Natalie Von Till’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of creativity and compassion. When the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, Von Till turned to painting as a means to bring joy and positivity to those around her.
The catalyst for her artistic transformation was her desire to create something that would resonate with people in a time of great uncertainty. Von Till’s initial foray into painting was met with an overwhelming response from social media, where people were drawn to the vibrant colors and uplifting themes of her work.
“I was so unhappy. I started painting because I wanted to create happiness when everyone was so sad, and I needed to keep busy,”
she recalled. This sentiment is echoed in her artistic approach, which is centered on spreading positivity and joy through her work. Von Till’s use of mixed-media techniques and bold color palette is a deliberate choice, meant to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in her viewers. She employs a variety of textured pastes and acrylic paints to create highly detailed and layered pieces that invite the viewer to engage with her work on a deeper level. “I use acrylics with different textured pastes to make the work pop off the page. I also use acrylic and metal markers to make fine lines and whimsical drawings within my work,” she explained. One of the most striking aspects of Von Till’s art is her use of symbolism. Butterflies, in particular, hold deep personal meaning for the artist, representing transformation and change in her life. These delicate creatures have been a source of comfort and inspiration for Von Till, particularly in the aftermath of her mother’s passing in 2006. “My mother and I used to collect butterflies. She was also an artist. When she passed away, and even now, I see butterflies and think of her. The day of my first art show there was a butterfly that wouldn’t leave me alone all day,” Von Till shared. Von Till’s art is not just a reflection of her own experiences, but also a tribute to her loved ones. “That’s a Winner!”, a piece that features a St. Louis Cardinals bird on bats floating over the Mississippi with the Gateway Arch in the background, is a testament to her father’s love of baseball. Von Till’s son, Nathan, has also been an inspiration for her work, encouraging her to create more pieces that appeal to a younger audience. “Young kids love my work, so I’m always doing something special at shows for them to get them excited about art,” she said. Despite the demands of her full-time career in technology communications, Von Till has managed to balance her passion for art with her professional responsibilities. Her acceptance into the Schlafly Art Inside show in early February was a significant milestone in her artistic journey, and she was deeply humbled by the recognition. “I was so honored to be part of that show. I haven’t been doing shows very long, and my painting skills are self-taught. I’ve learned from the other artists. I want to keep evolving and learning. Being a part of the Schlafly was so intimidating, and I was so grateful just to be with such an eclectic group of artists. They inspire me to keep working,” Von Till said. Von Till’s artistic journey serves as a reminder that creativity and compassion can be powerful tools in the face of adversity. Her art is a beacon of hope, inspiring others to find joy and beauty in the world around them. As a self-taught mixed-media artist, Von Till’s work is a testament to the idea that anyone can create something beautiful with determination and passion. “I want to put work out that resonates positivity. That’s what people were missing,” Von Till said, her words a reflection of the impact her art has had on those around her.