Creating with Surf Coast Watercolour Artist Natalie Martin
INTERVIEW BY IMO
Photo by Indie Lane
Q&A
WITH Natalie Martin - Watercolour Artist
Surf Coast . VIC
We are so lucky to live amongst what I believe to be some of the most spectacular coastline in the world. I love walking from Steps to Bells, a track that twists and turns and follows the great sandstone cliffs. At eye-level the track is lush with natives that shrink, grow and bloom depending on the time of year and down below our friend; ‘big blue’ spills out as far as the eye can see.
Since moving to the Surf Coast I’ve fallen madly in love with the native flora in the area… the end of winter brings an explosion of yellow wattle that lines all of the roads - instantly brightening the gloomiest of days, while the towards the end of summer the big tall eucalypts droop heavy with flowering gum.
What a place to call home.
Natalie and I met through our local gym in Torquay, I didn’t realise she was an artists until we connected on Instagram. As soon as I saw her work I knew we’d get along. Not only does she share my love of the natural world around us but she is a passionate creative pursuing her dream and totally succeeding at it.
My favourite combination - creative & clever.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Nat in her studio and discuss all things creating, running a business and how she’s contributing to building the arts community on the Surf Coast.
x IMO
Photo by Indie Lane
Photo by Indie Lane
Photo by Indie Lane
Natalie, it’s clear that you are inspired by your surroundings, can you tell us more about your influences and how you ended up living here on the surf coast?
I actually grew up a long way from the beach, in the Dandenong Ranges! I completely took my surroundings for granted though. I go back there now and am awed by the forest and all the beautiful gardens, the lushness of the colours. At uni I studied Communication Design at RMIT and lived in the city for a little bit, and it didn’t suit me at all, I needed space and fresh air. I found a graphic design job down in Torquay and thought that would be a nice shift, I stayed in that role for 6 years. All the while I never stopped painting, it was a hobby for many years before becoming a full time gig. I love the relaxed nature of the coast, rugged weather and being surrounded by beautiful and raw habitat.
NATALIE MARTIN
Two feet on the ground and the wind in her hair, this is her happy place. Nothing inspires her more than soaking up a little sunshine and enjoying the outdoors.
Natalie looks at the beauty in life’s ordinary moments. Those things in your natural environment that pass you by every day, right under your nose. The things you only notice when you slow down and take a breath.
Besides painting, a few of her favourite things are people watching, licorice, surfing, traveling and daydreaming.
You have my favourite combination; creative & clever - when did you know it was the right time to dive in?
Taking the leap from a secure full time job that I loved into the risky, hard slog of self employment was huge. I had been painting and freelancing on the side for a number of years while working full time. Eventually I couldn’t do either job well, so I had to make a call. I made the decision one day, and acted upon it and quit my job about 8 months later. I wanted to make the transition as smooth and painless as possible, but most importantly I wanted to feel super confident in the next step forwards.
Can you give us insight into your inspiration, processes as an artist and the journey of your latest collection Breathe.
Sometimes the concept comes first, and sometimes the work. In Breathe’s case, I started the work first and let the concept emerge. There’s a lot of patience required in watercolour, allowing things to dry and processes to happen naturally. I related this to my life at the time. Allowing things to happen without force, being patient, one breath at a time.
Natalie in her studio
how did you turn your passion into your full time job and what advice would you give other creatives wanting to do the same?
I feel like I sound like a self help book, but honestly, trust your gut and your own intuition. I was flooded with all kinds of advice (by well meaning people of course!) but only you truly know your limits, how much energy you’re willing to put in, where you want to take things. When I say ‘yes’ I’m 110% committed, but to do this you also need to be able to say no, as you can’t be 110% committed to everything.
Champion your dreams, you’re the only person who can start your own journey.
“Champion your dreams, you’re the only person who can start your own journey.” - Natalie
Your top practical tips for someone wanting to start their own business?
Write your ‘reasonable’ to do list the night before. Be reasonable, only what is achievable inside your business hours, no more.
Sleep - you cannot function without sleep.
Find something that helps you switch off, for me that is walking in nature.
Embrace social media, make it a part of your daily routine.
Outsource what you’re not good at.
Create your own work, content, everything. Don’t rip off other people’s stuff.
Your well and truly established in the art scene on the surf coast, how important do you think it is to collaborate with your community?
So important!! Collaborating is so brilliant in so many ways. It can help boost the profiles of the parties involved, reach new audiences, make you work as a team, engage your local community, generate business and bring you fresh ideas. The Surf Coast is very surf and sport focused, we do however also have one of the most incredible creative communities (one of the most creative regional hubs in Australia!) and I want to utilise and expose that to a greater audience, for example the Art Local exhibition I put on at Ocean Grind over Easter in 2019.
Low Scandi Bed
Square Box Bed
what’s your daily routine like and have you implemented any sustainable practices within your business?
What I love about my day is that no two are the same, routine is not always my friend. Some things happen each day, but not always in the same order. Dog walk, coffee… then it could be any combination of painting, emails, graphic design work, planning, marketing, photo shoots, video shoots, admin, errands, packing orders and who knows what else?! The days are always full.
My philosophy with sustainability is if it’s supposed to last a long time, ensure it can and if it is designed to be a single use, it must be made from 100% recycled materials. So my prints are all the highest archival quality, the originals are lightfast and the framing is designed to be to protect the work, be timeless and last. All my stationery is made from 100% post consumer waste or has been repurposed.
You’ve just finished your exhibition “breathe” and have just launched your online watercolour course, what other projects could we expect to see from you in the future?
I’ve got so many ideas! More collaborative projects, more solo projects, more artwork!
Al and Imo Handmade Square Box Bed & artwork by Natalie Martin
Lastly, how do you slow down?
Leave my phone at home and go for a long walk and soak up all the glorious surroundings. Or sometimes I’ll go for a surf, anything that makes me completely present in nature.
Photo by Indie Lane
We’ve started this journal in hope that through us sharing stories like Natalie’s it encourages others to -
Be creative.
To follow your passion project.
Support local artists and makers.
Our hope is that through us showcasing small, local and ethical artists/ makers/ businesses it encourages others to support locally, handmade.