NATALIA FABIA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
“In my perspective, women should have the freedom to express their sexuality authentically and respectfully. However, a pressing issue that I find noteworthy is the tendency for women to judge each other harshly. It’s disheartening to witness women becoming each other’s harshest critics and adversaries, especially in fields like female artistry where support should prevail.”
How have your life's passions, such as art, yoga, and a love for nature, influenced your artistic journey? Could you elaborate on the specific aspects of your life that have directly impacted your work?
In my artistic journey, I've always found inspiration in my passions, essentially painting a reflection of my life. I'm compelled to express what I love, be it my friends, fashion, strong and stylish women, yoga, meditation, the cosmos, nature, punk rock, colorful interiors, or my daughter. These elements have consistently shaped my work, evolving as I undergo personal changes. I prioritize staying true to myself rather than conforming to others' expectations.
Reflecting on a timeline of my inspirations:
Early years: My fascination with drawing girls, often requesting my dad's sketches.
Teen years: Channeling my passion for fashion through drawings inspired by fashion magazines.
High school: Immersed in punk rock, burlesque, pin-up art, and the influences of Toulouse Lautrec. Also drawn to interior design, light, and color, influenced by my parents' architectural background.
Art School: Painting portraits of friends and people I encountered in bars.
Yoga: Starting my yoga journey 12 years ago, finding both enjoyment and body maintenance in the practice.
Nature: Appreciating its timeless, spiritual, and magical essence, embracing the authentic colors, atmosphere, harmony, and mood it freely provides.
Motherhood: Experiencing unconditional love and simplicity through my daughter.
Meditation/Cosmos: Coping with loss and life stresses through meditation, considering it an essential practice for everyone.
As my paintings evolve, they incorporate fragments from each passion, creating a rich tapestry of influences throughout my artistic progression.
How has your artistic work transformed since you became a mother?
Motherhood brought about a significant shift in my perspective and added deeper meaning to my artistic expression. Initially, the challenge was finding time to paint, as the demands of being a painter clashed with the long, solitary hours required, and I had never faced the need to organize my time so meticulously before. Overcoming this struggle took longer than expected, compounded by a period of dissatisfaction with my work – a painting funk, if you will. It was during this challenging time that I rediscovered my initial passion for painting from life, returning to the basics and finding inspiration in simple things, which, as it turns out, are also the most important aspects of life.
Despite these hurdles, I must emphasize that having children has been an unparalleled blessing. When I pause to perceive the world through their eyes and listen to their perspectives, my vision expands. Motherhood has instilled in me a heightened appreciation for the beauty in simplicity, shared with my children. Experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, and the various challenges of parenting has not only changed my self-perception but also deepened my respect for the strength and power of women. It has revealed our ability to handle immense challenges. I am determined to instill in my children a positive self-image and outlook on the world, encouraging them to create and pursue their desires. My most recent art show centered around expressing these very ideas.
Can you elaborate on your portrayal of the female form in your artwork, particularly your bold and open representation of female sexuality? How do you perceive the freedom for women to express their sexuality, and what are your thoughts on the dynamics of judgment among women, especially within the realm of female artists?
In my perspective, women should have the freedom to express their sexuality authentically and respectfully. However, a pressing issue that I find noteworthy is the tendency for women to judge each other harshly. It's disheartening to witness women becoming each other's harshest critics and adversaries, especially in fields like female artistry where support should prevail.
The women I depict in my paintings exude a sense of "sexy," a distinction I make from being overtly sexual. While I am fascinated by the controversies that surround the topic of sex, I don't actively aim to make my work excessively provocative. The women I paint are unapologetically sexy, not because I intend to amplify their sexual allure, but because I believe the female form, whether clothed or nude, shouldn't feel compelled to conceal its inherent sexuality. Neither the body nor the nude form serves as an open invitation for sexual advances; they are simply expressions of the human form. Women should have the agency to own and embrace their sexuality for their own satisfaction and joy.
In my interactions with models, I emphasize that they don't need to actively "be" sexy because they inherently possess that quality. This mindset is, in my view, incredibly empowering and liberating, reinforcing the notion that women can define and celebrate their own sexuality on their terms.
The solo exhibition "Rainbeau Samsara" caught my attention for its celebration of femininity and empowerment. Could you share your perspectives on female empowerment?
In my view, females, particularly those in the realm of the arts, should be accorded the same rights and respect as their male counterparts. Empowerment, to me, involves liberating oneself from the burden of constantly considering others' opinions. It's about embracing and releasing the aspects of oneself that are deemed beautiful or exciting without reservation. Within the sphere of female archetypes, there exists a dichotomy, exemplified by labels like the virgin and the whore, which often fall short of capturing the diverse roles women can occupy in reality. In the business world, there's a prevalent male-centric mindset that tends to shame women for being open about their sexuality, perpetuating the notion that concealing femininity is a prerequisite for respect and esteem. This mindset is unfortunately echoed by some women who identify as feminists but criticize anything deemed overly feminine.
Contrary to these perspectives, I believe that when women are open and unafraid, they become a source of inspiration. Some of my artwork revolves around transforming female insecurities into expressions of beauty. Many women connect with my art because it resonates with how they feel internally or aspire to feel – not conforming to society's expectations. In my paintings, there's no shame attached. The women I depict embody vulnerability and strength simultaneously, holding the freedom to make choices without constraints.
What prompted you to venture into teaching art, particularly considering your fondness for it, with Stan, a retired physician, being one of your favorite students?
Ah, Stan! His humor about leaving the medical field for the allure of the art world always brings a smile to my face.
Teaching was a latent aspiration of mine, albeit one I hesitated to pursue due to apprehension. The opportunity, however, presented itself organically and at the perfect juncture. While I was reaffirming my commitment to focus on painting from life, a friend who was teaching approached me to take over her class as she was relocating. Recognizing the challenge it posed, I knew it would force me to question my entire artistic process and methodology. This journey required me to articulate and make sense of my approach, essentially prompting me to relearn everything and start anew. Surprisingly, the experience has proven to be immensely beneficial, aiding my artistic growth in ways I hadn't anticipated.
Teaching has become a genuine passion for me. I currently teach at Kline Academy in Los Angeles, among other locations, and offer private sessions in my studio. The connection with my students is something I cherish, and I feel fortunate to have many incredible female students who add a unique and inspiring dynamic to the learning environment.