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NATALIE UHRIK

From Hospitality to Healing Through Art

My Journey to Full-Time Painting

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to making things with my hands — clay, paint, film, anything tactile and expressive. Yet, like many creatives, life initially took me on a different path. I spent years working in the hospitality industry, building a life and raising my two beautiful daughters. My art practice sat quietly in the background, waiting for the right moment to bloom.

In January 2020, just before the world shifted in ways none of us could predict, I decided to fully commit to painting. It was a leap of faith that felt both terrifying and exhilarating. Leaving behind a familiar career to embrace uncertainty was never going to be easy — but I knew I had to honour that inner calling.

Finding Spirit and Stillness in Paint

My early work focused on still life and aerial landscapes inspired by my travels — especially along the Croatian coast, a place that continues to hold a special corner of my heart. As my spiritual life deepened, my art naturally evolved. The canvases became larger, the brushstrokes looser, and my palette more intuitive.

Each painting now feels like a meditative journey. I use repetitive marks and spontaneous movements to create layers of colour and texture that invite both energy and stillness. It’s a process that feels alive, yet calm — a reflection of the balance I seek in my own life.

A Dialogue With Collectors

Sharing my work publicly was a vulnerable step. Yet the response has been overwhelming and heartening. Collectors across Australia — and increasingly internationally — tell me they feel a sense of peace, gratitude, and optimism when living with my work. Some have even said that a painting has become their “quiet space” at home.

Knowing my art resonates at that level keeps me inspired to create. It’s also why I love writing about my process and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses. Art is a conversation, not a monologue.

Bringing Healing Energy Into Everyday Spaces

My intention with each piece is to create a small sanctuary for the viewer — something that feels like an exhale. Whether the work hangs in a bustling family living room or a serene retreat space, I want it to be a source of grounding and beauty.

This is why I also partner with interior designers and boutique stores. Art becomes a living part of people’s homes and stories, not just an object on a wall.

Looking Ahead

As I continue this journey, I’m excited to explore new colour palettes, larger formats, and perhaps even collaborative projects that bridge art, music, and wellness. Each step feels like a continuation of that first leap of faith back in 2020 — a commitment to creating work that speaks to the soul.

If you’d like to see my latest paintings, you can view them [here] (insert link to your shop/collection). And if you’d like updates about new work or exclusive previews, I’d love for you to join my [mailing list] (insert sign-up link).

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support allows me to do what I love — and I’m deeply grateful for every person who connects with my art.

Love & Light,

Natalie