about
Welcome! I promise it'll be interesting
I must warn you, I'm not an academic at all. I'd say I'm more of a rebellious conservator. I also don't consider myself an expert in all things paper, but I'm learning. And it's this learning that I want to share here.
This is a space where I divulge my findings, mistakes, and successes as I navigate through the field of paper and art making, with a sprinkling of paper conservation-related tips here and there (it's what I do for a living, after all...).
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About Me
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Apparently, I've always been into patterns (check out my slideshow to the right if you're on a desktop, or below if you're on a mobile device). That makes sense, considering my childhood and adolescence in the Dominican Republic. A colorful, bright and hot place making way for color-saturated patterns in my work.
Fast forward to my early 20s, I earned a BFA in Illustration from Parsons. Then skip ahead to late 20s, and you'll see me getting an MA in Paper Conservation, like a boss! Now I spend my early mornings (dawns) making art and figuring out what it means to be an artist, my days as the conservator at the UConn Library, and my evenings getting my butt kicked by static trapeze and other circus classes.
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Here are the things I'm interested in:
paper-related activities and art, teaching, circus, and cats.
Here's my mission for the site/my blog:
I aim to demystify what I know about paper and paper conservation through non-stuffy means and to figure out for once and for all, what it takes to be a successful artist. Let's figure it out together!
Work created in my time at Parsons features bright colors and patterns, much like my current style.
Work created in my time at Parsons features bright colors and patterns, much like my current style.
Work created in my time at Parsons features bright colors and patterns, much like my current style.
Work created in my time at Parsons features bright colors and patterns, much like my current style.
Not-that-many-moons ago I had a company that designed anti-street harassment clothing. These are a few of the patterns I made.
Not-that-many-moons ago I had a company that designed anti-street harassment clothing. These are a few of the patterns I made.
Not-that-many-moons ago I had a company that designed anti-street harassment clothing. These are a few of the patterns I made.
Not-that-many-moons ago I had a company that designed anti-street harassment clothing. These are a few of the patterns I made.
Here's what I used to do:
I started making maps, which you can take a look at here and I dabbled in surface pattern and hand lettering (check out the slideshow to the right if you're on a desktop, or below if you're on a mobile device). Then I took a paper making class at the Paper and Book Intensive in 2019 and realized I could combine my interests in pattern-making with paper making and I pivoted my website and my focus (this is what I'm currently up to, takes a while to re-do websites).
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"I have been completely in awe of the skill and care that Natalie possess, as well as her innate understanding of all things paper! She is so complete in her understanding of her trade that she is able to freely express her knowledge and generously direct a client in the best direction. Her ability to problem solve and frankly outstanding work always leaves me feeling very confident! "
— Alcamy, Nashville, TN
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Beautiful addition to my collection of New Orleans local art! This is my second piece from Natartlie and it is just as beautiful. I love her style
— Nisha, California