginning of your work?
How would you define your style? What materials (mainly) do you use?
My style is very whimsical and at times psychedelic. I love strong outlines, bright bold colours and the thing that defines my work is definitely my obsession with patterns. All of my designs start as a pen and paper drawing. Then I usually colour them in digitally and add textures.
What is your vision as an artist?
I would never have enjoyed art at university level because I don't care enough about the intellectual side of art. For me art is about being aesthetically pleasing. I want to uplift people, I'm not trying to make a political statement.
I love to create beautiful art that people actually want to live with in their homes.
Which painter/artist do you admire and which style do you like?
I love the boldness of Matisse and the whimsy of Miro. Fauvism is definitely my favourite period in 20th Century art. Strong outlines and bright colours! That's my thing.
What tip would you give to a beginner artist or in general to someone who wants to create?
No one can create art in a vacuum. If you want to make art you have to look at art. You have to look at the world around you and inspire yourself. I spend hours each week on Pinterest finding little bits and pieces that I can reference later on when I'm drawing. It can be a piece of pottery that you like the painting design. It can be a photo of a figure that you want to replicate the pose of. I went through a phase where I was obsessed with folk art and I would spend hours finding patterns in embroidery and adapting them to ones I could draw.
Secondly, realise early on that only one in ten of your pieces will be good. Don't take yourself too seriously or be a perfectionist. Just keep making art as much as you can. Experiment and figure out what works for you! Take the pressure off and have fun.
Which living or dead master would you like to do a master class with?
My favourite artist is a painter and sculptor called Shrine. He affectionately refers to himself as a trash artist as he only makes art out of trash, recycled objects and paint. Check out his Instagram @shrineon. I'm lucky enough to have spent time with him and he is a huge inspiration for me.
From my works on the website, which one did you like and why?
Rhombus of Mandalas in Blue is so fun. I could stare at it for hours and always find something new! That's a great piece to have in your home.
I also like Golden Rangoli and Mandalas. I has a really nice balance to it and the colours are gorgeous.
What are your plans as an artist for the coming year?
I'm about to have my second baby so I won't have much time but I'd love to continue doing graphic design work. I'm also hoping to publish a colouring in book that I've been working on for the past two years.
What for you might be a career highlight?
To have a solo show in a highly respected gallery.
Where can we find you?
Website: www.nataliasegerman.com
Instagram: @nataliasegermanart