At first glance, Natalie Hodgson appears composed and understated, but her canvases tell a different story.

They are bold, layered, and unapologetically rich in colour and texture. “I don’t think people would look at me and think I am an overly bold person, but you will see it in my work.”

Hodgson brings a multi-layered background to the joint Rooted in Connection exhibition at Morning Glen Mall. “I have a fine art, graphic design, and interior decorating background. When you are looking at my art, you will see all of those elements coming into my work.”

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She added that she has been painting for many years, continuously experimenting with materials and techniques. “I wouldn’t say I approach my work in a conventional or traditional way. I love using spray paint, mixed media, anything that helps me achieve the vision in my head. I have that urge to experiment with new ideas.”

Hodgson pointed out that the connection to co-exhibitor Claudia Raff is woven into the very theme of the exhibition. “Claudia bought one of my paintings. That’s how we started our relationship. So, that ‘rooted in connection’ is very real for us.”

She elaborated that inspiration comes from everyday life, but also from unexpected places. “I am very influenced by what I see every day, patterns and textures. Even watching TV, period dramas, whether they are Japanese or Korean, all of that impacts what comes forth creatively.”

She said she has a particular love for opulence. “I am very influenced by rich fabrics. You will see a lot of gold in my work. I love that opulence, especially from bygone eras.”

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Like many artists, she is open about the reality of creative blocks. “I have noticed when I am going through an artistic block, it’s very often when life overwhelms me. I walk into my studio and it just feels like work. I don’t feel the urge to experiment or play.”

Her solution is simple, but grounding. “I go to Delta Park and I walk the whole park. I get grounded. As I am pacing, I am working things out.”

With experience, she has learned to recognise her triggers. “They do not last as long as they used to. When I was younger, it was harder. Now I know what to do.”

Hodgson explained that sharing personal work publicly requires courage. “A lot of the time, I fake it. That ‘fake it till you make it’ is something you sometimes have to do to push through. If an artist is going through something emotional, you will see it. It comes through in the work.”

One of her collections, exploring a transformation from statue to woman, mirrored her own journey. “As I was painting her, I was going through that transformation as well. Very often women connect deeply with that when they hear my story.”

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