Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Shah.
Hi Natasha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana. It’s a small town and now pretty much abandoned. I moved to Gujarat, India when I was seven years old. It was interesting sightseeing my home country at that age. Everything was new, loud, populated, and crazy for me. I didn’t like the change one bit as a child. I moved to the U.S. when I was 13 and stayed in Florida pretty much for the rest of my time. My family is filled with artists. There are painters, architects, fashion designers, etc. In high school, I wanted to pursue arts as well but got rejected by familial influence, unfortunately. I spent my college life doing the next best thing, animal biology. I had dreamt of being a veterinarian, but as I started to get into my last few semesters, I realized my passion for this career wasn’t as strong as it needed to be. I met other individuals who were in love with what they were doing, and I desired that feeling for myself. The only way I got it was through art. I, then, decided to finally follow my heart and study art. I applied to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for a MFA in Illustration and was accepted. It felt really good, like a burden lifted off of me. And that is how I’m now in Savannah for my final year in my Master’s program awaiting graduation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like I mentioned earlier, it has not been smooth. I struggled a lot in life, in general. I had a hard time adjusting in India. There was a language barrier for a short while, but past that there was also a cultural difference in thoughts and ideals that I had from living in Botswana. One big struggle I had to fight for was my career. I was forced into getting a degree that I did not have a desire for. I don’t want to say I wasted four years of my life and education as they can and have come in handy in life, but it did take time away from my passion and career. I have come to accept the cards handed to me, but now that I am older, I am able to make my own decisions regarding my life. Now I can say that whatever mistakes I make are my own.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would call myself an illustrator and a surface designer. I, first and foremost, enjoy creating patterns for the hospitality market and textiles. My favourite parts about this market is the research and organization. I love making meaningful art that has context, culture, and history. I am most proud of the patterns I created (and am still creating) from my field research in India. I visited December of 2022, where I met 7 textile artisans whom I interviewed, I photographed their process, their works, and the location. I took a little something with me from each location. The whole experience was absolutely amazing, and I call myself lucky as I know this isn’t something everyone is able to do.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I don’t think I am capable of giving advice just yet. I would just say to always do your best, utilize your resources, and always research everything, and PRACTICE! I know many people have become part of the creative industry without ever going to school to study art, but I don’t think I would have known or learnt as much as I did if it wasn’t for me getting my education in it. When industry professionals teach you and tell you do things a certain way, it is for our own benefit. Learn all you can from the professionals in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theartofnatu.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofnatu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfNatu/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/natashashah98
