Natalia Cardenas
Artist Statement
My work is a reflection of the pure, child-like wonder that fuels my creativity. Growing up surrounded by art, from Roman-Catholic imagery such as Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, I was immersed in a world of storytelling through visual mediums. This deeply rooted connection to art shaped my desire to create dream-like escapes, primarily through painting and drawing. The worlds I build are visual translations of dreams or reflections of my real life, displayed in a graceful and harmonious fashion that resonates with my own sensibilities. Sometimes I tell stories that transport the viewer into whimsical narratives, while other times I offer a light retreat from reality, a quiet pause in a chaotic world. One of my greatest influences is Remedios Varo, the Spanish-Mexican surrealist painter whose work I find captivating. Her ability to weave mystical elements with real life inspires my pursuit of crafting immersive, dream-like scenes. Like her, I aim to bridge the fantastical with the familiar, inviting viewers to wander between worlds that balance on the edge of reality and dream.
My creative process begins with a vague, sometimes elusive idea. I passively time, unconsciously developing the concept in my mind before translating it into form. Working with traditional pencil and paper allows me to access the full potential of my imagination—each stroke a step toward bringing an idea to life. I’ve found that the most effective way for me to work is by diving straight into a project. Initially, I take a hands-on, almost brute-force approach, allowing room for error. Once I gauge the project a little bit, I look to myself, now that I am more familiar with a path and outline or design a system. I realize I need to get familiar first with the project at hand. Once I’ve gained that initial understanding, I step back and develop a more structured system or plan to execute it more efficiently. Sometimes, this process unfolds naturally as I progress; other times it takes more dedicated time for the planning. It takes some stoicism to get through problems, and to keep myself grounded, I remind myself that consistent effort and focus are key, and eventually, sooner rather than later, I will have completed my task with satisfaction. As I work, my ideas evolve, layering themselves as I balance intuition with a focused refinement process.
Color, form, and detail play pivotal roles in my practice. I am particularly drawn to intricate detailing, where even the smallest elements hold significance, reflecting hidden meanings or personal connections. Perfectionism drives me—not as an obstacle but as a devotion to ensuring each piece reflects the care, thought, and intention behind it.
Ultimately, my work is an invitation—to explore, to escape, and to engage with the dream-like imagery of imagination.
