Meet Natalie Reyne | Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Reyne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Certainly! Here’s the revised response:

I am originally from Krupki, a small town in Belarus. Growing up in such a close-knit community, I was surrounded by a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of resilience. My upbringing in Belarus instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, resourcefulness, and the beauty of simplicity.

However, my life took a challenging turn when I became involved in activism and protest art. My art became a form of resistance, a way to voice the struggles and injustices faced by my community. This activism led to my imprisonment, and I was eventually forced to escape my country to seek safety and freedom.

Moving to Los Angeles was a significant change, exposing me to diverse cultures and ideas that profoundly influenced my artistic journey. My education in economics provided me with a structured and analytical mindset, which complemented my creative pursuits. Initially working as a designer for websites and mobile applications, I learned to blend functionality with aesthetics, a skill that has been invaluable in my artistic practice.

My background has deeply impacted my focus on mental health and emotions in my art. The transition from a structured, analytical field to a more expressive and emotional form of art was both challenging and enlightening. It allowed me to explore my own experiences with depression and emotions, leading to a body of work that emphasizes self-acceptance and the importance of mental health awareness.

In essence, my journey from Krupki to Los Angeles, combined with my diverse professional experiences and my activism, has shaped me into an artist who strives to connect with others on a deeply personal level. My art serves as a medium to communicate, heal, and raise awareness about critical social issues, reflecting the resilience and courage that have defined my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Of course, here is the translated and updated response:

My art is a deeply personal exploration of mental health, emotions, and the human condition. I work with themes such as depression, societal expectations, and what is known as “smiling depression” – where a smile masks inner struggles. What sets my work apart is its emotional honesty and my experimentation with various styles and techniques to best convey complex emotions and stories.

One of the projects I am most proud of explores the gap between outward appearances of happiness and inner realities. This project helps shed light on the importance of recognizing and accepting mental health issues.

My journey to where I am today has been far from easy. In Belarus, my involvement in protest art led to my imprisonment and eventual escape to Los Angeles. This experience deeply influenced my art, imbuing it with resilience and a sense of urgency to speak out against injustice. Transitioning from a career in economics and digital design to art was challenging, but it allowed me to blend analytical skills with creative expression.

Overcoming these difficulties required immense perseverance and flexibility. One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of self-acceptance and vulnerability. My art became a form of therapy, helping me process my experiences and connect with others facing similar struggles. I also learned the value of community and support, finding strength in the connections I made along the way.

I want the world to know that art can be a powerful tool for healing and change. My work is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a dialogue around mental health, resilience, and the human experience. I aim to inspire others to embrace their true selves and find solace in our shared human condition.

In essence, my art reflects my journey—marked by struggle, growth, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. I hope to continue using my art to raise awareness, foster understanding, and create meaningful connections.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, we would spend time enjoying nature and the ocean. I’m not much of a party person, so we would go hiking in places like Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon to take in the beautiful views and fresh air.

We would also definitely spend time at the beaches, such as Malibu and Santa Monica, either surfing or just relaxing by the ocean.

I love starting the day with breakfast at Blueys Cafe in Santa Monica or Destroyer in Culver City, where they serve amazing dishes. For lunch, we might head to Tacos Tu Madre, which, although not entirely authentic, perfectly captures the spirit of California.

On the weekends, I would suggest heading to Topanga for brunch and a hike. This place combines beautiful nature trails and cozy cafes, making it perfect for relaxation and recharging.

For cultural enrichment, we would visit museums like LACMA, The Broad, and The Hammer, enjoying a variety of art and architecture. We would also spend a day at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, exploring its stunning gardens and collections.

Additionally, we would definitely attend symphony nights at the Hollywood Bowl, such as the “Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks.” This incredible event combines magnificent music with stunning fireworks.

This itinerary combines my favorite outdoor activities and interesting city spots, making the trip unforgettable and enriching.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Of course! Here’s the updated response with the removal of “The Artist’s Way”:

Absolutely! There have been many individuals and groups who have played a significant role in my journey and success. I would like to dedicate my shoutout to a few key figures and communities:

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my family. Their unwavering support and love have been a constant source of strength for me. Even during the most challenging times, their belief in me and my work has kept me going.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my mentors and fellow artists in Los Angeles. The art community here has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, providing me with opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate. Their encouragement and constructive feedback have been invaluable in shaping my artistic practice.

A significant organization that deserves recognition is Women United ART MOVEMENT. Their platform has given me the opportunity to showcase my work and connect with like-minded artists who are passionate about mental health and social issues. Being featured in their magazine was a milestone in my career, and their ongoing support has been instrumental.

In addition, I want to highlight the impact of various mental health professionals who have helped me on my personal journey. Their guidance and expertise have not only aided my mental health but also enriched my understanding of the themes I explore in my art.

One book that has profoundly influenced my artistic journey is “What Are You Looking At?” by Will Gompertz. This book provided a deep understanding of modern art movements and inspired me to experiment with different styles and techniques.

To all these people and groups, I owe a debt of gratitude. Their contributions have been crucial in my development as an artist and as a person, and I am incredibly thankful for their presence in my life.

Website: https://www.nreyne.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nreyne_art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliya-zhukava/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nreyne/