Natalie Domka

 

Mentoring Philosophy

I consider art to be a way of life and I approach mentoring with that in mind. I will share any knowledge of art, and my life experiences as a working photographic artist.

I will be there to assist protégées in the discovery process by advising and critiquing. I have learned through the mentors that I have worked with the value of critiques. Critiques should guide, inform, and give direction. I believe a protégée should enjoy the process without feeling rushed to achieve an end result. I encourage serious work through experimentation, with a goal of discovery and experience.

Being mentored myself in a community of supportive artists, has given me a unique experience that helps inform my mentoring today.

Artist’s Statement

I have been working with a passionate emphasis in historic preservation photography throughout my twenty-year photographic career. Master teachers have taught me a specific hand technique that has its historical basis in Flemish oil glazing of the 15th century. As a mixed media, now referred to as Stylized Realism, this photographic art approach has influenced my intuitive style with the camera. I communicate visually within historic preservation using a number of different styles and techniques: “photographing to see how something will photograph.”

As an emerging artist within this field, a number of my photographic projects have had a positive influence on the community around me. By learning to create my own vision, I am finding a true voice, and I have greatly enjoyed contributing to the artistic culture in which I live.

Within my photographic art there has been a recurring theme, which is “What is essential is invisible to the eye” – that is, it is essential to make the invisible visible. This speaks to the direction of my current and future work.

Biography

I have been working with custom imaging and photographic services for over twenty years. Ideal projects have included fine art and stylized portraiture; interior and exterior work, especially that which emphasizes historic projects; and photo illustration, which makes a pointed statement.

As a photographic artist, a number of my projects have had a positive influence on the community around me. By learning to create my own vision, I am finding a true voice, and I have greatly enjoyed contributing to the artistic culture in which I live.

The versatility and freedom that the photographic medium allows permits the recording and archiving of visual ideas and is a perfect match for my artistic expression.