Nathan Gatten
"It’s fascinating how the things you are drawn to early in life can become a deep practice in years to come. For me, every scrap of paper held opportunity. This language of drawing with its unique symbols was one I was determined to explore.”
Nathan Gatten is a 24 yr. old artist who can sometimes be found painting with both hands in his home studio and STUDIOHERE, Fergus.
When a rare metabolic condition and Autism made it difficult to for him to attend traditional school, Nathan reached out to local artists where he discovered oil paint and community. His paintbrush became a barrier breaker.
“When Meredith Blackmore introduced me to oil painting in 2010, my love of drawing shed its skin inviting colour and texture. Soon, soft canvas shifted to crisp wood panels.”
In 2014, Nathan received the Guelph Arts Youth Opportunities Award which allowed him to give back to the community by offering mentorship by established local artists to aspiring, young artists.
For Nathan, art is travel and connection.
“My paintbrush moves my soul across the Earth and all living things. And then further to distant galaxies immersed in luminous nebulae where stars are born. Why Nebula? To even begin to understand such things, I must keep an open mind that anything is possible, and that alone is inspiration for me.
...It can be difficult to start conversations, but people come up to me at shows and send emails to share their stories about the pets and animals they love. They describe the images they see among the stardust in my Nebula art. I treasure every word.”
In Nathan’s animal series inspired by the Cherokee Legend
he explores ways to make each day count. His prints hang in his studio as messengers of hope, joy, wisdom, passion, curiousity and more.
“I can choose which wolf to feed and that makes my day. I hope to share this.”
Nathan Gatten’s art hangs in homes and public spaces across Canada and the U.S. and at STUDIOHERE in Fergus. He is currently creating art cards, poetry and zines for people to enjoy!
[email protected]
www.nathangattenart.weebly.com
