Arts & Culture
6 June, 2026
Artist of the Week – Natalie Will
I live in Robertson in the Southern Highlands. It has a wonderful community, beautiful open skies and is lush and green, being so close to the coast.
Where do you live and why do you choose to live there? If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
I live in Robertson in the Southern Highlands. It has a wonderful community, beautiful open skies and is lush and green, being so close to the coast. For the moment I feel very settled, but I'll never say no to an adventure. I love the South Coast of NSW and Tasmania. My sister lives in Huia just outside of Auckland and I could easily fall in love living there too.
How long have you been producing art?
I have always loved making art for as long as I can remember. As I grew up I didn’t see art as a career but I still made time outside of work to dabble in ceramics and painting. At the end of 2021 one chapter of my life closed and I moved to the Southern Highlands. I made it a priority to start dedicating time to making art - first as a student in the studios of Bowral Art Gallery and then branching out and taking a residency at The Corinne Dany Studios in Mittagong. I had my first solo show before moving into the Studios so I would say that I have been producing serious art for about 4 years.
When did you first consider yourself an 'artist'?
In December 2023 I applied and was accepted to show my first exhibition at Gallery 59 in Goulburn. That felt like a massive shift towards perceiving myself as an artist. But I think it was when I started working from the Corrine Dany Studios in Mittagong that I felt I had more legitimacy as an artist. It went from being something that I loved doing to something that was a defining part of who I am.
How would you describe your work?
My work has evolved so much from my first paintings. I have always had an affinity with landscapes and storytelling. My current techniques have focused on different collage techniques.
For my latest collection exhibited at Bowral Art Gallery, I created my Red Door Series. These collages were made using paper from Gelli plates. This technique allowed me to layer acrylic paints and imprint designs into the paper. The result of this is that I had beautiful colour combinations, depth and texture. Once the prints are dry, I separate the papers into colour category. I then sketch loose examples of my final design and choose the paper that I feel will work best with each individual detail. Using a calligraphy ink pen (in either black or white) I hand draw all the details required. Each element is then hand cut and affixed to the final work. It is like a combination of ‘choose your own adventure’ and a giant puzzle.
My other recent work also utilising collage has resulted in ‘Python Rhymes’ - an updated nursery rhyme book that blends surreal imagery with rhymes that are contemporary to the social and political climate of today. These works use pieces of images that have been sourced from books and other paper material that have been discarded. I then Frankenstein them together to create new characters and scenery. The artwork for this is very intuitive. Sometimes a small feature on a page can instigate a vision I have for the final work. Once the piece is complete I am able to extract a story from the art and use that as a vehicle for storytelling.
What is your favourite medium?
I am very drawn to paper. I find it so versatile and accessible. There is great scope to paint, draw and construct with it. I use lots of recycled paper whether it is from books or office paper, shopping bags or packaging. It allows me to play and experiment in a way that is free from the burden of the expense of a large canvas.
What inspires you as an artist?
Art gives me a voice. I can use it as a vehicle for discussion, whether the viewer aligns with my questioning or messaging or not. I feel that being an artist puts you in a sphere of critique and while it can be scary it’s also the type of inspiration and motivation to be truly authentic. I am inspired to share the lens with which I see the world.
Do you work alone or is art for you a social pursuit?
Both. When I work at the studio, I am often in the company of other artists. This can inspire you to try new techniques or bounce ideas off each other. I also regularly get together with friends where we all work on separate projects and use it as time to socialise and debrief. Part of what I love most about art in the community which it creates.
There are times where I work alone, usually when it comes to the drawing elements of my works. These sections of my collages are repetitive as well as meditative and hours can disappear when I am in a flow state with a good podcast to listen to.
Social media has changed the way people interact with art and with artists. Galleries may no longer have the same relevance. Do you think that's a good thing?
It is hard as an unrepresented artist to reach an audience without social media. Instagram is almost a living CV of your development as an artist. When you apply for an art prize or a residency it is always requested that you provide your social media handles. Established artists might not have as much pressure placed upon them to churn out reels, stories or posts but as an emerging artist it’s a way to brand yourself, communicate and find your audience.
In saying that it eats into my homelife as I spend hours editing content and thinking of new ways to make reels interesting enough for people to engage with. Art already has so much unpaid labour and now social media creates an additional layer to that.
If you had some advice for your younger self, what would it be?
Sometimes the best gifts come in the worst packaging. Change is scary but essential, however you can’t change anyone but yourself. Finally, you will experience life in all the best and worst parts of it. Don’t be afraid of life, because in spite of the challenges you’ll face a life is better lived than wasted.
If you had some advice for people afraid of exhibiting their work or showing their work in public, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid. Everyone's a critic and you’re probably the harshest one you’ll ever meet. Other people’s opinions are none of your business so don’t let that deter you. If people hate your art but it sparks a conversation, that’s a win. If they love it, that’s also a win. If they buy your work, that is bliss. Having someone really connect with your work on a personal level is the fuel that keeps pushing you to create and evolve in your art practice.
When you are not producing art, how do you spend your time?
Being a taxi service for my nine-year-old son and supporting his dreams of being a striker for Real Madrid. Spending time with family and friends. Supporting the arts in the Southern Highlands by attending events. Getting out into nature whenever possible and ‘geeking out’ over history, anthropology and science.
Who is the artist that you most admire?
Louise Bourgeois had a huge impact on my perception of how the practice of momentum can lead to the creation of fantastical and inspiring art. She also made art regardless of fame or notoriety (which she did eventually receive in the later years of her life). Frida Kahlo is another inspiring artist because she refused convention and labels. She questioned post colonialism and western standards of beauty and told stories through the symbology in her work. She was also a staunch communist, which is quite ironic considering how her image has been consumed by capitalism and now appears on everything from candles to throw cushions.
How can people appreciate your work?
Lots of ways! Come to a show, I’ll be exhibiting at the Auckland Art Show and Canberra Art Fair later this year. I also have a book launch to arrange so stay tuned for that. Otherwise, come visit the studio in Mittagong, share my work with your friends online, send me a message on social media or via my website. While I would love to sell all of my work all of the time, you don’t need to buy anything to show your support (if you can, however don’t let me get in the way of that). Having a network of people that appreciate what you do is tremendous and that in itself can open doors.
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
Miserable.
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