Auckland Photographer: Shaping Art from Commerce
Recently, we had the pleasure of catching up with the self-taught landscape Auckland photographer, Natalie Pearce, of One Thousand Blooms, a collaborative artist with doodlewear, for an insightful conversation on our Creative Chats blog.
Her art can be described as untamed; capturing the world as it is - wild, imperfect, colourful – but always from an angle that feels fresh and original to her.
"Colourful, original and in celebration of New Zealand, every piece of art contains my love for colour, for beauty, for nature and for perspective,” she shares.
Auckland Photographer Natalie Pearce with her Midnight Daisies photograph.
A Journey of Discovery
In the beginning, Natalie's artist's path wasn't so clear. The pressure to choose a practical career led her to pursue commerce over her true passion, the arts. It wasn't until later, after a successful corporate career, that she rekindled her love for visual expression.
She reflects, " I never knew what I wanted to be when I wanted to grow up and still don’t! I went to university and studied commerce instead of arts because I was advised I wouldn’t be able to get a job if I did an arts degree. In hindsight, I should have followed my heart because commerce was dry and soulless to me. At the end of my degree I had another sliding door moment; go off on an OE or start working. I was risk-averse so started working. I left the mainland and went to Wellington and entered the corporate sector where I spent the next 23 years of my life working in marketing and business strategy. In 2012, I left the corporate sector and started my own consultancy business and that’s when art entered the room. On reflection, I have always been an extremely visual person but it wasn’t until I got into my 30’s that I started dabbling in Art. Then children came along and it all got too hard. In my 40’s, writing and photography took centre stage and the overlap between my profession and passions slowly started to happen. I’m still not where I want to be but I think I’m finally heading in the right direction. It’s only taken a lifetime to get there!"
Auckland Photographer Finding Inspiration in the Everyday
For this talented Auckland photographer, inspiration is found in the vibrant tapestry of life. It's in the colours, textures, and beauty that surround us daily. Whether it's a sunrise, the sea, or the intricate details of everyday objects, she sees the extraordinary in the ordinary. She shared, "Colour inspires me. Texture inspires me. Nature inspires me. Beauty inspires me. Beautiful flowers, make-up, cloth, interior styling, candles, stationery, fruit. Anything and everything. We are surrounded by beauty at all times, you just need to be looking out for it. I go for a walk every morning and the sunrise inspires me every single day, it’s such an amazing light show. I also have the benefit of living by the sea and that is a constant source of awe."
Auckland Photographer Natalie Pearce in action.
Overcoming Creative Blocks
Even the most passionate artists face creative blocks. For her, it's nature and the work of other creatives that reignite her spark. The beauty crafted by fellow artists serves as a reminder that there's always room for personal growth and a unique signature style to discover.
Unveiling the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
Her message is clear: Take a closer look at the ordinary, and you'll discover the extraordinary. Her Rockstars Collection exemplifies this philosophy, as she transforms rugged rock faces into captivating canvases. Each piece is a testament to the hidden beauty that awaits those who dare to look closer.
The Creative Process Unveiled
Her creative process starts with an open mind, devoid of expectations. Choosing a location is the first step, followed by embracing the opportunities that arise during her shoots. The real magic happens later, as she meticulously curates her shots to perfection. For her, it's a fluid journey, where the end result often surprises even her. Natalie shares, "I think the most important tool for me is not having any expectations. Expectations kill imagination. The only decision I need to make is the venue for example Muriwai or Whatipu Beach and then I try and remain open to the opportunities that present themselves. Most of the work then comes after I get back to my desk. I pour through the hundreds of shots and manipulate them until they get to a space where I am satisfied with them. I never have a firm picture in my mind of what the endpoint will look like, it’s much more organic than that for me. Again, expectations can suck the life out of you."
An Artist with Depth
Beyond her photography, she's a writer who has penned three books. One particular project took her to Auckland Women's Prison, where she interviewed female offenders. This humbling experience allowed her to delve into the life stories that lead individuals down challenging paths.
Nurturing Aspiring Artists
Her advice for young or new artists is a blend of practicality and creativity. Treat your art as a business, not just a hobby. Surround yourself with positive influences, both among friends and family and within the artist community. Seek guidance from those who have trodden the path before. Natalie shares, "Create the space that you need to find your own space. Follow lots of artists, unpick what you like about their work and give yourself the time to evolve your own. It is the path less trodden so creating a support network is imperative."
Through our conversation, it's clear that this Auckland photographer has discovered her true passion and is using her lens to celebrate the extraordinary in the ordinary. Her journey from the corporate world to the world of art is an inspiration for anyone seeking to follow their heart.
As we wrap up our chat with this talented Auckland photographer, we invite you to explore her Doodlewear collaboration collection. In the world of art, there's always more to discover, and her collection is a testament to the endless possibilities of creativity.
What are you waiting for? Click here to explore now!
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