The story behind the artists of the Rooted in Connection art exhibit
An exhibition is often judged by what people see on the walls or standing in the room, but sometimes the real story lies in how it all came together.
At Art@OTG Bar and Kitchen in Morning Glen, the Rooted in Connection exhibition brought together two artists whose journey began with a simple act.
Claudia Raff bought one of Natalie Hodgson’s paintings in October 2025. “That is how we started our relationship. So, that rooted in connection is very real for us,” said Raff.
Today, the two artists shared a space that reflects both their friendship and their personal growth. Hodgson’s work is bold and layered, filled with colour, texture, and touches of gold. She credits her background in fine art, graphic design, and interior decorating for shaping her style. “When you are looking at my art, you see all of those elements coming into my work. I wouldn’t say I approach my work conventionally or traditionally. I love using spray paint, mixed media, anything that helps me achieve the vision in my head.”
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While she may appear quiet and reserved, her canvases tell another story. “I do not think people would look at me and think I’m an overly bold person, but you see it in my work.”
Raff’s work, on the other hand, is detailed and sculptural. She works mainly with mosaics, carefully placing hundreds of tiny pieces by hand. “I have always loved working with my hands. Each piece has hundreds of tiny mosaics that I stick one by one. Not everyone has that kind of patience.”
She realised years ago that this patience set her apart. “The reactions I got from people really triggered it for me. They said there was something special there.”
One of her key works in the exhibition, Twisted in Time, is a female torso that explores reflection and change. “It is about looking back at the past, and forward to the future. We are always in this twist of time, but we have to remember to stay present.”
Both artists say their work is shaped by life experience. “Each of the pieces I have made has come about during a specific period of time. A lot of the inspiration has come through something that’s been happening in my life.”
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Hodgson agrees that emotion cannot be separated from art. “If an artist is going through something emotional, you will see it. It comes through in the work.”
When she feels overwhelmed or creatively blocked, she turns to nature. “I go to Delta Park, and I walk the whole park. I get grounded. As I am pacing, I am working things out.”
Both women are open about the challenges that come with creating and exhibiting. Raff, who works full-time in advertising, describes art as her creative outlet. She admits there were moments of doubt, especially without formal fine arts training. Installing heavy mosaic sculptures also comes with stress. “I was so worried it was going to fall over and smash into a million pieces. Thankfully, I have had people in my life who helped me make it secure.”
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