Meet Natalie Reyne

We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Reyne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

It took me several years to fully realize and embrace that I am an artist, and no one else can define that for me. To overcome imposter syndrome, I actively participated in various exhibitions and events, even those where I felt almost certain I wouldn’t be selected. Engaging with different people, gathering feedback on my work—especially from fellow artists—was incredibly valuable. Additionally, even before I became a full-time artist, whenever someone asked about my profession, I always responded with, “I am an artist.” This simple affirmation boosted my confidence because the key is to believe in yourself first.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a fine artist specializing in creating conceptual abstract paintings. My work delves into various themes that resonate deeply with me, showcasing my journey of growth and self-discovery in this world. Each painting or series I create carries its own unique story. While anyone can paint an abstract piece for interior decoration, conveying emotions and a narrative is what sets my work apart and makes me an artist rather than just a craftsman.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the ability to connect with people on an emotional level through my art. I often draw inspiration from personal experiences and societal issues, creating pieces that not only adorn walls but also provoke thought and conversation. My current series, “Happy Nation,” explores mental health and societal pressures, shedding light on the disparity between external appearances and internal struggles.

Additionally, I am thrilled to announce that I will be participating in the RTIA Show from September 12-15. This will be my last show for a while as I am preparing for a new and beautiful phase in my life—becoming a mother for the first time. Balancing a newborn and traveling for various art shows will be challenging, so I am taking a step back from exhibitions temporarily.

I want my art to inspire and resonate with people, and I look forward to returning to the art scene with new perspectives and experiences to share. Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this exciting transition.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities were resilience, curiosity, and the ability to connect with others.

Resilience: The art world is filled with ups and downs, and resilience has been crucial in navigating this journey. There were many times when I faced rejection or felt my work wasn’t appreciated, but pushing through those moments and continuing to create has been essential.

Curiosity: A constant desire to learn and explore new techniques, styles, and themes has kept my work evolving and fresh. This curiosity has driven me to experiment and take risks, leading to some of my most meaningful pieces.

Connection: Building relationships with fellow artists, mentors, and my audience has been incredibly valuable. The feedback and support from this community have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: believe in yourself and keep moving forward, even when things seem bleak. Embrace resilience by not giving up when faced with challenges. Cultivate curiosity by continuously learning and experimenting. Lastly, nurture your connections by engaging with the art community and valuing the feedback you receive. These qualities will not only enhance your work but also enrich your journey as an artist.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teaching me to resist circumstances and rely primarily on myself. From a young age, they emphasized that being an artist was not a viable profession. They encouraged me to pursue education, work a stable job, build a family, and conform to societal norms. However, I never liked the idea of living a quiet, measured life like theirs.

While I understood the importance of education, I couldn’t accept that my life should be as predictable and serene as theirs. This led to a life of resistance and struggle as I fought to carve my own path. I am grateful to my parents for raising me to be a fighter rather than a princess. This resilience has been crucial in my journey.

However, I do wish I had realized sooner that one can be an artist and still make a living. It took me until after 30 to understand this fully. Despite this, the lessons of self-reliance and resistance have shaped me into who I am today, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

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Image Credits

they are all mine

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