Meet Natalia da Silva of ready2gogh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia da Silva.

Natalia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I basically have been drawing since I came out of the womb! My great grandmother on my mom’s side was an artist, and my mom use to draw a lot, so I suppose I was chosen to carry on the artistic gene. At first, all I drew were little stick figures and other odd-looking creatures. Eventually, I found an interest in the natural world, often focusing on botanical ideals, papillons, and amplifying basic features on the human form. Since then, my goal has been to create original and unique pieces that can easily be recognized by the viewer. Additionally, art has always been my safe space. I have struggled for years with mental health before getting the proper help I needed, and my art was always where I could go to escape. As unfortunate as it is, I would say that those darker times inspired some of my best pieces!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been some challenges in the way. I think the number one challenge, (that I very recently overcame) was finding my style. Like any artist starting out, I tended to replicate things that I saw from people I followed on social media. While it was not my work, I believe it served as good practice. Currently, I think I have seen so many different styles, I managed to combine multiple techniques, that specifically scream “ready2gogh did this!!”. Secondly, people around me automatically assume that I am going to try and make a living off of selling my art, which I know is not feasible. OF COURSE, I have a backup plan, and OF COURSE, I have a cushion to fall on. But I believe that happiness is much more valuable than money, and I am currently trying to find a place in between those two things. You will NEVER see me in an office building.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the ready2gogh story. Tell us more about your art.
For now, I am my only employee. 🙂 I have recently begun to branch out and seek other individuals to collaborate with, but for the most part, I am running the show! I specialize in floral prints, which have often been used as tattoo inspiration. I have a very unique way of representing what I want to give to this work, which I think is what sets me apart from others. I use colors in a different way than others typically would, and I use linework where it shouldn’t be. My goal is to make the comfortable become uncomfortable with the difference.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Like most things, my luck has been based on being at the right place at the right time. I have also come out of my shell a lot more past few years, so I find it easier to listen and share my work with others. I believe that whatever positivity you put into this world, it will be rewarded back to you, which is why I express myself the way I do. I highly suggest talking to whoever you can connect with, you never know who you could run into. I am currently preparing for my fourth show through RAW Artists, and hope to find more opportunities like this in the future.

Pricing:

• Prints range from $25-$60 based on media used and size
• Tattoo designs begin at $20 an hour

Contact Info:

• Email: nataliads@comcast.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ready2gogh/

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