// by Katie Brennan //
Katie Brennan, a fellow Kelowna-based painter, spent the afternoon with Natasha in her studio/salon. Have a peak at what they discussed...
Natasha Harvey is the other straight up painter in the Babe Brigade (I’m the other). So I was particularly looking forward to getting a peak into her studio and hearing what she had to say about her approach to her practice. In particular, I wanted to know what she had to have in her studio for it to be a productive work space.
Natasha Harvey is the other straight up painter in the Babe Brigade (I’m the other). So I was particularly looking forward to getting a peak into her studio and hearing what she had to say about her approach to her practice. In particular, I wanted to know what she had to have in her studio for it to be a productive work space.
NATASHA: Music is a big part of my practice - it’s constantly playing in my studio. The music either sets the tone for the work, or the art sets the tone for the music. The music I listen to while painting varies from kitschy pop and electronica to melancholic singer-song writers. The effect of music on my art is both serendipitous and intentional.
What are you listening to right now?
NATASHA: I’m listening to London Grammar and the Yeah,Yeah,Yeahs a lot these days.
I also surround myself with images and photos. The walls are filled with images in my workspace. The imagery I collect inspires the context, colour and character of my work.
Are there any themes to what inspires you?
NATASHA: I am inspired by a lot. So here is a list of my top painting inspirations that I find endlessly fascinating and why.
1. animals - their spirit and power
2. birds and owls - flight and wisdom
3. boats, particularly old sail boats - a nostalgic sense of adventure and freedom
4. beautiful women with far away gazes - nostalgia, dreams, beauty
5. fantasy, magic and mysticism - I love anything that takes me away from the everyday
6. music videos and film - art forms with endless inspiration
A great list. I also love that you spell them out so clearly like this.
NATASHA: I know, right? I have used collage in my paintings for many years now. I love working with an existing image and giving it new meaning within my art. I also love creating painterly, abstract areas in my paintings. I am fascinated with balanced push and pull between the representational and abstract.
So what’s got your attention right now?
NATASHA: I'm working on a number of paintings at the moment. I am most exited about a series that is inspired by my favourite music videos. Each painting will depict a frame from a particular video that I think is awesome.
I am also working on some exciting and dreamy portraits of animals and owls, depicted as mystical creatures in an abstracted fantasy setting.