Meet Natasha Patel | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natasha Patel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natasha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is essential for me in order to push myself past my boundaries and comfort zone to truly grow. If you told me 3 years ago that I would have coaches and mentors guiding me in my life and career, I would have laughed. Seeking out help in the form of a coach or mentor in your industry is definitely a financial risk for a lot of people, but the value add you get from professional expertise pays itself back in full in no time. It also helps to put you on the fast track towards success, by enlisting the aid of professionals who have done it all before and can help you learn from their mistakes. I also took a big risk in quitting my toxic corporate job that provided a steady monthly paycheck to focus on my art business full time. Forfeiting great benefits and steady income is a huge risk for anyone, both economically and professionally. But I had a bit of money saved up, and knew if I didn’t try to pursue my passions full time, I would regret it later on in life. Starting a business is also very risky, but as long as you have a learning and adaptive mindset, anything is possible. I come from the operations and process development side of the tech world, so sales and marketing is brand new territory for me, but I’m learning everyday.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I never considered myself a true Artist. I’m Asian Indian, and culturally, being a fulltime creative is frowned upon and is not considered a real career. “Why can’t you just do that as a hobby?” “You’ll never make any real money painting” are a couple questions I still get from some of my family members. I started out working in industries considered culturally acceptable. My background is in operations doing process development, program and project management in the corporate tech world. My mother is an oil painter, so art has always been a part of my childhood. I let that huge part of me go when I started working in my twenties. I no longer had an outlet for creativity, so anxiety and depression kicked in full gear.

It was only until a few years ago during COVID where I rediscovered my love of art, and started experimenting with colorful abstract painting. Something triggered internally for me, and painting felt incredible and completely intuitive. This was the element that was missing from my life! I became addicted. I even started getting sales through Reddit and Instagram. The more I painted and posted, the more I was getting noticed online. However, doubts and uncertainty plagued me. I wouldn’t allow myself to think I could be an Artist, after all that was traditionally considered taboo. Painting remained a hobby for me, and I decided to continue my career in the corporate world. I was still lost, but I thought being successful and making consistent money would quiet those doubts of uncertainty. I’m sure a lot of people can relate, but that is never the answer.

It wasn’t until I hired a life and career coach that I started to dream bigger. My coach helped me shift my mindset to seriously consider pursuing my passions full time. Having a coach has been essential in helping me jumpstart my art business, because she helped me move past my fears and guide me in directions I never thought possible. I ended up quitting my corporate job last December because of the toxic male-dominated company culture, and I took that as a sign from the universe to officially pursue my passions full time. I am now a full time creative entrepreneur and Founder of Art La Napaux.

I specialize in making mid-size to large-scale colorful abstract paintings for interior spaces, and am gearing up to expand my business to include interior and exterior abstract murals by summertime.

As a Visual Artist, I work with fluid acrylics, inks, and other mixed mediums to create bold and colorful contemporary abstract paintings that are inspired by the repeating colors and patterns found in nature.

My artistic process can be defined as methodical yet intuitive. Coming from an operations background, the preparatory work that goes into painting, from brainstorming to material prep, has become methodical and standardized. The actual creation process itself has become a ritual that is both spiritual and intuitive.

Art is an authentic exchange of energy, from creator to client, and is what guides my business practice. When I work on a commission for a client, I incorporate things from their lives that allow me to capture their energy while creating. Either new music or a favorite song that is currently on their playlist, favorite photos that invoke a specific feeling for them, a favorite word or affirmation that is currently guiding them, are all things I consider when working on a custom piece. The final handoff is a ritual in itself, because as the creator, I am giving my client a piece of our souls and energies combined, which is the beautiful thing about being an Artist.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far as a business owner is learning and leaning into the power of a supportive community. Do not listen to the negative people who have zero experience working in the creative world. Find a mentor, coach, or community that has experience in what you are trying to achieve, and listen and learn from each other. It will put you on the fast track to success avoiding future mistakes that could be costly and time consuming.

The journey so far hasn’t been easy, and I’m learning a lot about sales and marketing, but I have my community to learn from and the endless resources of online learning. Anyone can pursue their passions full time, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone. The power of community is a very real thing. Support each other, serve others, and find other like minded individuals so you can all grow together. There are plenty of opportunities for all of us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to the beach if the SoCal weather permits, and a local music show in one of the many venues in Los Angeles. An art show or exhibit is also always on the itinerary.

Food wise, in Los Angeles I would check off Bay Cities Italian Deli, Papa Cristos Greek Restaurant, or one of the many Korean BBQ spots available in Koreatown. I’m located in Corona myself, so a classic bean, rice, and cheese burrito from Miguel’s Jr and a breakfast burrito from Burger Basket is where its at!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shoutout to the amazing female coaches and mentors in my life, including Renee Dominguez, Rachel Wilkins, Gita Joshi, and my amazing sister Reena Curtis, who has always believed in me.

Website: https://artlanapaux.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artlanapaux/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashajpatel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaJayLA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artlanapaux/