Natali Antonovich, an artist whose work acts as a portal into her inner world, has spent years grappling with the complexity of self-expression. Her artistic journey, driven by a relentless pursuit of individualism, reflects a deep curiosity about herself and the world around her.
From an early age, Natali’s perceptive nature set her apart. She paid careful attention to the nuances of her surroundings, capturing details that others might overlook. This habit of contemplation and observation has followed her throughout her life, shaping her art and her personal philosophy.
Natali’s path has taken her through various creative disciplines. She began with graphics and portraiture before immersing herself in the intricate art of batik. Teaching fine arts and art history offered another outlet for her creativity and curiosity. But over time, her passion settled into oil painting and watercolors. Through these mediums, she finds the most direct and powerful way to convey her thoughts and emotions.
Oil on Linen (2012) – From the Series “Eternity”
In 2012, Natali created an oil painting on linen that would become part of her Eternity series. This piece, like much of her work, seems to hover in a space where thoughts and feelings are allowed to drift freely. There’s a sense of movement—breaking off a thought, drifting away, circling back.
Natali’s words about the piece describe a search. She speaks of catching the wind, searching for water, calling for light, and meeting someone’s gaze. These images evoke both the physical world and something more abstract. It feels like a journey through inner landscapes, where time is both present and elusive.
The ticking of a clock is there, soft and distant, like a whisper. Time is both measured and immeasurable. Natali’s approach invites the viewer to feel the weight of moments passing, even as they try to capture something fleeting.
The use of oil on linen gives the painting a tactile quality. The texture of the linen underneath the paint adds another dimension, as if the surface itself is part of the story. There’s a rawness to the piece that feels intentional, a reminder that art can be both polished and rough, like life itself.
Her choice to work with oils reflects a desire for depth and nuance. The medium allows for layers, for gradual shifts in tone and light. Natali uses these qualities to convey something personal, something that can’t be easily put into words.
The Eternity series appears to be an ongoing exploration. It’s not about finding answers but about embracing the process of searching. There’s a quiet determination in her work, a willingness to keep looking, to keep asking.
Natali’s art feels like an invitation. She doesn’t dictate how to experience her paintings; she leaves space for interpretation. This openness is part of what makes her work resonate. It’s personal, but it’s also universal. Anyone can step into her world and find something that speaks to them.
Her journey from graphics and portraiture to batik, teaching, and now painting has given her a diverse toolkit. But it’s the emotional depth of her work that truly stands out. Natali’s art feels like a conversation, one that invites reflection and introspection.
Through her oil paintings and watercolors, Natali continues to explore the boundaries of expression. Her work is both an escape and a confrontation, a way to process thoughts and feelings that resist easy categorization.
The Eternity series, with its contemplative quality and delicate balance between structure and fluidity, feels like a natural progression in her artistic journey. Natali seems comfortable in this space, willing to explore and experiment without the need for definitive answers.
Ultimately, Natali Antonovich’s work is about connection. It’s about finding ways to communicate something deeply personal, something that might otherwise remain hidden. And in doing so, she offers viewers a glimpse into her world, while also encouraging them to explore their own.
