Who is Natalie Field?
![]()
I am a creative image-maker based in Johannesburg, South Africa, where I work as a conceptual portraiture and fashion photographer. I am passionate about travel, yoga, the art of storytelling, and unraveling the "Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything". And I have my doubts that the answer is 42.
You can read more about me HERE.
What is the Arteles Artist Residency?
![]()
An artist residency is a creative space in which artists can focus on producing a new body of work. The Arteles Creative Center in Finland offers 1-2 month stays at their small holding set in the extraordinary nature of the Hämeenkyrö region, which offers a peaceful environment for inspired thinking. Approximately one hundred artists, writers and researchers from around the world are invited to attend annually. I am very excited to have been selected as one of them!
You can read more about Arteles HERE.
My Project: "Human. Nature."
![]()
During this residency I want to further my studies into human nature, the evolution of mankind and our natural place in the eco-system vs the current detachment that has become a world-wide epidemic.
I first started exploring organic morphology and transformation in the series “Breathe in… Breathe out… Let the human in…” (2015), adding natural elements from the ocean to point towards evolution and the ever-evolving state of the human existence. When you look at the veins in your hand, to those in a leaf, to the cracks in the dessert floor, there is an underlying pattern that connects us all. But it goes even deeper than this.
Consider the human being as a part of the Universe. We are star dust. All matter made up of the very same protons, neutrons and electrons. In fact, you can even picture the atom as a miniature Solar System, with the nucleus playing the role of a Sun orbited by electrons as planets. The pattern of these atoms are repeated within and without the human form, stretching through the very fabric of space-time.
The intention of the proposed work is to make the viewer reconsider his every day existence and place in the natural world.
To this cause I applied to the Arteles residency, as it offers a natural landscape for me to work with. I intend to explore the surroundings, photographing both myself and aspects of the environment fused together to portray our connection. My love for hiking will take me deep into the forests for theses creative sessions. By mounting my camera on a tripod and using the intervalometer setting, I will be able to move around in the landscape to capture myself in the scene. I will also be crafting accessories from the natural materials to introduce into the images.
My visit is during the Autumn, better known in Finland as the “Ruska”. I am hoping for rich colour palettes of reds and golds for this series. Other perks of this season include misty mornings, and the harvesting of wild berries and mushrooms… all which I intend to feature.
Over the last year I have been studying the effects of Automatism, a technique developed during the Surrealist movement that shifted creation from conscious control to chance. This has led to an interest in the spontaneity of in-camera effects, like multiple exposure and motion blur. These techniques will be combined with photo-manipulation in post-production, to create dream-like images illustrating the key concepts from my studies.
![]()
What I Need
Naturally I am over the moon to have been given this opportunity, especially considering that the institution has granted me 50% funding on the residency fee valued at 970 Euros! However, there are many additional costs to consider, and the South African the Rand to Euro exchange rate is incredibly steep at over R16 to €1. As such I would greatly appreciate your support towards the following budget:
Visa Application €60
International Travel €925
Domestic Travel €100
Residency Fee (50%) €970
Food for 32 days €600
Materials for project €500
Thermal Clothing €250
Microscope Camera €1200
Total €4605
Please note that to enable Credit Card Payments on this campaign costs and perks have been calculated in US Dollar.
Total $5100
I intend to follow through with the residency regardless of the outcome of the campaign.
Should the total budget not be reached, your financial support will go towards key expenses like the residency fee and flights. The cost of the products have also been factored into their individual costing, so you are sure to receive your reward!
What You Get
I look forward to sharing the journey and art with you through the following…
Follow My Journey
For as little as R10 ($0.75) per day, you can join me on my great adventure. I will share my thoughts, experiences and artistic process with you through behind the scenes footage and short video blogs delivered to your inbox daily for the duration of the residency. This option is perfect for fellow photographers and artists who would like insight into the process of applying to and attending a residency, and are interested in learning new creative skills.
Postcard from Finland
When last did you receive something fun in the post? To thank you for your support I will send you a postcard from Finland! Finnish stamp and all!
This option also includes Follow My Journey
Customised Thank You
![]()
This option is great for businesses who would like to sponsor, as it includes a feature on my social media and daily deliveries. You will receive a personalized shout-out on social media during the residency, as well as a customized Thank You card with a fun photo from my trip upon my return.
This option also includes Follow My Journey | Postcard from Finland
Brag Book
![]()
This option features a small 75x75mm accordion style Brag Book in a sleeve featuring a collection of images I will be taking of the landscape, fauna and flora of Western Finland.
This option also includes Follow My Journey | Postcard from Finland | Customized Thank You
Photo Book
![]()
Once the residency has been completed, I will compile an A4 hard cover book featuring the artworks along with my notes on consciousness, metamorphosis and the transmigration of the soul. The book will also talk about the process of creating the work and showcase photographs of the Finnish landscape, fauna and flora.
This option also includes Follow My Journey | Postcard from Finland | Customized Thank You
Folio Box
![]()
A limited edition box set of 10 mounted and signed small photo prints. This special edition run of 25 engraved boxes holding the full series of images created during the residency will only be on offer through this campaign. This option is for the serious art collector, or those wishing to display the artworks on the coffee table or frame the images for their walls.
This option also includes Follow My Journey | Postcard from Finland | Customized Thank You
First Option
All supporters of the campaign will have first option on purchasing large-format prints. A print run of 10 prints per artwork from the series will be made available on A2 Fine Art Paper. Postage fees will be determined at the time of purchase.
The Impact
The Arteles residency will provide me with an opportunity to step away from the city noise into a calm and peaceful environment ideal for reflection and creation. I believe that the concepts I intend to study and illustrate through my work are pertinent to us all, not only on an individual level, but also in light of our shared consciousness.
Risks & Challenges
Although I have not previously attended a residency, I hope that this will be the first of many to come. I have built a successful photographic business over the last seven years. My work has received several awards, and I have been published both nationally and internationally. I am also brand ambassador for Photon studio equipment and Vanguard tripods and bags.
I do not foresee many challenges to the project. That said, it is very rainy in Finland in the month of October, but I intend to include the weather into the work come rain or shine.
Other Ways You Can Help
I am currently looking for an exhibition space to show the work upon my return.
I appreciate your interest and support, and understand that not everyone can contribute financially. If you find the topics around human nature and consciousness as intriguing as I do, I invite you to connect with me on social media. And should you feel so inclined, share the love by sharing this campaign through your own networks!