I am Natalie Dicken (she/her).. a human… being… of Hope BC, spending more and more time on the Southern Gulf Islands… from Mountains to Oceans. My artwork is not “A” story… it’s MY story. Sometimes it’s messy, unorganized, and kicking up dust… but it’s always real, present, and fearless. I was told in grade 2 that I am very artistic, but it took me to age 40 to really believe it. Earlier in life I played around with mediums like glass etching & fusing, silversmithing, polymer clay and functional pieces like alcohol ink on tumblers & coasters. It was a busy life, jumping from one thing to another trying to find my way. It was “dusty”.
As I get older I push myself to sit still, or wander slowly so I can get the most out of my experiences. I find using watercolour & soft pastels capture those still & slower moments in a way that make me feel warm and alive. I enjoy working from memory the most so those feelings can shine through in a semi-realistic, expressive way. That being said, I also spend time reminiscing though old photo’s of the places I have visited and working from them, remembering how much I enjoyed that specific spot in that perfect, or imperfect moment. Majority of my current work is landscapes with bright colours.
For the last year and a half I have offered workshops at a brewery where I provide a fun and safe space for people to create using their own style. We have built items such as driftwood houses, dried flower wreathes, scenic light-up mountain scenes.. and terrariums. I am always amazed at with such little instruction people come up with beautiful pieces. No 2 pieces are ever the same. I have also been invited to host corporate events with 40+ people. I can’t wait to see what people create in those sessions.
When I sit still long enough, the dust always settles and reveals the path that has always been there right in front of me.
I never know where my art is going to take me next, but what I do know is that I want you there with me.
Natalie Dicken 