DESTIG INTERVIEW WITH NATALIE VENTIMIGLIA, NUMBER 13 ON OUR LIST OF 25 RECOMMENDED ARTISTS FOR 2019.
Tell us about yourself and background.
I grew up in Michigan where I was mostly interested in science. I went to Michigan State University to study Biochemistry.
I graduated, although sometime during those years I came to realize I wasn’t going to be a scientist in the traditional sense of the word. After college I moved to San Francisco where I got wrapped up in the Dot-Com era. I was 10 years into a successful run in telecom sales when I decided I could do something more important with my minutes. I quit my job and enrolled in art school and private instruction in forming glass.
Tell us about your work.
My work is a physical manifestation of the inner-word in the outer-world seen through a spiritual lens. I spend an enormous amount of time trying to understand the mysteries of the Universe and why we are here. What speaks to me the most is that we are here to co-create with the Universe and the best way to do that is to see everything in terms of energy and vibration. We can choose to live in a high vibration or a low one. My work is dedicated to grounding down the highest of vibrations.
"We can choose to live in a high vibration or a low one. My work is dedicated to grounding down the highest of vibrations."
What makes your work and approach unique?
In order to have the best outcome for every project, I created a process called Intentional Reflection™; intentionally creating our own story, such that it is embodied in glass art, reflecting that portrait back into the space in which the art resides. Through self reflection the desired look and feel is merged with the reflective qualities of glass. Just as light is refracted by glass, changing its direction, we intentionally direct The Light toward the highest potential of what the space is becoming, affecting both the environment itself and those that may occupy it.
Why is your work a good investment?
When people buy my work they are really investing in their future. I studied with a feng shui master and one of the biggest takeaways was learning that people tend to gravitate toward, and surround themselves with, items that resonate with who they are in the current moment. One of my gifts is being able to tap into what people are supposed to be doing. I create a spark, reminding collectors of the agreement they made with the Universe before they got here and hold space for them to walk into what they are becoming, to experience this evolution through art.
"My passion lies in making every project the best it can be for my collectors and the spaces they occupy."
Tell us about some of your achievements.
The thing I am most proud of is clearly defining the purpose of my work and who my collectors are. I literally had to stop making art for a period in order to regroup and figure this out. Stopping the wheels in motion to explore the inner-world was difficult for me. Although, once I could clearly define my lane I was able to completely focus my awareness on accomplishing that purpose everyday. Everything fell into place after that.
What are your sources of inspiration?
When I was in high school I met an American Indian bead artist who taught me how to channel energy into art. I understood in one moment the power art can have. It blew my mind wide open. I was so inspired by her ability to see that the art she was making wasn’t about her, it was for the people who would connect to it and let it transform their environment. I am very action oriented and respect those who are also taking steps to be the best version of themselves.
"My passion lies in making every project the best it can be for my collectors and the spaces they occupy. When people walk into a room, I want it to feel good, that is my intention for every project."
What are you passionate about?
My passion lies in making every project the best it can be for my collectors and the spaces they occupy. When people walk into a room, I want it to feel good, that is my intention for every project. When people are in the perfect environment for the situation, they are free to thrive on all levels. My process allows my collectors to determine the quality of their surroundings so they can easily shape their world. I can’t think of anything more important than spreading this high vibrational energy out to the world and people really feeling it.
Share with us your upcoming projects.
Right now I am creating a series of 10 pieces for a new hospital in Denver. It will be for the entry hallway and the work will be on either sides of the room. I am imbuing the energy of strength, healing and love into the glass so that when people walk through the front entrance they are surrounded by this energy and can carry it to the rest of the hospital feeling supported in whatever challenging situation brought them there.
"Artists are on the cutting edge of what is available in regards to evolution. We have the ability to catalyze consciousness towards a more unified World and mediate the transition to Heaven on Earth."
Tell us about where you are based.
I am in the middle of moving my studio so I will be across the alley from Flux Glass studio in Denver, CO, home to some super talented glass artists I adore. We have complementary equipment and different yet overlapping skillsets in forming glass. The value of collaboration is so evident to me and I am grateful we will be able to support each other in our projects and bounce ideas off each other. In general, I am going to keep this studio so I can always work in Denver yet I see myself making art onsite all over the world with the myriad of talented artists I have befriended over the years. We are all uplifted when we share our talents with each other and the world.
How do you feel about art and its role in the world?
Artists are on the cutting edge of what is available in regards to evolution. We have the ability to catalyze consciousness towards a more unified World and mediate the transition to Heaven on Earth. Art has consistently been able to unify and evoke feelings that would otherwise not be so easy to tap into. The visual arts are especially successful in achieving this as there is no language to separate the viewer from the artist/art. It creates a “feels like” response that is universal to all realms. We are so blessed as artists to be able to touch people in this way.
How do you want your art to affect the viewer?
The flow of creativity is the purest expression of our Divine purpose. Art made with the intention to spread the Light can activate parts of our subconscious that are eager to awaken. It is easier to stay in flow if we surround ourselves with people and things that keep us “High Vibe”. My intention is to make art that is transformative, art that creates an experiential environment that keeps people in this higher state. The longer we can stay in this high vibrational state, the easier it becomes to feel the love available from God, the Universe, the Force or whatever name one gives to a Higher Source. I want people to remember on a daily basis the potential of what they came here to achieve so they can spread and ground this energy as well. The more people who do this, the bigger shift we make as a species and the distance between us all eventually diminishes.
Website: natalieventimiglia.com
| PDF of the Interview in DESTIG Magazine |