Andryea Natkin

Artist

I was born in Chicago, Illinois into a family of artists where I learned to appreciate a wide variety of artistic mediums. I knew from a pretty young age that I wanted to be an artist. I blindly began my studies right after high school like most people did back then but instead of it taking the usual 4 it took me 11years to earn my undergraduate degree. First, I went to Illinois State University then to Columbia College (in Chicago) and finally received my BFA from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago in 1981.

After college I did some artist stuff but in the end I wasn’t focused nor did I really trust myself. Meanwhile I got married, ran a small business with my husband, built the house we live in and raised a family. My art got shelved and put at the bottom of the list.

Then, in 2005, I stumbled into the world of mosaics. I took a class and that turned into a twelve year relationship. I learned from local and internationally reknowned mosaic artists. I exhibited my work nationally and internationally. My mosaic 'Primordial Traveler' earned Best in Show at the Mosaic Arts International Exhibition in Boston in 2018. I also owned and operated a small brick/mortar/online mosaic supply store. But by November of 2018 I’d had enough of meeting the needs of others in pursuit of their artistic goals. I realized it was time for me and my artistic pursuits. I closed the retail business to focus my attention on my own studio practice. This is when my love of clay was rekindled. I’ve never been happier.

Today, I have a small cozy studio in my home where I produce small batches of hand built functional and sculptural objects. I cover everything with images, patterns and designs in black and white that evoke not only a timeless simplicity but a connection to the natural order of things.