Collection: Natalie Bennett

Artist Bio

Natalie Bennett was born in Sussex in May 1968, the middle of three sisters. Raised in the countryside, she enjoyed a carefree childhood surrounded by open landscapes that fostered a deep and lasting connection to nature. The sense of space and tranquillity she experienced growing up continues to influence both her outlook and her artistic practice.

After leaving school, Bennett was awarded a place at Birmingham Polytechnic, where she studied Art and Design. On completing her studies, she followed a long-held desire to travel, setting off for France with two friends and a Volvo. Several years spent living and working in different countries broadened her perspective and strengthened her commitment to a creative life.

Returning to formal education, Bennett enrolled on a degree programme specialising in Fine Art with Education at Christ Church College, Canterbury. She graduated in the summer of 1994, qualifying as a teacher of Art and Drama. Over the following two decades she dedicated herself to teaching, sharing her enthusiasm for creativity and encouraging others to explore their own artistic voices.

In 2015 Bennett chose to follow her own creative path more fully, stepping away from teaching to focus on painting. Today she devotes her time to developing her artistic practice, drawing inspiration from the natural world that first shaped her imagination. As Bennett reflects, “I consider myself very blessed to be able to do this.”

Artist Statement

My fascination with the human mind, body and spirit feeds my passion to portray both inner and outer beauty.
The simplicity and enchantment of both face and figure are a delight in themselves, the mind with its unfathomable depths, sometimes obvious to read and at others, totally masked.
When witnessing that fleeting glance or gesture, often directed towards another, the viewer becomes a voyeur and thus pulled into the scene around them.
It is these intimate moments that I am drawn to capture. An interesting backdrop, costume or atmosphere gives the viewer a chance to create a story for themselves about what may have just occurred or what is about to happen… Or perhaps just what is occurring right then and there, in that moment.
For me variety IS the spice of life and so although working predominantly in oils I do from time to time like to dabble…some mixed media…a little mono printing… pen and ink… charcoal… clay… mmmmmmmm!