Artist Nathaniel Galka

When I first viewed paintings by Nathaniel Galka, I was very impressed by his ability to combine an ethereal Asian sensibility with nature and florals. He then brings a surprise, whether a nest, a bird, and even a moose that looks like he belongs right where he is standing amongst the trees.

Enjoy these paintings and the interview I had with Nathaniel recently. It opened my eyes to yet another artist's aesthetic, views and inspiration for his works of art!

1) Nathaniel, when did you first realize that you wanted to create, to paint?

I really never had a choice. I stared painted at age 3-4. I came from a family of artists. My grandfather was a photographer and my mother a sculptor. I never saw myself doing anything else. They were very encouraging and saw that it was the only thing I liked doing, and saw that I was always honing my talent and craft.

2)  What inspires you? Nature, travels, your own thoughts.....

The randomness of nature, the elegance and play of architecture on couture fashion. Using paint to convey an idea; the influence of Japanese wood-blocks is implicit. Bringing together time periods, mark making, waves and clouds.

I start with a kind of destruction on the canvas and then start bringing in the beauty. A journey then develops that my collectors want to travel along with me.

3) Do you have a mentor or who are some artists past/ present you admire?


A professor, James Valerio at Northwestern University,  in Evanston, Illinois, where I had a Full Scholarship and Fellowship. Also Dennis Drummond at the Columbus College of Art and Design, where I had a top scholarship.


The artist that I feel is the true master is John Singer Sargent. He is awe inspiring. His brush strokes are perfection, a hand done with so few strokes of paint, yet literally placed perfectly, effortlessly. One feels an insignificance in front of one of his paintings.

4)  I see that you are formally trained even though you started painting at such a young age.

Yes, and I was also the youngest artist accepted at age 13, into The Tennessee Watercolor Society and in high school to The Marie Sharp Art Foundation.

5)  Nathaniel, what do you enjoy doing to relax in your spare time?

I go into my studio and paint, paint paint. I am a night person, so can be found in the studio many nights at 3 AM. It is what I love and it is a kind of escapism.

6) Would you give some words of wisdom to the aspiring artist of any age?

Breathe and relax. Listen only to those people you really admire, and listen more than you talk. If you like what you are putting your heart and soul into, others will like it too. Your talent makes it art, be a fine artist, be what you feel and breathe.

7) Nathaniel do you have upcoming gallery events scheduled in the next year?

I have a Solo Show at the Muse Gallery, in Columbus, Ohio August, 2015. Details to follow soon.

Another Sole Show will be held at Curlytale Fine Art, Chicago, Illinois, November, 2015. More details to follow.

 

Nathaniel Galka

Nathaniel thank you so much for this wonderful and enlightening interview!


Nathaniel's art is available at both Muse Galleries in Columbus, Ohio and Hilton Head, South Carolina. http://gallery.publishpath.com

His works of art are at The Gitana Rosa Gallery in New York City. http://gitanarosa.com 

He is also represented by Curly Tale Fine Art. http://curlytalefineart.com/section/336847_Nathaniel_Galka.html 

Nathaniel's Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/Nathaniel.Galka.Artist

His works of art range in price from $2200. to 27,000. for his very large scale paintings. 

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xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena