Natalie R. Pivoney

Natalie Pivoney is a contemporary oil painter and educator serving as a Project Coordinator for Purple Window Gallery in Chicago, IL. Pivoney earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 2019 from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts in Studio Art in 2016 from Eastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in Art Education in 2013 from Southern Illinois University, where she earned her Illinois Professional at the Varsity Theatre in Carbondale, IL, and Games for May at Northern Illinois University (2019), as well as numerous group exhibitions throughout the United States. She has worked as an arts educator at the college and elementary levels, has juried multiple shows, and served as president of the Graduate Arts Association while at NIU.

Pivoney has completed artist residencies in Galesburg, Illinois, and Paonia, Colorado; has won 1st place in the 2017 Imprints of the Mind exhibition at Dittmar Gallery and the Juror’s Choice Award in the 2018 Ars Nova exhibition at the Jack Olson Gallery; and has been featured in multiple magazines including Studies, PIKCHUR Magazine, I Like Your Work, and Art+Type Magazine.


Artist Statement

My work explores the transitional nature of the undergraduate experience, using exaggerated light and abstracted forms to point out both the limitation and mythologization of memory. I use real snapshots taken during my college years to inspire paintings that highlight the happier parts of what I remember about those times—house parties, bar scenes, cluttered dorm rooms, nightlife, etc. At times the memory becomes so distorted that the painting itself becomes a mere impression of the event, a blurry attempt at trying to remember what happened. These wild memories represent a slice of life unique to the college experience that I believe is relatable to anyone who went to school not just for their education, but for growth and adventure, too.

My current series of oil paintings features surprise compositions I caught on my phone during everyday instances—a night out at a bar, a party, working in my studio, or sitting on the couch. In these compositions, I found joy in pushing around oil paint to create illusions of depth or form. I’m thrilled with the effects of light and color on everyday objects and obsessed with the abstracted translations that happen alongside illusions of realism.


nrpivoney.com

What themes or emotions are you exploring in your current work?

I'm currently exploring a couple of different themes with my work. One, I like playing with the formal qualities of paint and often use photo references of still lifes around my home that offer shiny surfaces, colorful light, and/or a deep sense of space. Two, I'm enthralled by Midwestern scenes, buildings, and nightlife. There's something so romantic and mysterious about these places!


What does your creative process look like?

My process begins with a reference photo that I'll play around with in editing software, going through multiple iterations quickly. Then, I'll copy that onto canvas, panel, or Arches oil paper and begin painting with oil in a direct, alla prima style, making some changes from my reference when I want to. Lastly, I glaze over areas I'd like to push back, balance out, or alter the color.


What inspires you outside of the visual arts?

I'm inspired by my friends, my Midwestern community, music, and memories. I have a great community of people who like going out, putting on DIY shows in maker spaces, and having fun living in the moment. Many of these moments are captured on camera and become memories that are romanticized in my head year after year until I paint them, often drawing from music lyrics for the paintings' titles.


How do you balance personal expression with the business side of your career?

I will usually block an entire morning for studio time, which sometimes includes cleaning the studio as part of my process. Morning is when I feel most awake to be creative and paint. Admin stuff, like answering emails, applying for opportunities, and posting content, I'll do on my couch in the evening.


What do you hope viewers feel or take away from your work?

I hope that viewers are able to see what might be considered mundane or ordinary in a way that elicits awe or beauty.