ARTIST FEATURE: Natalia Bagniewska

To start us off, can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to illustration and design?

I worked in publishing for many years, specifically digital media on picture desks. I would spend my days looking after the aesthetic and visual identity of the platforms. My work involved commissioning the right type of creative for certain editorial pieces and campaigns, and with every email I sent I would think, god I wish I was receiving the email not sending it! So after much deliberation, I decided to retrain as a graphic designer. I did a course called Shillington and in all honesty was a real ‘fork in the road’ moment for me. I haven’t looked back since!

Your work beautifully captures quiet, restful moments. What draws you to these themes, and how do you bring them to life visually?

I’m glad they came across this way. I am really really drawn to the things that surround me, especially flowers, fruits, veg, ceramics… I am not sure I specifically seek out to capture restful moments, but more just beautiful, happy ones.

You’ve mentioned being inspired by artists like Matisse, Picasso, and Polish folk art. How do these influences show up in your work?

Well with the likes of Picasso and Matisse, it’s very much the subject and the form, I love them both for their brave naivety and ability to make a bowl of lemons look so decorative. Picasso has the famous quote “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child,” which resonates so hugely with me. I can’t claim to paint anything like Raphael, but I strive to be loose, playful and free with my work. The more I over think, plan, sketch, the more I lose I feel. With regards to Polish folk art and mid century graphic design, it’s often the use of colour, the shapes used and the layouts that inspire me hugely.

You have a background in publishing and digital media—how has that experience shaped your approach to your art practice today?

I don’t think I would have retrained as a designer if I hadn’t been doing media work. Although the course had nothing to do with fine art, it gave me the confidence to illustrate and paint, alongside becoming a graphic designer.

Motherhood often appears, either directly or subtly, in your illustrations. How has becoming a parent influenced your perspective and creativity?

I actually only started taking painting seriously as I emerged slowlyyyyy from mat leave. I had always wanted to paint more, but my work had been focused more on branding, illustration and more commercial work generally. I picked up a paint brush when my son was a few weeks old in moments when he slept and I couldn’t. It was a while before my painting style developed, but really I have him to thank for the confidence (and desperate need / urge) to paint! I guess I thought if not now, then when will I truly start? In terms of subject matter though, I don’t see a huge correlation between motherhood and my work. Perhaps mainly it is as it’s centred around things I find at home and I collect. I get out and about a lot less these days, so I need to rely on things I can grab in the kitchen! I love to paint on my travels too, but this is much harder at the moment.

Your illustrations have a signature softness and warmth. Can you walk us through your creative process—from idea to finished piece?

Oh gosh I wish there was a process behind it! I find it really hard sometimes to get inspired, and then sometimes the work just comes out of me. I have to be in the right headspace too. I am beginning to learn that I am more creative from spring onwards, so I am trying to lean into that rhythm a little more and be kinder to myself Nov – Feb, and take on more commercial work in those months. If I have a brief, and someone is telling me what they want, I find it much easier to be creative!

You’ve worked across branding, editorial, and bespoke commissions. How do you adapt your style to suit different projects while staying true to your vision?

It’s a good question! I like to think, or at least hope, that people now come to me because they see my work in all walks of life, and they decide they want a little of that in their brand, wedding stationery, painting on a wall etc etc. In all honesty I think it’s just a lot of hard work, practise and time spent developing a style that can translate across different mediums, with different tools. I try not to overthink what my style is so much anymore, or how to adapt it to a certain job.

Are there any new directions, mediums, or themes you’re excited to explore in your future work?

Well I am now pregnant with our second child, so am interested to see where my sleep deprived brain will take me, when I am ready to paint again once she is born. It would be great to leave the domestic setting a little more, I always feel so inspired when I go on holiday or get into nature. But I guess it’ll be a good few years until I can truly immerse myself in that subject!