Last updated: April 5, 2024
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Natalia Torres del Valle
Black walnut ink, alder cone ink, locally foraged soil from North Carolina, gold mica, ash from my fireplace, acorn cap ink, oak gall ink, natural pigments, plant-based binder
Courtesy of Natalia Torres del Valle. Used with permission.
In the heart of Acadia National Park, amidst the whispering pines and rugged coastlines, I found myself immersed in a profound dialogue with nature. This connection led me to create "Reciprocity," reflecting on the interconnectedness between the land of Acadia and the landscape of my home in North Carolina.
Immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of Acadia National Park during the vibrant hues of October, I sought to capture not only the splendor of autumn's colors but also the poignant beauty of decay, recognizing it as an integral part of the cycle of life. Through the selection of natural materials, I aimed to honor the essence of these diverse ecosystems.
As I delved into the creation of this work, I found myself reflecting on the symbiotic relationships between plant life, both in Acadia's rugged terrain and the verdant landscapes of North Carolina. Each stroke of the brush, each layer of pigment, became a meditative act, a communion with the land that nurtures and sustains us.
"Reciprocity" embodies the notion of mutual exchange and interconnectedness that permeates the natural world, urging viewers to contemplate their own relationship with the land and to recognize the profound reciprocity inherent in our existence. Through this painting, I hope to inspire a deeper reverence for nature and a renewed commitment to reciprocity in all our interactions with the Earth.
Immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of Acadia National Park during the vibrant hues of October, I sought to capture not only the splendor of autumn's colors but also the poignant beauty of decay, recognizing it as an integral part of the cycle of life. Through the selection of natural materials, I aimed to honor the essence of these diverse ecosystems.
As I delved into the creation of this work, I found myself reflecting on the symbiotic relationships between plant life, both in Acadia's rugged terrain and the verdant landscapes of North Carolina. Each stroke of the brush, each layer of pigment, became a meditative act, a communion with the land that nurtures and sustains us.
"Reciprocity" embodies the notion of mutual exchange and interconnectedness that permeates the natural world, urging viewers to contemplate their own relationship with the land and to recognize the profound reciprocity inherent in our existence. Through this painting, I hope to inspire a deeper reverence for nature and a renewed commitment to reciprocity in all our interactions with the Earth.
– Natalia Torres del Valle, 2023
Natalia Torres del Valle is an artist who works out of her studio in Hillsborough, NC. She is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist through the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and a teaching artist through various organizations such as the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Her work is created with foraged soils and rocks, earth-based pigments, and lake pigments from plants. Natalia's abstract and textural paintings are built on memories of landscapes and our interconnectedness with the natural world. Her process often entails discovering what is underneath the surface and responding to the unpredictable forms that emerge. She repeatedly builds up anderodes the image to break down layers of color, mirroring the erosion of the environment. A constant exploration of the ephemerality of a material, landscape, and memory. By recasting seemingly ordinary moments as profound, her work encourages a deeper intimacy with, and urgency towards,protecting our natural world.
Visit her website.
Photos courtesy of Natalia Torres del Valle. Used with permission.
"I spent the afternoon at Blueberry Hill and met some lovely people. I spoke to folks about my material making process and offered an art-making prompt inspired by the pebbles and waves. I brought my handmade oak gall ink, black walnut ink, and watercolors for folks to use. Participants were encouraged to observe a pebble (all pebbles were left behind) and think about what helps them feel grounded and what they would like to let go of/let wash away."