Natalie Plociennik, a 2019 graduate of our Fine Arts Studio program, is a professional fine artist, trained illustrator, and graphic designer whose incredible work is largely inspired by natural forms and what she describes as "surreal puzzles and biomorphic utopias."
She adds, “My curvy aesthetic is counter-inspired by my propensity for bruising since childhood - If I could, I’d bubble up the world like a giant bouncy castle and not ever have to worry about bumping into sharp edges and corners again. I also paint figurative works that create conversations around the themes of presence, attention and self-love. Art has been an act of kindness and love to myself and has fueled my personal development with my ego, desires and fears.”
Below is a Q&A that outlines Natalie’s journey creating art, her experience at Centennial, life after graduation, current updates, and more.
Q. HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST? WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST AND PASSION FOR FINE ARTS AND ILLUSTRATION?
No, my journey to artistry has been long and unpredictable. Before studying at Centennial, I completed a degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences at McMaster University. I worked as an electrical technician, wetland research assistant and a local farm stand representative. It is as if I’ve been tasting a variety of appetizers to get to the main course, and each appetizer sets the palette (pun intended).
I had a sort of quarter-life crisis, and I reflected on which events in my life sparked the most vitality and determination within me. The answer was always about constructing visual projects. I knew I had a lot to learn, so without much hesitation, I plunged into one of the most creatively demanding and intensely visual programs I could find.
Q. WHAT LED YOU TO THE FINE ARTS STUDIO PROGRAM AT CENTENNIAL?
After spending five years deeply studying theory at university, I wanted to create something that felt tangible and real. I wanted to find a program where I could push myself to create varied works and learn traditional and modern art practices. But most importantly, I wanted to find a community that helps nurture the authentic growth of artists with an out-of-the-box approach. That’s when I stumbled upon a YouTube video about the Fine Arts Studio program at Centennial College, which featured an enthusiastic and expert faculty guiding students to their personal creative goals. It was one of the best decisions I made for myself. Some of my teachers are still mentoring me today.
I love having learned the ability to bring a fantastic idea to life through art and the ability to do the reverse by playing with artistic methods to create a unique idea. I knew this industry was for me after I noticed my efforts being rewarded. I once made a collaborative sculpture with Shiyu Zhang, titled Dolores, that our Story Arts Center Dean, Nate Horowitz, displayed as an honorarium in his office for a year. We also received a scholarship for it. It was heartwarming and reassuring.
Q. WHAT ARE SOME KEY LESSONS FROM THE PROGRAM THAT STOOD OUT TO YOU AND THAT YOU USE IN YOUR CAREER TODAY?
A key lesson we learned from day one is to become comfortable with calling ourselves artists. The idea that you can only call yourself an artist after you reach a certain standard of success is sometimes toxic to the individual creative. Believing in yourself is a powerful source of inspiration and motivation.
Q. HOW DO YOU THINK THIS PROGRAM HELPS PREPARE SOMEONE FOR THIS INDUSTRY?
The program is heavy on art projects and explores a wide range of techniques that help with developing your visual style. It also covers professional practices in the art world, teaching you all aspects of creating an art exhibition - from writing grant proposals, artist statements, marketing, creating promotional materials, artwork shipping and installation, constructing a portfolio, approaching galleries, and so much more.
Q. DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN THIS PROGRAM OR THE ART INDUSTRY IN GENERAL?
If you put 100% of yourself into trying something new, you might be surprised by how it will inspire you. Use it to discover and develop your strengths. Use it to become who you want to be.
Don’t be concerned about doing what is popular to get attention. Follow your own creative curiosities.
Find good role models and learn as much as you can from them. Discover how they overcame obstacles to become their present selves.
Q. WHAT WAS LIFE AFTER GRADUATION LIKE AND WHAT LED YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
As with any transition, beginning again can be challenging, and there is no direct career path as an artist. After graduating, I got an opportunity from a close connection to do freelance work as a user experience, user interface and graphic designer. It was a large learning curve, but it helped support my practice and living expenses. In the meantime, I was creating and showing my artwork in libraries, cafes, galleries, markets, outdoor art shows and organizing an independent group show. I met artists who were living my dream and received guidance and mentorship from them.
Although I was told in college, it hit me while trying to apply to shows that fine artistry is a slow-growing career that can take many years to become well established in. Since then, I’ve been a lot kinder to myself and have adjusted my day-to-day definitions for success.
I am lucky to have an incredibly supportive partner who has been helping with our living expenses. Last year I was able to get a studio space with Akin studio - there are a few locations in Toronto. This has been the second-best decision ever (the first being Centennial) for my artistic practice. My studio mates are the supportive community I need for me to create my best work. I am not so productive in isolation. We support each other’s growth and sometimes do shows or markets together.
Q. WHAT WENT INTO CREATING YOUR LATEST ART EXHIBITION, A STEP BEYOND ORDINARY?
Last year, Agora Gallery found my art website and approached me to apply for a year of representation. I applied and got accepted! This meant that I would be able to showcase my work online with Agora Gallery and have an in-person group show in New York City. For the in-person show, we selected my best and most recent works, including two organic worlds and two puzzling illusions. Agora Gallery selected artists with complementary artwork and organized a cohesive theme and date for our show. They also worked with me to develop personal statements, promote my work and send invitations to collectors.
A new challenge for me was to ship my artwork internationally. Not only can it get expensive to ship and package, but the packaging is difficult to find, and it’s important to do it right - otherwise, the artwork might not arrive in one piece! Also, filling out customs documents correctly is confusing. With the help of my network, I was able to find a shipping consultant, which made the whole process less scary. Since then, the artworks have shipped safely, which is another thing I can relax about now!
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT PREPARING FOR THIS EXHIBITION?
My favourite part about my representation with Agora Gallery was being able to focus purely on creating artwork and the motivation of a public show at the end of it. I am so grateful and happy when I get the time to be fully present in exploring a new artwork. The timing of the show is a blessing because of how quiet it has been during the pandemic. Also, working with the gallery team has been an absolute joy - they have all been kind, skillful and supportive.
Q. TELL US ABOUT THE WORK YOU ARE DOING FOR STORYVOICE
Storyvoice is a Centennial College ARIF research project and website that showcases creative student work around the theme of mental health. The goal is to help de-stigmatize these conversations and make free mental health resources more accessible to students. Anthony Harrison, my wonderful teacher and mentor, initiated this project and secured a grant for it. Since I have experience developing websites and modern user experiences, Anthony took me on as part of the team.
I’ve since been working with Centennial College’s website designers and Anthony to create a website, newsletter and system to make sharing these stories easy and enjoyable. Part of that process is trying to understand the objectives that students and staff have when interfacing with Storyvoice. Another part is to streamline the user experience using the available tools. I also did some of the writing for the website. Throughout the workflow, I keep students' needs chiefly in mind.
We are launching in August, so keep a lookout! Students will be able to share their stories on mental health in whichever creative form they wish. It will be an opportunity to hear and to be heard.
To find out more about Natalie and see her phenomenal work, check out her Instagram @nataliegallery, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Article by: Alexandra Few
To uncover other great stories happening in and around the Story Arts Centre campus, check out the latest edition of our Storyteller newsletter.
