Artist in conversation: Natalia Xomeless

‘‘Emotion is a fundamental component of my creative process, as I aim to infuse my drawings with a sense of melancholy, unease, and eeriness.’’

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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?

Growing up with an artist father had a profound influence on my creative journey. I was surrounded by art from a young age, and his passion and dedication to his craft inspired me to follow in his footsteps. As a kid, I would often watch him work, fascinated by the way he brought his ideas to life. My father's early works often featured mystical and fantastical themes, I think, they had a profound impact on my artistic development. I was drawn to the mysterious and the unknown, and my own fascination with horror movies since childhood likely influenced my style. The eerie and otherworldly elements that permeated my father's work resonated with me, and I believe they played a significant role in shaping my unique aesthetic.

Can you share a specific project or piece that you're particularly proud of and walk us through the creative process behind it?

The project that holds a special place in my heart - a series of artworks created on skateboard decks using acrylic paints. Growing up, I had the ugliest skateboard from a local sports shop. So this project healed my inner child in some way. While browsing online, I chanced upon a unique opportunity to buy handmade blank skateboarding decks, and I couldn't resist the chance to buy 10 of them. I'm proud to say that this project was a huge success, with several pieces selling and some still decorating my apartment. I'm considering creating another series in the future, and I'm looking forward to exploring new stories and themes.

How do you handle feedback and critique of your work, and in what ways has it influenced your growth as an artist?

I believe that feedback and critique are essential components of the artistic process, and I value some constructive criticism from others. If the critique is knowledgeable and insightful, I am more than happy to take it into consideration and use it as an opportunity for growth. I distinctly remember a particular instance where someone pointed out that my drawings lacked background details, and it was a real eye-opener for me. I had been so focused on the subject matter that I had neglected to consider the importance of setting the scene. As a result, I made a conscious effort to incorporate more detailed backgrounds into my work, such as scenic landscapes or outskirts. This not only added depth and context to my pieces but also helped me to develop my skills in creating cohesive and visually appealing compositions. I am proud of the progress I have made and am grateful for the feedback that helped me get there.

How do you use technology in your art, and do you think it has changed the way you approach your creative process?
I'm thrilled to say that I'm a huge fan of technology and how it's enabled me to take my art to new heights. I adore using my iPad Pro and Procreate app, which allows me to create artworks from anywhere, at any time. As someone who's grown up with digital art, thanks to my father being one of the pioneers of CG art, I never felt intimidated or opposed to using technology in my creative process. In fact, I find that it's allowed me to be more productive and experiment with new ideas and techniques. However, I do still value the physicality of traditional art and make sure to set aside time to draw with acrylic paints on canvas. There's something special about working with tangible materials and seeing the textures and colours come alive.

How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?

Staying motivated and inspired is a constant struggle for me, as the demands of office work often leave little to no time for my creative process. It's a challenge to find the energy and focus to pursue my artistic passion amidst the monotony of daily tasks. However, I've learned to make small moments count, whether it's jotting down ideas during my lunch break or sketching out quick doodles during downtime. I also try to prioritise my own creative time, even if it's just 15 minutes a day, to keep my artistic momentum going. By acknowledging the difficulties and finding ways to work around them, I'm able to stay motivated and inspired, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?

I'm absolutely delighted to having exhibited my artworks with The Holy Art Gallery, and I feel it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase my work in London, which is the global hub of the art world. It's a dream come true to be part of such a prestigious platform, and I'm excited to be surrounded by the energy and creativity of the city's thriving art scene.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Looking ahead, I'm eager to take my artistic career to the next level, and my long-term goal is to have a solo show in a prestigious gallery, where I can share my unique perspective and vision with a wider audience. I'm also excited to explore other creative outlets, such as writing a graphic novel, which has been a passion project of mine for some time. In the coming years, I plan to continue producing high-quality artwork, experimenting with new techniques and mediums, and building a strong online presence to showcase my work and connect with art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Ultimately, my goal is to establish myself as a respected and innovative artist, and to leave a lasting impact on the art world.

What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your drawings?

Emotion is a fundamental component of my creative process, as I aim to infuse my drawings with a sense of melancholy, unease, and eeriness. I'm drawn to the darker, more mysterious aspects of human experience, and I seek to capture the unsettling feeling of being on the edge of something unknown or unexplained. However, I also believe that humour can be a powerful tool in subverting this sense of unease, and I often incorporate elements of absurdity and irony to create a sense of tension and release. By balancing the dark and the light, I aim to create a sense of unease that's tempered by a sense of humour, leaving viewers with a complex and nuanced emotional response that lingers long after the piece has been left.